Innovatia

By Julia Spicer OAM, Queensland Chief Entrepreneur REGIONS NEED SUPPORT TO DO THE HEAVY LIFTING ON JOURNEY TO NET ZERO O ur journey towards net zero emissions and the impact that the decarbonisation of industry will have on regional commu- nities is one of the key innovation challenges facing our nation.

– which I believe partly explains why regions can sometimes be perceived as reacting negatively to change. From a State Government perspective, initia- tives like the Queensland new industry devel- opment strategy lay the platform for working with local communities to take a place-based approach to developing regionally specific infra- structure and land use plans. However, I firmly believe it’s up to regional com- munities to proactively take ownership of shap- ing the future of their local industries, employ- ment opportunities, and lifestyle. Local mayors and MPs are important voices, but they’re not the only leadership voices that need to be heard. Private sector businesses, NGOs and local entrepreneurs also have a lot to contribute and would be well placed to inject innovative think- ing and alternate ways of framing problems and potential solutions. We need to acknowledge that they have wis- dom and experience in solving real-world prob- lems and provide opportunities for them to share their ideas. This would also help us avoid something we see all too often – innovations that are not actu- ally tied to a problem. I’m not sure we really need another app to get a meal to my door in 20 minutes. When we look at the really great regional sto- ries, they had a problem, they felt the pain, they needed the solution, and so they went about creating it. The Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is an excellent example of an independent regional organisation that is ensuring its local commu- nity is ahead of the curve. They’re the first in Queensland to develop a

community-led and community-owned decar- bonisation strategy. Encompassing the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday local government areas – tradition- ally reliant on mining, agriculture, and tourism – the GW3 works closely with government, the community and the private sector to develop new economic growth opportunities, includ- ing in biofutures, aquaculture, aviation, and aerospace. Most importantly, they’ve done the hard yards, got the basics right, made the connections, and can now focus on the big adaptive challenges fac- ing their region. They are also very clear on edu- cating the community about what the impacts on their regional industries are and what needs to happen to ensure they thrive in the future economy. What regions need Despite what some may think, regional Queensland is not a talent wasteland. There are some exceptionally capable and experienced individuals spread right across the state. Many are under-utilising their skills and could add considerable value to businesses or government agencies who are willing to invest in, and support, regional entrepreneurs and SMEs. However, they too face more structural hurdles than their metropolitan counterparts. Dr Chad Renando, whose work involves meas- uring the impact of innovation investment and entrepreneurs across Australia, has estimated regional start-ups face an additional two years of work and $150,000 of costs compared to those based in capital cities. This includes costs and lost opportunities related to market access, workforce access,

While they may not always describe them- selves as innovators, regional Queenslanders are innate problem solvers and they have a lot to contribute as government, industry and busi- ness work collectively towards our transition to a low-carbon economy. We know the heavy lifting needed to get to net zero by 2050 is not going to all happen in down- town Brisbane. Regional communities that are home to our major industries will be more sig- nificantly impacted. It’s therefore critical that regional Queenslanders have a clear and tangible role in shaping the future of their communities and the industries their regions support. Of course, governments at a local, state and federal level have an important part to play in providing the foundations and guardrails. I believe government works best when it’s a genuine stakeholder at the table, providing its piece of the solution. However, the com- munity needs to own the solution and drive it into the future.

Getting ahead One of the keys to empowering regional com- munities is moving them away from what might be described as a ‘reactive mindset’. In recent times, some communities have been surprised to look up one day and find the main street filled with orange shirts. People didn’t understand where they fitted into the picture and we haven’t been able to bring them along

INNOVATIA

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INNOVATIA

| Queensland Economic and Innovation Special Report

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