Consultant appointed to deliver New Economic Development Strategy
Published on 08 February 2022
Rockhampton Regional Council through their economic development arm, Advance Rockhampton, are pleased to work with AEC as the successful consultant to deliver the Rockhampton Regional Council Economic Development Strategy and Economic Action Plan.
The Rockhampton Region economic development strategy and action plan will map out a vision for growth and economic prosperity that will drive our community forward, grow industry opportunities and create the future employment across the region.
AEC have been appointed as the successful consultant to undertake the development of the economic development strategy and action plan. AEC specialise in innovative and evidence based analysis in economics and regional development as a regional Queensland based consultancy with over 25 years’ experience in economic development.
Rockhampton Region Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher said Council is pleased to announce AEC as the successful consultant to deliver the economic development strategy.
“There has never been a more important time to shape the economic future of Rockhampton. Building our region into a more competitive and more desirable choice depends on the future success of this strategy,” Deputy Mayor Fisher said.
“Now, more than ever, we must focus on guiding the actions, initiatives, policies and necessary investments to be pursued by the Rockhampton community, to ensure the continued economic growth and job creation opportunities for our region.”
“Rockhampton has become a destination of choice for business investment, with the benefits of a regional lifestyle and the implementation of a new economic development strategy ensuring we are positioned to make the most of current and future growth opportunities said Deputy Mayor Fisher.
Advance Rockhampton Executive Manager Mr Greg Bowden, said ongoing industry collaboration and community engagement will feature strongly in the planning and drafting of the economic development strategy and action plan.
“The development of the strategy and action plan will be a staged process, beginning with recommendations from the recent Precinct Activation and Economic Development surveys completed by industry, community and Advance Rockhampton in 2021.”
“Advance Rockhampton is focused upon five key factors which will continue to put Rocky on the Radar. These are liveability, visitability, investability, collaboration and innovation. This strategy will focus on these key factors in delivering our region’s future aspirations” said Mr Bowden.
Senior Economist with AEC Jonathan Pavetto said having recently delivered the Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC) Strategic Plan and the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Strategic Plan, AEC are well positioned to deliver a comprehensive strategy for Rockhampton Region.
“AEC is focused on working closely with Rockhampton Regional Council through Advance Rockhampton, with a particular focus on industry engagement to ensure the Rockhampton region continues to be Central Queensland’s most desirable place to live, invest and visit” Mr Pavetto said.
The new Economic Development Strategy and Economic Action Plan will clearly define both the current and future opportunities and the barriers that need to be overcome to grow our local economy. Work has already begun on the new strategy and action plan, with the final Economic Development Strategy and Economic Development Action plan due to be delivered in mid-2022.
For more information about AEC Group visit: https://www.aecgroupltd.com/
To stay up to date for community events to be held in March discussing the strategy head to www.advancerockhampton.com.au or follow the Advance Rockhampton Linkedin page at www.linkedin.com/showcase/advancerockhampton/.
ENDS