Future Qld: new tech, higher ed and infrastructure the key

Dozens of the state’s finest minds have been surveyed for their thoughts on how Queensland can prosper over the next decade. Here are the results.

MOVERS and shakers have emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure while fostering creativity and innovation in Queensland in a bid to future-proof the state.

A 2019 survey has revealed prioritising new technologies, higher education and infrastructure investment including in water would help strengthen Queensland over the next decade.

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Conducted by Queensland Futures Institute, the survey asked 38 state leaders to explain how they believed Queensland could prosper over the next 10 years.

PwC’s Debbie Smith said the state’s prosperity was dependent on infrastructure which grew the economy.

Raynuha Sinnathamby, managing director of Springfield City Group. Photo: Stuart Quinn.

“We are a state of great liveability and affordability compared to the other eastern seaboard states and we need to take advantage of this by encouraging growth through the delivery of supporting and facilitating infrastructure,” she wrote.

“Having a government which works with the private sector is important as it will give business confidence to continue to invest in the future of the state.”

Raynuha Sinnathamby, managing director of Springfield City Group, said Queensland would benefit from a long-term view on infrastructure needs.

“By getting this right, it has the potential to boost connectivity for trade, education, tourism, events, such as the Olympics, and business,” she wrote.

BMD group executive director of operations Scott Power wrote the New Bradfield Scheme was worthy of further investigation.

“We need to invest in additional bulk water storage and use existing water resources more

efficiently,” he said.

James Cook University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding wrote innovative enterprises must be embraced across the state, particularly in the north.

“Investment now in innovative health services and aquaculture projects has the very real potential to position Queensland at the forefront of what I consider to be two of the most promising growth opportunities in our region over the next 30 years and transform both

Cairns and Townsville from large regional centres to important global tropical cities,” she wrote.

JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding. Picture: Zak Simmonds

LNG Australia Pacific CEO Warwick King wrote tax credits and research grants could help encourage reinvestment in innovation spending.

“A focus on industry innovation has a track record of increasing resource recovery,” he wrote.

Translational Research Institute CEO Professor Carolyn Mountford said it was imperative there was financial support for patent registration.

LNG Australia Pacific CEO Warwick King. Pic Mark Cranitch.

“There is currently a serious shortage of “Start-up space”, particularly in the healthcare sector in Brisbane,” she wrote.

Deloitte Queensland managing partner John Greig wrote micro-credentialing of specific skills such as problem solving, data analytics or coding could help refine job skills required in future workplaces.