Rockhampton stuns at Developing Northern Australia Conference
Published on 22 June 2017
Rockhampton is in the running to host the 2019 Developing Northern Australia Conference, following an incredibly well-received run at this year’s event in Cairns.
Councillors Neil Fisher, Drew Wickerson and Rose Swadling attended the conference this week and Councillor Fisher said Rockhampton’s stall took centre stage to industry and business.
“This conference is about capitalising on the potential economic growth in Northern Australia,” Cr Fisher said.
“The conference emphasised Rockhampton’s position as the gateway to Northern Australia and being an important hub with our airport, our agriculture freight distribution and one of few areas to have shovel ready water infrastructure projects.”
Councillor Drew Wickerson said Council’s offering at the conference was a unique point of difference with virtual reality tours of Rockhampton available.
“We have one of the most stunning regions and the full diversity of Rockhampton was on display for everyone to see,” Cr Wickerson said.
“Using 360-degree cameras, we’d filmed a number of locations and when people came to our stall they could put on a VR-headset and experience all the Region has to offer for themselves and it was not only an absolute crowd pleaser but an excellent tool for engaging with business and industry.”
Councillor Rose Swadling praised the Rockhampton Regional Council staff for their professional presentation to the conference.
“Rockhampton starred at this conference and a huge part of that was the hard work and dedication put in from our staff who were on site, on hand and helping us sell the region,” Cr Swadling said.
“Our professional, well-resourced stall was a highlight of the conference and saw hundreds of business and industry professionals come to us not only to talk about the economic potential of the Rockhampton Region but to seek advice.”
Rockhampton has put its hand up to host the 2019 conference with a decision to be made following next year’s conference which will be held outside Queensland.