Council appoints new Executive Manager of Advance Rockhampton
Published on 25 September 2020
Rockhampton Regional Council has today announced the appointment of Greg Bowden as Executive Manager of Advance Rockhampton.
Having grown up in Blackwater with strong ties to the Rockhampton Region, Greg brings significant industry experience in public and private sectors including mining, construction, city planning, economic policy, manufacturing, agriculture and major infrastructure projects.
His appointment to Advance Rockhampton follows 15 years of service working directly with the Lord Mayor at Brisbane City Council and most recently in the capacity of Director of Strategy, Communication and Economic Development.
Council’s CEO Evan Pardon said Council and the Senior Leadership Team are looking forward to capitalising on Greg’s extensive experience and expertise when he commences his position on Monday.
“Greg has been a trusted advisor to Mayors, Councillors and the business community over the past 15 years, and I am pleased to announce his appointment to Council at such a critical time when we need to respond to a challenging economic environment and build a strong future,” Mr Pardon said.
“Greg’s wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, economic development, city marketing and building brand value combined with his extensive range of trusted business relationships and networks across Queensland, Australia and Asia will be extremely advantageous in his new role.”
At Brisbane City Council Greg oversaw and collaborated closely with Brisbane Marketing, Invest Brisbane and International Relations to deliver a positive economic plan for South East Queensland and put Brisbane on the world stage.
Greg was part of the Economic Development Committee which formulated city defining reports like Brisbane's Unique Window of Opportunity Plan in 2011 and the Brisbane2022 Australia's New World City Action Plan.
He had significant involvement in the attraction of major events such as the Battle of Brisbane with Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn, the NRL Magic Round, Brisbane International Tennis and the very successful Christmas in the City parade, gala and light show.
In addition to this, he was also involved in the attraction of aged care, student accommodation and new hotels that have brought significant new investment into the City over the past ten years.
“With Rockhampton Regional Council’s strong focus on Economic Development, tourism and events, I am excited by the wealth of opportunity in the Region and the trajectory that Council has undertaken to drive economic growth and events,” Mr Bowden said.
“As a Central Queensland boy it is great to be coming home to share some of the ideas I have learnt in working for the Brisbane region over the past 15 years. Many have said Brisbane is a much better place to live, work and relax than it was fifteen years ago and I agree.
“I do believe Rockhampton has the building blocks for a great future and with a ‘Team Rocky’ approach we can see our region elevated to the next level, become a more liveable city for residents and a destination of choice for visitors and investors.”