Gladstone proudly hosted last week’s CQ Economic Development Roundtable with representatives in attendance from Capricorn Enterprise, CQROC, Livingstone, Rockhampton, Central Highlands, Banana and Gladstone Regional Councils, RDA Central and Western Qld, co-ordinated by DNRMMRRD (Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development). Gladstone Region Tours provided an excellent commentary of industry in the Port City, including Alpha HPA and an informative visit to the Qld Energy Resources Visitor Centre. Round Hill Lookout provided 360 degree views overlooking the city, major industry including Boyne Smelters, Qld Alumina, nrg Power Station, and out to the waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Listening to the challenges facing CQ LGAs as they navigate Social Impact Assessments (SIA) and Community Benefit Agreements (CBA) with the Energy industry was insightful, with this topic also requiring a holistic approach in the larger Central Queensland footprint.
