Queensland ten years on, will still be Australia’s most liveable state with a high standard of living and a strong stable economy. Agriculture, resources, and tourism will still be underpinning that strong economy. QFI’s own report through Adept forecasts an economy 46% stronger than today for the State. The challenge for us in Regional Queensland is to ensure that the forecast growth is not just in the South-east corner. The opportunities to expand the horizon for us in the regions are exciting. From critical minerals to green protein, we can see the creation of industry sectors that will keep our bright young offspring in the regions. Industries the create the value add to the mining of critical minerals needed to deliver the EV demand; that will be able to turn the carbon content of the humble sugar crystal into a bio-brewed protein like milk. New sectors built around high-value advanced manufacturing particularly in the STEM fields where we lead the nation on a platform built be the current resources sector.

There are several large challenges, however. Public policy that encourages regional populations to grow. Public policy that pays more than lip service to the current housing problems in the State. Public policy that encourages the huge private investment that will be needed to deliver the forecast strength in the Queensland economy.

We are ready in this state to be the nation’s best economy, as well as maintaining our place as the most liveable state in Australia.