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Business sustainability under the spotlight
15 June, 2005
State of the Region 2005 - Sustainable Business
The University, in conjunction with the Committee for Economic
Development of Australia (CEDA), will examine the future of
business on the Sunshine Coast at the inaugural State of the Region
Conference on July 1.
State of the Region 2005 - Sustainable Business brings together
key state and regional decision-makers to discuss future trends,
how to create trends and how to develop sustainable partnerships
between business and local Government.
The forum is open to those interested in growing business on the
Sunshine Coast.
Dr Scott Prasser, Director of the Sunshine Coast Research
Institute for Business Enterprise (SCRIBE) at USC, said the State
of the Region Conference, with its practical focus on sustainable
business, will identify the trends facing the Coast and how
business can best harness these to maximise growth.
"The Sunshine Coast is entering a critical phase in its
development so the Conference is timely and will inform attendees
of the future options facing the region," Dr Prasser said.
Entrepreneurs, business leaders and academic experts will
discuss issues specific to the Sunshine Coast such as economic,
demographic and environmental trends, infrastructure, growth
strategies, tourism and transport and cover the retail, tourism and
manufacturing industries.
Guest speakers include: Daniel Gschwind, Chief Executive,
Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Managing Director of Rockcote
Enterprises Bob Cameron, Professor Peter Spearritt from the
Brisbane Institute, and Alison Taylor, well known demographer from
the Department of local Government and Planning.
Professor of Finance and Dean of the University's Faculty of
Business, Deborah Ralston will discuss economic trends and the
Director of USC's Institute for Sustainability, Health and Regional
Engagement, Associate Professor Ron Neller, will look at
environmental issues on the Coast.
An important highlight of the Conference will be a panel
question and answer session featuring the Sunshine Coast's three
mayors, Cr Don Aldous, Caloundra City Council, Cr Joe Natoli,
Maroochy Shire Council and Cr Bob Abbot, Noosa Shire Council who
will focus on Local Government - Sustainable Partnerships.
The panel will be facilitated by Kim Christie, President of the
Combined Sunshine Coast Chambers of Commerce.
The Conference is sponsored by GHD Engineering, INVESTA Property
Group, Phillips Fox Solicitors, Lendlease, and Commerce
Queensland.
For further enquiries call (07) 5459 4469 or (07) 3229 9955.