A $1 million program to boost jobs and local businesses in the Redlands and Logan through innovation hubs and education centres has been launched.
Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said the government would back the project led by Redland City Council with funding of $500,000 over three years through its Advancing Regional Innovation Program.
Eleven partners, including Logan City Council, Griffith University, Little Tokyo 2 innovation hub and the Redland City Chamber of Commerce will match the state’s funding.
“The Redland and Logan ARIP has a robust, multipronged approach to fostering business growth that includes the establishment of innovation hubs and a series of innovation summits and entrepreneurial events,” Ms Enoch said.
Redland Mayor Karen Williams said innovation was at the core of council’s service delivery, with smart cities and digital connectivity a strategic priority.
“The Redlands is looking to become a nursery for innovation and this partnership will help grow our local innovation sector,” she said.
“By collaborating with Logan, innovative businesses and the state government, it will ensure our local innovators are well placed to grow their ideas, as well as their business networks.”
Redland City Chamber of Commerce president Lynne Sturgess said the chamber’s mission was to make Redlands the best place to do business in Queensland.
“The ARIP grant will provide not only funding, but also incentive for multiple organisations in Redlands and Logan to work together to generate a culture of innovation within the region,” Ms Sturgess said.
Logan mayor Luke Smith said hubs and innovation centres would allow Logan to work with Redland council, Griffith University and private investors to strengthen the local knowledge economy and create jobs.
“Establishing innovation spaces across our region will bring together students, community, and industry who can sit outside of bureaucracy and find solutions to problems,” Cr Smith said.
“The possibilities for start-ups will be endless with access to resources, networks, education, and mentors.”
Under ARIP, the Palaszczuk Government is providing matched funding up to $500,000 to Redland and Logan, Far North Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, North Queensland, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Fitzroy, Outback Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett, Darling Downs and Maranoa, Moreton Bay and Ipswich and West Moreton.
Visit the Advancing Regional Innovation Program advance.qld.gov.au/small-business/advancing-regional-innovation.aspx for more details on ARIP, or contact Frank Pearce on 0427 646 776 or frank.pearce@redland.qld.gov.au
