Leanne Enoch
September 12, 2017
The State Government and the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation Of Councils (WBBROC) will jointly invest $1 million to create three innovation hubs in Gympie, Fraser Coast and Bundaberg.
Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch made the announcement on Tuesday, saying the aim was to drive job creation and economic growth in the Wide Bay Burnett.
Ms Enoch said the government will support the three hubs with $500,000 over three years from its $6 million Advancing Regional Innovation Program (ARIP).
The government’s contribution will be matched by WBBROC, who secured support from 23 partners including the community backed co-working space The Generator in Bundaberg, and five of the region’s councils.
“The ARIP is supporting growth in regional communities by strengthening the capabilities of innovative businesses,” Ms Enoch said.
“The flow-on effect will be a larger number of startups in the Wide Bay-Burnett region that are better supported and equipped to succeed, both nationally and globally.”
The plan calls for the creation of two new innovation hubs in Gympie and Fraser Coast, in addition to The Generator in Bundaberg.
The hubs are expected to build on the region’s strengths including food, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing and allied health innovations.
WBBROC Chair, Gympie Mayor Mick Curran, welcomed the State Government’s funding.
He said it would enable local entrepreneurs, business leaders and key industries to collaborate more closely with government to harness innovation, unlock business potential and prepare regional Queenslanders for the jobs of the future.
“The program will also enable a tailored approach to connecting local efforts, harnessing existing strengths and building regional capability,” Cr Curran said.
“The intention is to build networks of innovative communities across the Wide Bay Burnett region that reflect the diversity of Queensland – drawing people together and boosting grassroots activities”.
Similar hubs are planned for Far North Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, North Queensland, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Fitzroy, Outback Queensland, Darling Downs and Maranoa, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and West Moreton, Redlands and Logan.
