Charting the region’s economic path

He pioneered the Sunshine Coast’s first regional economic development strategy, now Paul Martins has taken on the challenge of transforming Moreton Bay Region’s economy.

Moreton Bay Regional Council’s newly-appointed Chief Economic Development Officer (CEDO) started work on Monday and already has his work cut out for him, with consultation on the draft Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) closing this Friday.

“The business and investment opportunities in Moreton Bay are some of the best in Australia and I look forward to supporting the Mayor and Council make the region a leading destination for business and investment," Mr Martins says.

“While COVID-19 has created a number of challenges for our business and wider community, it has also created some supply chain opportunities for our industries to bring manufacturing and jobs back to Australia and specifically Moreton Bay.

“These opportunities together with our region-building projects chart a bold future for our region.”

Planning for the future

The draft REDS is a blueprint for economic growth and modernisation over the next two decades, with a plan to make Moreton Bay Region bigger, brighter, and bolder:

• Bigger - building a $40 billion economy
• Bolder - attracting 16,000 new businesses
• Brighter - creating 100,000 new jobs

Mayor Peter Flannery says there’s still time to provide feedback on the draft document and have your say on shaping the future of the Moreton Bay Region.

“The previous Economic Development Strategy had a strong focus on traditional industries which has provided us with solid foundations for success,” Mayor Flannery explains.

“But rapid advances in technology, major changes in industry and manufacturing and of course the impacts of COVID-19 mean the world has changed forever, we have to change too.

Future’s in safe hands

“Paul Martins has a proven track record of successfully attracting new industries that provide a high level of economic value, so I’m excited to see what he will do in this new role as we ambitiously work to become the innovation hub of South East Queensland,” Mayor Flannery says.

CEO Greg Chemello says the new CEDO brings a mix of private and public sector experience to the role.

“Paul has a knack for attracting investment, something he did successfully for over 10 years working offshore helping Australian exporters and attracting investment to Australia,” Mr Chemello says.

“He also has a strong grasp of local business knowledge having previously been Head of Economic Development at Sunshine Coast Council and being the CEO of one of the largest manufacturers in that region.

“His impressive resume aside, it was Paul’s pragmatism that made him stand out from the crowd - his commitment to ensuring economic growth benefits business and industry as well as delivering jobs and prosperity for generations to come.”

For more information about REDS, visit the website

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