PAUL SPIRO: CHAIRMAN, BRISBANE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY & QUEENSLAND CHAIRMAN, GADENS
Dec 8, 2022 | Annual Leaders Survey 2022
There’s a lot of talk about 2032. The year when the world will converge on our city as we host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
But we mustn’t be distracted by a distant date. The opportunity to supercharge Brisbane’s economy is already upon us, and we must think beyond the finish line to build the best legacy for Brisbane.
It’s time now to engage local businesses and make sure they have every chance to grow and excel against a backdrop of rapid change.
It’s time now to nurture the growth of key industries which will be major economic drivers for jobs and Brisbane’s future prosperity.
It’s time now to create exciting, vibrant spaces to attract visitors from around the globe and enhance the lifestyle of our fast-growing population.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) is wasting no time laying the groundwork for the city’s economic future.
This year it launched the Brisbane Brief – a tool for local industry leaders to promote the city to new businesses and investors.
More than 150 businesses contributed to the Brisbane Brief, which is already being used around the world to amplify the Brisbane story and the economic opportunities that exist within our city.
Brisbane is home to the brightest minds, and world-class innovation, placing the city in the driver’s seat to solve global human and business challenges.
We need to make sure the next generation of entrepreneurs can compete globally.
Targeted work is also underway to boost key industries like health and advanced manufacturing through initiatives to attract international investment.
BEDA’s new MedTech Accelerator will support 11 local businesses to connect with global investment partners that could help fast-track products onto the market.
Similarly, BEDA’s Future Food and PropTech programs have already generated a combined $78 million
in economic activity – collectively supporting 31 businesses from the Brisbane region to grow, scale, or secure investment.
This kind of glove in hand support will be crucial to ensure long-term growth.
More investment means more jobs for Brisbane’s booming population. The city’s future is bright with 245,000 new jobs predicted by 2031.
When the Brisbane business community unites, it is a serious force for good. We needn’t wait until 2032 to show the world we’re the best city to do business, visit and put on some the world’s biggest events. It’s time now to accelerate growth and create city-defining change.