A bright future ahead following a successful Major Projects Forum
Posted on October 29th, 2019
The need for businesses and all levels of government to constantly engage and collaborate was the clear message from last week’s second annual Major Projects Forum.
Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise on Friday 25th October, several of Australia’s leading industry professionals painted a bright future for our region, outlining opportunities in defence, health, resources, water and renewable energy.
The audience of over 200 attending the event learned about the prospects and opportunities for their businesses from a range of speakers from both the local area, regionally and further afield.
Presenters provided updates on their projects from the Carmichael Mine and Rail Project in the west to the Clarke Creek Windfarm in the north-east, placing strong emphasis on building robust relationships with key subcontractors and positive relationships with the wider community.
Keynote presenter, Cr Paul Antonio, Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council shared insights on the importance of government working with its economic development partners to leverage off major infrastructure and private investment projects.
“A problem shared is a problem halved and working with strategic partners is one of the great advantages for our Toowoomba Region,” said Mayor.
Robert Sobyra from Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) identified that the potential for a labour shortage is on the horizon if local industry doesn’t respond to this critical need.
Capricorn Enterprise’s Regional Economic Development Manager, Neil Lethlean has been actively collaborating with stakeholders and CSQ to address the labour issues identified and ensure the delivery of all major projects in the pipeline.
“We have been working with CSQ to identify gaps in the local supply chain and build local capacity to deliver products and services in the region to capture the benefits of economic growth,” said Neil.
“Estimates of the workforce numbers needed over the next 10 years suggest that unless businesses prioritise resourcing and smaller local companies consider collaborating for joint tenders, industry from out of the region will be needed to fill the gaps.”
Attendees voiced their praise of last week’s Major Projects Forum, citing the quality of information provided along with the highly valuable networking that increased awareness for capitalising on the business opportunities being created through the $3.6 billion projects on the horizon.
Following a second highly successful forum this year, Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll is impressed that the region has embraced the importance of this essential information program.
“Capricorn Enterprise remains committed to working proactively day in and day out with business and industry representatives to increase the overall level of awareness of major projects in our region.”
“The positive and strong collaboration of partnership between the major project proponents – Construction Skills Queensland, Capricorn Enterprise, and our local business and industry continues to go from strength to strength,” said Mary. “The work that is being undertaken now is building a strong foundation for our decade of development ahead.”
Korte’s Resort Conference Centre provided the perfect venue to host the forum with professional service, attention to detail, excellent catering and up-to-date technology.
Capricorn Enterprise is pleased to share insights and key updates relevant to businesses that want to be informed, take advantage of forthcoming work and leverage off major infrastructure and private investment projects.
Click on the links below to read summaries from the presentations.
- Peter Donaghy, Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy
- Lucas Dow, ADANI Mining Australia
- Robert Sobyra, Construction Skills Queensland
- Chris Birrer, Department of Defence
- Craig Simpson, Laing O’Rourke
- Martin MacDonald, FKG Group
- Eoin Grennan, SunWater
- David Brown, Goldwind Australia
- Kerrie-Anne Frakes, CQ Hospital and Health Service District
Following approvals from speakers, presentations will be available on the Capricorn Enterprise website.
Business and industry representatives requiring further information about the forum, major projects or collaboration should contact Neil on 4927 2055 or email admin@capricornenterprise.com.au
