July 2024 Newsletter
July 2024 Newsletter
LORD MAYOR’S VISION FOR BRISBANE
Our first headline event for the financial year is one not to be missed!
Over the past decade, Brisbane has grown faster than any other capital city in the country.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s recently-released State of the City report revealed Brisbane’s economy will soar 68 per cent by 2041 to $275 billion.
But Brisbane’s incredible growth has also placed the city’s long-term transport future high on the agenda of Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
With eight years until the Brisbane 2032 Games, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure to address the challenges of our growing city.
Join Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Committee for Brisbane, as he looks beyond the here and now to outline his vision to keep Brisbane moving.
Book your tickets using the link below.
Lord Mayor’s Vision for Brisbane
OUI OUI PARIS; OI OI OI BRISBANE 2032
8 years to go until Brisbane is on the world stage!
As the world watched on in awe of the Paris Games’ spectacular Opening Ceremony, Brisbane was busy marking its own calendar, with 8 years to go until we are in the spotlight. The City of Light is setting an impressive benchmark with its blend of history and modern flair, all while showcasing the heights of Olympic excellence. Opting to use the Seine River for the Opening and events has drawn both praise and criticism… along with prompting many locals to ask how Brisbane can learn from this opportunity and draw inspiration for our moment in the sun.
With images of remarkable athletes competing in iconic venues being beamed into our living rooms, it is easy to forget that for Brisbane, while the athletes and the ‘show’ are central, bidding for the Olympic and Paralympic Games was primarily about bringing forward the infrastructure our growing community needs.
Greater Paris has a population nearing 12 million. It is a city much larger than Brisbane, with an annual growth rate hovering around 0.5 per cent. Compare that with Brisbane at circa 2.5 million, and an annual population growth almost three times that of Paris (~1.3 per cent), and the first major differences between the host cities becomes clear.
As an established world city, much of the infrastructure needed for Paris to host the Games was already in place. This has been a clear advantage, particularly in terms of cost and climate impacts. Regardless, the Games has not been immune to issues, with safety issues and security breaches, reports of athletes spending hours in traffic to get to training, and question marks about the health of the Seine River.
No doubt the contingent of Queensland-based businesses and organisations who have the privilege of attending the Paris Games will return home with many more learnings and take-aways about how to make the most of the Games experience. We look forward to hosting a headline event in the coming months where we will discuss this in more detail.
For Brisbane, this week’s release of the GC2018 Legacy: Beyond the Games report 2024 provides further food for thought in preparing for 2032. It reinforced the infrastructure delivered or upgraded to facilitate the Commonwealth Games has created lasting legacy benefits for communities in Queensland. Not only that, it also delivered a significant economic boost to the Gold Coast, lasting well beyond the event itself.
Competing with iconic cities like London, Paris and LA, Brisbane’s challenge is to offer a unique and compelling experience. Our city’s relaxed lifestyle, stunning weather, and vibrant dining and retail precincts will play a part in creating a memorable experience for attendees.
But as we are swept up in the excitement of the Games, let’s not forget the opportunity we have to deliver something truly transformational for future generations.
We can’t wait for our opportunity to wow the world!
OLYMPICS STORIES
We want to hear from you!
We want to shout out our members who are currently in Paris for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and want to hear your on-the-ground experience.
This is a pivotal time for Brisbane, and we know our members want to hear straight from the people who have been there. Please reach out to our Communications Manager, Gabrielle and provide us with some photos and a short story about your time in Paris.
gabrielle@committeeforbrisbane.org.au
PREMIER'S WELCOME HOME DINNER
The Queensland Team Appeal Committee, chaired by Olympian Mark Stockwell OLY, invites you to join them at the Premier’s Welcome Home Dinner.
On Saturday, 14 September, you will have the opportunity to connect with our Olympians and Paralympians, reliving the highlights and listening to some great stories from members of the Paris 2024 Australian Team.
Tickets are available to be purchased via the link below.
Don’t miss what will be a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for our Queensland Team, with all money raised contributing directly to providing athletes with optimal preparations and performance environment.
INNOVATION MIXER
The future of transport from some Brisbane innovators
We are thrilled to announce the Committee for Brisbane’s third Innovation Mixer, an event that unites innovators and the business community to spotlight the brilliant minds and cutting-edge products or services emerging from Brisbane.
Innovation Mixer – The Future of Transport will highlight the Arup and Committee for Brisbane discussion paper, “SEQ Next Generation Skills and Industries.” This event not only marks the launch of this paper but also looks at the future of transport, especially as connectivity and the upcoming Games captivate our community’s attention.
We are excited to introduce a distinguished panel of experts and innovators who are deeply passionate about transport and connectivity in Brisbane and its surrounding areas. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with panel members and gain first-hand knowledge of the innovative solutions and forward-thinking strategies that are shaping the future of transport.
From emerging technologies to sustainable practices, the panel will explore various aspects of transport innovation that are crucial for the growth and development of our region.
Join us for an exciting evening of networking and insightful panel discussions on August 20th from 5pm – 7pm.
Register your tickets here
A NEW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAM
As part of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s weekend reshuffle of ministerial portfolios, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister was appointed as the Federal Minister for Cities and the Minister for Emergency Management, a move welcomed by the Committee for Brisbane.
This appointment supports the Federal Government’s refocus on Cities, including the release of the draft National Urban Policy framework in May. The new framework aims to articulate the Government’s goals and objectives to enable our urban areas to be liveable, equitable, productive, sustainable and resilient.
The Committee for Brisbane lodged a submission on the draft Framework earlier this month – you can read it here (20240711 National Urban Policy)
This week also marked the opening of the Federal Government’s Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, which will provide $150 million in funding for the design and delivery of urban precincts.
Importantly, it takes a partnership approach to funding, meaning it can be utilised by governments, businesses and communities to deliver multi-purpose urban precincts.
Stream one of the program will provide project funding of between $500,000 and $5 million for master planning, consultation, design, business cases and partnership establishment.
Stream two will provide project funding of between $5 million and $50 million to help deliver a specified project or projects as part of a precinct.
More on the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, here.
AFFORDABLE TRANSPORT FOR BRISBANE AND SEQ
50 cent fares are just around the corner, will this change how you travel?
Starting Monday, August 5 public transport in Queensland will be capped at 50 cents for a trial period of six months. The trial is one of Queensland Government’s ‘cost of living’ initiatives that aim to help families with current cost of living pressures.
Last week, the Committee for Brisbane put it out to our LinkedIn followers to gauge their interest and willingness to start catching public transport with the reduced fares… and the results were surprising!
49% said it would incentivise them to start catching public transport more
42% said it wouldn’t
9% said it might
We’re interested to see if the trial leads to a boost in public transport patronage, and particularly what it will mean for our transport services both during the trial period and after.
For more information, visit the TransLink website
PLAN B: BETTER BUSES FOR SYDNEY
Our friends at the Committee for Sydney have recently released a report on the status of the bus network in Sydney, along with recommendations to improve the service offering.
Unlike the heavily-train dependent Sydney, Greater Brisbane’s public transport network is predominantly bus-based. Within the Brisbane City Council local government area, more than two-thirds of public transport customers (nearly 80 million) travel by bus!
While some of the of the report’s recommendations are already entrenched or firmly underway in Brisbane (think Metro), it provides an interesting view on how Sydney’s bus network could be improved through more equitable access to buses, along with more and better bus services overall.
With the 50-cent fare trial almost upon us and public transport squarely in focus, it’s worth a read of Plan B: Better Buses for Sydney and how its recommendations could be applied to Brisbane.
You can read the report here
Equity Sub-Committee
Insight into how to support organisations in overcoming structural barriers to equity.
The Equity Sub-Committee welcomed guest speaker Michael Dobbie-Bridges PLY, Strategic Advisor Disability, APM to help inform their activity of work on supporting organisations to overcome structural barriers to equity.
Michael shared his personal journey and knowledge of employment and retention of people with disability giving members insight and a call to action. Key messages from Michael’s presentation included the importance of understanding transferrable skills and the need for employers to give people with disability an opportunity. Michael talked about building disability confidence and how this can be created through organisations seeking assistance with recruitment, retention and supervision of people with disability.
Studies have found that people with disability bring a lot of diverse skills and abilities to workplaces and generally take fewer days off, take less sick leave and stay in jobs longer than other workers. People with disability also build strong connections with customers and can boost teamwork.
As we work to be a more inclusive community, now is the time to look at employment for people with disability, with the call to action asking the following questions:
- how many people with disability are applying for roles in your organisation?
- if many are applying but not transitioning in (or being retained) what can be done better?
- what blockers can we remove in our processes?
- what makes your organisation stand-out as an employer?
Let’s take these insights to heart and work towards a more inclusive workplace for everyone.
If you would like information about how to create a more inclusive environment in your workplace, please reach out to Michael.
07 3211 8919 | 0423 228 336 | Michael.Dobbie-Bridges@apm.net.au
Connectivity Sub-Committee update
First and last mile survey.
We are calling on members to participate in a short survey from the Committee for Brisbane’s Connectivity Sub-Committee, which examines travel connectivity in Brisbane, particularly the ‘first and last mile’ of the journey. This internationally recognised term refers to the distance between your starting point or destination (such as home or work) and the nearest public transport hub where you board or stop. Your insights will help enhance local travel connections.
We will share the results from this survey in the coming months.
The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and closes on Friday 16 August 2024. Survey results will help inform the work of the Connectivity Sub-Committee.
Follow the link below to take part.
https://bond.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0leooW3lDzyamuq
SEQ Digital Plan Workshop
Workshop on City Deal’s SEQ Smart Region Digital Plan.
The Committee for Brisbane recently partnered with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to host a workshop with leaders from the business, infrastructure and technology sectors on the next step towards developing the SEQ Smart Region Digital Plan, a key initiative under the SEQ City Deal.
This collaborative effort, involving all three levels of government alongside industry partners, aims to enhance digital connectivity across the region. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced data analytics, the Plan seeks to strengthen regional economic resilience and generate high-value job opportunities.
The workshop, facilitated by Neil Glentworth, provided a valuable platform for industry leaders to share feedback, discuss regional priorities, and engage with the SEQ Smart Region Digital Plan.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to advance the SEQ Smart Region Digital Plan and drive innovation across our region.
HOUSING ALL AUSTRALIANS
Without rapid, radical change, Australia is on track to match homelessness rates in the U.S.
Housing All Australians, the business-led movement helping Australia’s homelessness crisis, invites you to its first national breakfast tour. Furthering their mission to foster respectful unrest by educating the public on the often-overlooked consequences of the housing crisis, HAA is bringing Assoc. Prof. Gregg Colburn (University of Washington) over from the U.S. to exclusively discuss his research that tests conventional beliefs about the causes of homelessness and proposes a path forward.
Book a table with your colleagues and connect with your industry peers at this must-attend industry event
CAMERATA BOARD MEMBER EOI
Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra invites expressions of interest for a position on its board
As the Camerata approaches its 40th year in 2027, the Board is seeking experienced arts individuals to contribute to its leadership and governance.
Camerata’s mission is to empower artists, inspire audiences, and enrich communities through music, in a joyful celebration of music and its power to resonate and connect.
A document package can be mailed to you by emailing chair@camerata.net.au. EOIs close Sunday August 11 at midnight.
More information can be found here.
New Members
This month the Committee for Brisbane welcomed 2 new ssociate members
- Geoff McFarlane – Millovate
- Roger Simons – Pier2Pier Consulting Pty Ltd
Not yet a member? We’d love to chat with you about the benefits of being part of our collective of individuals and organisations who are passionate about the future of Brisbane. Contact Liana Heath on 0412 881 180 or liana@committeeforbrisbane.org.au
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