A NEW report has revealed that the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa regions can transform their reputation beyond tourism by leveraging strengths to develop a technology-driven economy.
Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast (RDAMBSC) will this week unveil a comprehensive blueprint for growth, built from an in-depth analysis of the region’s economic drivers and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
RDAMBSC, formed in April 2024, represents the region’s voice for investment, impact, and inclusion through region-led partnerships aimed at fostering economic growth.
It works with stakeholders to shape the future of the Moreton Bay-Sunshine Coast-Noosa corridor.
The detailed independent review, conducted by the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Centre for Local Government, forms the basis of the Shaping the Future report.
It warns that the regions are outpacing growth projections, placing strain on infrastructure while creating the need for recalibrated investment across all levels of government.
The report highlights key regional strengths: Moreton Bay’s advanced manufacturing, Sunshine Coast’s health innovation and sustainability initiatives, and Noosa’s eco-innovation.
With the highest internal migration flows in Australia, the regions are primed to evolve from a tourism-dependent economy to a diversified, technology-enabled leader.
UTS’s review highlights the need for a shift from ‘Tourism to Tech,’ focusing on developing a tech ecosystem through incubators, research partnerships, and digital infrastructure. “This requires a multifaceted strategy,” the report found.
“Building an innovation ecosystem, including tech
incubators and research partnerships, is essential, as is developing a skilled workforce with a
focus on digital, advanced manufacturing and healthcare technology capabilities.
Investment in
digital infrastructure, particularly high-speed internet and 5G, will ensure the region remains
competitive in the global digital economy.”
RDAMBSC Chair Gavin Keeley noted the importance of strategic investment and collaboration to ensure long-term economic success.
“This is a critical time to invest in bringing together the insights and evidence base that informs
our longer-term view of our region’s strategic investment needs and gives us the tools and
partnerships to start activating and advocating for these opportunities,” Mr Keeley said. The Sunshine Coast session is on Feb 12 from 11.30am-1.30pm, Altitude Nine (City Hall, Maroochydore).
Registration is essential via www.humanitix.com/au search for RDAMBSC Information and Consultation Sessions.
