A Vision For Gladstone
March 14th, 2009
Welcome to the first of a fortnightly column from the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board (GEIDB). I hope you find the column firstly interesting but also a useful reference.
In these uncertain economic times it is important that accurate and timely information is available. The column will provide information and updates on the activities and initiatives of the GEIDB, major project planning and approvals process and development of the Gladstone State Development Area.
Today’s first column is an introduction to the GEIDB, the make-up of the Board, its role, strategic priorities and vision for Gladstone.
The GEIDB is a project board of the Queensland Government set up in 1999 to facilitate large scale industrial development mainly in the Gladstone State Development Area but also in the greater Gladstone region.
The Board is made up of representatives from Gladstone Regional Council, Gladstone Port Corporation, Department Infrastructure and Planning, Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, Gladstone Area Water Board, Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited as well as local business and industry representatives that are committed to the sustainable development of the Gladstone region and bring their particular skills and experience to the bi-monthly Board meetings.
The key roles of the GEIDB are:-
- Investment attraction for the Gladstone region of large scale sustainable industry
- Project facilitation of industry development
- Providing advice to Government on infrastructure and industry development
- Regional capacity building
- Coordination, communication and community engagement
The strategic priorities of the GEIDB include the promotion of Gladstone as a well planned industrial centre, to work closely with project proponents, stakeholders and strategic partners for critical infrastructure planning and delivery. One of the key priorities of the GEIDB is to provide a coordination and communication role to maintain a positive environment for regional economic development. The strategic priorities, associated strategy and activities are all focused on the GEIDB vision to establish the Gladstone region as Australia’s model 21st century industrial location.
The GEIDB has a number of key initiatives underway at the moment including studies on identifying a workers accommodation village precinct, developing a Social Infrastructure Strategic Plan, reviewing the GEIDB strategic plan and updating information on the LNG industry. Further details on each of these initiatives will be included in future columns over the next few fortnights. I look forward to your feedback on the columns.