Developing a shared narrative for Queensland's future economy

Queensland has been marketed in a range of different ways over the years, but these campaigns have not provided a long-term vision. Taking advantage of the new and emerging growth opportunities depends on creating a clear and powerful narrative that reflects Queensland’s strengths and communicates its future direction both within the State and externally, to the rest of Australia and the world.

Playing to Queensland's strengths

Queensland’s economic strengths – notably resources, tourism, agriculture, construction, and education and training – have provided a strong foundation for its economy. However, many of these industries depend not only on population growth and the environment but also on global export markets, making them susceptible to ‘boom and bust’ patterns. Diversifying existing industries and creating new ones can help spread economic activity and reduce reliance on any one industry for growth. Transforming well-established industries can present new economic opportunities, particularly for regional areas which house much of the knowledge and experience in these industries.

Equipping Queensland with skills for the future 

Queensland has been marketed in a range of different ways over the years, but these campaigns have not provided a long-term vision. Taking advantage of the new and emerging growth opportunities depends on creating a clear and powerful narrative that reflects Queensland’s strengths and communicates its future direction both within the State and externally, to the rest of Australia and the world.

Managing environmental and social barriers to growth 

Queensland’s already strong resources and energy sectors can develop further opportunities from addressing the state’s key environmental challenges. To leverage these new growth opportunities, Queensland needs to get the fundamentals right by developing a long-term strategy for the energy sector, managing its international environmental commitments and securing community support for industry developments. 

Supporting inclusive growth in Queensland's regions

While focusing on a single industry has put regional economies at risk of ‘boom and bust’ patterns, it has also allowed many regions to develop strong expertise and experience in traditional industries – many of which feature in future growth opportunities for Queensland. It can be a challenge for regions to diversify their economies and pursue new and unfamiliar growth opportunities. While there is a growing culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in Queensland’s regions, this needs to be supported by investment in areas such as connectivity, digital inclusion and education to enable regional centres to leverage their existing strengths.