As we close out 2024, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a foundational and transformative year for Regional Development Australia (RDA) Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast.
On 1 April this year, two neighbouring RDAs came together as one entity, uniting under a shared purpose: to drive place-based regional economic development across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. This merger provided us with a strong platform built on the successes of our predecessors, and over the past eight months, we’ve focused on leveraging this to create meaningful impact.
A Year of Listening, Engaging, and Acting
Throughout 2024, we’ve been intentional about engaging broadly, listening deeply, and acting purposefully. Ours is a region defined by growth, with remarkable people leading incredible initiatives on the ground. This has been the foundation of our partnership-first approach and the development of our One Voice Strategy.
We’ve worked to amplify and add value to existing projects, and by collaborating closely with our partners, we’ve aimed to extend the reach and maximise the impact of our collective efforts.
Four Focus Areas: Guiding Our 2024 Efforts
To ensure our efforts create impact where it’s needed most, we identified four key focus areas for 2024:
- Connectivity and Knowledge
The sub-sea cable connection into Maroochydore presents a tremendous opportunity to foster entrepreneurial solutions and create high-skilled jobs. However, improved cross-regional mobility—particularly east-west connectivity—remains critical to unlocking our workforce potential and regional accessibility. - Advanced Industries and Innovation
Our region is home to a dynamic network of businesses and industry groups, including the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), Manufacturing Excellence Forum, Innovate Moreton Bay and Silicon Coast, to name a few. These organisations reflect a vibrant sector ready to meet the challenges of our evolving economy. By championing innovation and collaboration, we’re working to position our region as a hub for advanced industries. - Sustainability and Regeneration
With two UNESCO Biospheres in our region, sustainability is at the core of our identity. Our vision is to create a sustainability mindset at the business level in everything we do —recycling, reusing, and reinvesting resources to foster balanced growth. This is about building a resilient economy that respects both our natural environment and our future needs. - Engagement and Inclusion
For me, this focus is deeply personal. Community empowerment lies at the heart of economic development, and breaking down barriers to participation is key. By fostering vibrant, inclusive communities, we can drive region-led development that benefits everyone.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m thrilled that the Australian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the RDA program for another five years. This gives us the opportunity to take a longer-term view and scale up our efforts in 2025.
Looking forward, we know we need to:
- Clearly articulate the pressure points and opportunities tied to our region’s rapid growth.
- Advocate for the infrastructure and support needed to manage population increases and change.
- Showcase our advanced industry base and global connections to highlight our capabilities on the national stage.
One area I’m particularly excited about is our continued collaboration with the local Indigenous business community. Through initiatives like the Black Coffee network and Indigenous Business Month, we’ve seen the passion and innovation of First Nations-led businesses. Moving forward, we’re committed to creating more opportunities for co-design and delivery in this space, ensuring these First Nations voices play a central role in shaping our efforts and our region’s future.
A Final Reflection
I feel incredibly fortunate to lead RDA Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast, especially in a region brimming with opportunity. With the unwavering support of our dedicated Board and enthusiastic stakeholders, I’m confident we’ll achieve meaningful, lasting change for our communities.
Here’s to an exciting and impactful 2025.
Bring it on!
Jacki Steel
CEO, RDA Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast