The emergence of digital technology within regional business development has opened up significant new opportunities that will take traditional core business operations to a new level.
“If the Bundaberg Region is to achieve its full potential as an open, responsive and strong economy, it can no longer approach the traditional industries of the region, such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing in a way that doesn’t include increasing levels of innovative technology.”
That’s the view of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Economic Development portfolio spokesman Cr Greg Barnes who is excited by the possibilities that may emerge from a joint technology study soon to be undertaken in partnership involving Council and the State Government.
“The Bundaberg Region has been selected as one of seven regions across Queensland to participate in a regional startup ecosystem mapping project. The project aims to quantify the region’s ecosystem around early-stage high growth digital technology companies (startups).
Cr Barnes said an invitation to attend a workshop is being extended to interested persons who are part of a technology startup company, or are involved with supporting early-stage technology startups within the Bundaberg Region.
“The outcome from the exercise is to better understand and benchmark how well our region supports and fosters technology initiatives,” Cr Barnes said.
“The project will focus on identifying key people, organisations, events and innovation hubs within the community around which technologically creative activity is centralised.
Jointly funded by the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI) the project will be facilitated by project delivery partner Boundlss.
The final report from this project will document Bundaberg’s comparative strength, identify critical issues within the ecosystem, and acknowledge potential areas for government and local stakeholder collaboration and investigation.
“Much of Council’s effort regarding our region’s digital economy has been centred on two primary elements, the first being advocacy for enabling digital infrastructure such as access to affordable broadband and mobile telecommunications and the second being around digital business productivity,” said Cr Barnes.
“It is envisaged that a final report will map the key personnel and organisations currently involved in or with the potential to be involved in supporting early stage technology startups within the Bundaberg Region.
“Council sees this project as a means to leverage our region’s strengths and make the necessary improvements, which can help to grow our region’s technology sector and technology-based businesses that drive creativity, innovation, and job creation.”
Council will be collaborating closely with local businesses, organisations and business leaders including the four regional Chambers of Commerce, the Bundaberg Business Enterprise Centre, CQ University, and Wide Bay Volunteers.
An information gathering workshop facilitated by Boundlss and involving start-ups, Council, and organisations from throughout the region will be held on 29 June from 9 am – 12 pm at the Fairymead House Function Centre.
Interested people within the Bundaberg Region who would like to attend this workshop can email Andrew Beckenhauer at info@businessbundaberg.com.au or call on 1300 883 699.