Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board
The Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board (GEIDB), is the Queensland Government authority dedicated to investment attraction, project and infrastructure facilitation for the GSDA and the Gladstone Region. The GEIDB was established as a project board under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 as gazetted on 28 July 1999. Appointment of members is made by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Industrial Development.
The functions and duties of the GEIDB are set forth in the regulation by which it is established. In summary these functions are:
- to manage industrial development in the GSDA including business planning, facilitating establishment of industry, co-ordinating development approvals, providing advice to prospective developers in respect of impact assesments, developing funding strategies to provide infrastructure, marketing, industry and community liaison and co-ordinating with other persons and agencies to achieve development of the GSDA; and
- to provide advice to the Minister for Industrial Development on the Gladstone Region's major developmental infrastructure requirements, its potential for industry development and impediments to such development, and to promote and market the region as a location for major industries.
Since its establishment in 1999, the GEIDB has become a recognised primary point of contact for potential industrial project proponents considering locating in the Gladstone Region. In the initial contacts, the GEIDB provides a range of background information on the area, site location options, links to and coordination with the major infrastructure providers and regulatory organisations at the appropriate level, and a range of assistance such as access to local meeting facilities and other support services.
To achieve its vision for Gladstone, Australia as a world class export hub, GEIDB recognises that coordinated, proactive and cooperative management and infrastructure development is required from the region’s stakeholders and partners. Stakeholder organisations that are directly represented on the Board include the Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), Gladstone Regional Council (GRC), Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB), the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation (DSDTI), Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd (GAPDL) and the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Additional board representation includes representatives from training and education; finance; legal; and community sectors.
The GEIDB also works collaboratively with Queensland and Commonwealth Government agencies such as the Queensland Government Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC); the Commonwealth Government Department of Tourism, Industry and Resources (DTIR); and the Commonwealth Government Invest Australia (IA). Other alliance partners within the Gladstone Region include the Process Engineering and Light Metals (PELM) Centre, the Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) and the Gladstone Area Industry Network (GAIN). As part of its targeted investment attraction strategy, GEIDB regularly communicates with the Queensland Government Trade and Investment Office Network overseas. There are 14 global QGTIO offices identifying business opportunities in overseas markets and encouraging trade and investment in Queensland from Asia through India to Europe and the Americas.
Annual Report
