Energy, Infrastructure, Health, Education, and Agriculture highlighted at 2023 Major Projects and Industry Forum
Posted on October 24th, 2023
“This part of Queensland is in our DNA.” – Mick Crowe, Bravus Mining and Resources.
Last Thursday 19th October, Frenchville Sports Club became a hive of activity, as key information relating to health, education, agriculture, and energy, together with regional futures and major projects was delivered to a cohort of over 120 industry representatives at the 2023 Major Projects and Industry Forum.
Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise, and proudly sponsored by MRAEL and Frenchville Sports Club, the quality and diversity of the day’s speaker program reflected our strategic location and regional strengths and provided delegates with updates of significant local and regional industry development.
Now in its seventh year, the respected premier industry event welcomed a record 13 experts presenting on key issues currently impacting the region.
Gene Tunny from Adept Economics kicked off the day, providing a thorough economic outlook for Queensland’s regions, drilling down into the critical numbers relating to Central Queensland.
Following Gene’s presentation, Mick Crowe from Bravus Mining and Resources provided a Carmichael Mine update, with Peter Trim from Department of Transport and Main Roads bringing delegates up to date with the much-anticipated Rockhampton Ring Road. Jay Merritt from Sunwater rounded out session one, sharing project updates on Rookwood Weir.
Session two welcomed Dr Phillip Moulds from the Rockhampton Grammar School, Dr Emma McCahon from Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Michael Thomson from CQUniversity and Dr Vicki Richmond from Fitzroy Community Hospice, all providing detailed information on the status and breadth of Central Queensland’s Health and Education industries.
“Our Workplace Based Assessment program has been attracting more junior doctors to Central Queensland.” – Dr Emma McCahon, CQ Hospital and Health Service.
“To make automation successful, collaboration is crucial and as researchers, we need to know how to get out of the way.” – Michael Thomson, CQ University.
The final session of the day was filled with energy, as Kim Hetherington from Construction Skills Queensland joined Christina Green from Energy Queensland, Dr Brendan McAvoy from Squadron Energy, Peter Woodall from Stanwell Corporation and Ben Hillier from Central Queensland Power.
“Based on CSQ’s projections, there will be labour demand of 6900 construction workers in the region to deliver the pipeline of major projects. That level is approximately 2.5 times more than the amount we’ve seen in previous years.” – Kim Hetherington, Construction Skills Queensland.
The Forum’s anticipated panel discussion also returned, raising important dialogue among the like-minded individuals filling the room.
Capricorn Enterprise CEQ Mary Carroll said the Forum aimed to foster discussion, collaboration and futureproof the high level of investment and development being rolled out across the area.
The Forum continues to present a prime opportunity for industry representatives to network and engage in dynamic conversations that unlock the potential for industry in Central Queensland,” Mary said.
“Capricorn Enterprise is proud to continue bringing valuable discussions to the table for industry representatives, which enable us to focus on important improvements that will help to create a more innovative, sustainable and competitive industry from which the entire region benefits.”
“We thank all those who attended, along with returning and new speakers, and also extend our sincere thanks to the event sponsors who allow us to deliver a bigger and better event each year,” Mary said.
At the conclusion of the day, an informal networking event, sponsored by the Frenchville Sports Club took place, with the Club’s chief executive officer Damien Massingham, unveiling a Master Plan outlining the future and vision for the next era of excellence in sports and entertainment.
Approved speaker PowerPoint presentations, and further information will be available at www.capricornenterprise.com.au in due course.
