Economic Development Strategy for the City of Brisbane

Policy 2: Research, Information Technology and Knowledge-Based Industry

The Strategy envisages Brisbane achieving a high level of research and innovation in relative world terms, and the development of a significant share of its economy focused on knowledge-based industries and clusters, particularly in the information sector. To this end we will be:

• preparing an Information Technology (IT) Strategy for Brisbane within the framework of the State’s overall Communication and Information Strategic Plan; and
• developing a Cluster Location and Support Strategy for emerging Knowledge-Based Industries.

Policy 3: Export Performance Enhancement

BCC will contribute to growing an export culture in the city by collaborating with the international, commercial and promotional operations of the Queensland Government. We will also encourage Brisbane firms to participate, as appropriate, in export opportunities where Brisbane City Enterprises (BCC’s commercial arm) is able to negotiate projects which commercialise public agency intellectual property, services and products.

Policy 4: Visitors, Business Events and Attractions

The Economic Development Strategy addresses Brisbane’s tourism products and opportunities with a view to maximising economic value to the city, including tourism product development, improved coordination between industry stakeholders, image creation and systematic marketing.

Policy 5: Human Resources

Human Resources policy within the Strategy envisages a partnership with the business community, the State Government and education institutions, to raise investment in education in Brisbane to ‘World Best’ levels, and to ensure that it meets Brisbane’s economic development requirements.

Among the initiatives, a forum of key stakeholders is planned, which would develop a program to meet the challenges of 21st century education and training. Another example of the proposed tasks would be the orientation of BCC’s graduate, traineeship and apprenticeships programs and complementary recruitment programs by the State Government to increase the skill base in Brisbane.

Policy 6: Infrastructure Development

Higher priority is to be given, under the Strategy, to significant economic infrastructure projects (including ‘Smart City’ communications) and operations according to ‘World’s Best’ practice. Among key measures are:

• preparation of a Telecommunications Infrastructure Strategy for Brisbane consistent with the State’s Communication and Information Strategy,
• the planning of future utility and infrastructure corridors for Brisbane, and
• a joint BCC/State/Industry working party to review infrastructure financing and operating alternatives, including issues related to private participation where cost effective.

Policy 7: Strategic Land Development

BCC, the State Government and business would work together, under the Strategy, to promote development of strategic land parcels, urban renewal and a wide choice and availability of business accommodation in Brisbane. Development of the "Gateway Ports" area is among the areas of highest priority. Consideration will also be given to extending to new areas, the activities of Brisbane’s Urban Renewal Task Force.

Policy 8: Small Business

Through the Strategy’s Small Business Policy, the need for certainty and clarity for small business in dealing with Brisbane City Council is addressed. Related actions envisage provision of small business information support in partnership with the State Government. Also included, is the incorporation of BCC business-related licences into the State’s SmartLicence system and database.

Policy 9: Regulatory Reform and Efficiency

As part of its drive to minimise unwarranted impediments to private sector and Council commercial activities, it is BCC’s policy to review existing and proposed Council regulations. This and other actions are intended to effect a significant reduction in compliance costs for business and processing time for development applications.

Policy 10: Local Economic Development

Programs under the Economic Development Strategy will encourage and support economic development at the local community level. Amongst the initiatives, BCC is implementing a local business advisor program to revitalise selected suburban shopping precincts.