The Australia TradeCoast area gives Brisbane and South East Queensland an enormous advantage, combining port, airport, rail, river and motorway infrastructure with enormous commercial and industrial land resources.
2008 has been another excellent year for Australia TradeCoast.
David Harrison, chairman of the board attributes this success to the collaborative and powerful relationships with the organisation’s shareholding partners: Port of Brisbane Corporation, Brisbane Airport Corporation, the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council’s Invest Brisbane. Together they promote Australia TradeCoast’s unique location and 8,000 hectare prime economic development zone at the mouth of the Brisbane River, together with the business community.
Mr Harrison said, “More than ever the global oil market, recent economic volatility and the need for responsible environmental decisions mean that businesses are looking for cost effective, sustainable solutions to maximise access to markets and minimise transit times and costs.
“Australia TradeCoast offers world class infrastructure, property development and unparalleled links to air, sea and major road and rail freight transport facilities. No other location in Australia offers a gateway to major transport, trade, suppliers and end users in one location, all within 10km of the Brisbane CBD.”
Business activities within the Australia TradeCoast precinct are a major contributor to the Queensland economy. The region is home to over 7,500 businesses and expects directly to employ more than 110,000 people by 2026, with a forecast value to the economy of $9.4billion, making Australia TradeCoast a key driver of South East Queensland’s economic growth.
Australia TradeCoast and its partners are proud to outline the major achievements of 2008, Mr Harrison said.
Increased demand at the Port of Brisbane and Brisbane Airport has led to major investment in new passenger and freight facilities. The Port of Brisbane has enjoyed its highest growth rate in seven years, increasing trade by 7.7 percent and setting a new record for trade through the port.
Container trade has recorded increases in 2007/8, with international trade now valued at $37.5billion. A seventh container berth, Berth 10, is now operational. Completion of a General Purpose Berth is expected by mid-2009 with a further two container berths due for completion in 2012 and 2014.
AIRPORT ACCOLADES
With the new international terminal, Brisbane Airport now welcomes more than 14.5 million domestic and 4.1 million international passengers annually.
Brisbane Airport was named the Australian Airports Association (AAA) Capital City Airport of the Year in November, recognising environmentally sustainable performance as a winning element and proving long term sustainable practices make good business sense.
Brisbane Airport was also named the Best Airport Asia-Pacific at the prestigious Skytrax Awards, and the world’s best water saver at the 2008 International Water Association Awards in Europe.
INVESTMENT DRIVE
The Queensland Government, through Invest Queensland, and Brisbane City Council, through Invest Brisbane, are the key investment attraction partners for Australia TradeCoast. These agencies have built on collaborative efforts with partners to drive the growth of business within the state.
Invest Queensland has spearheaded efforts to attract major domestic and international firms to Queensland, providing information on emerging markets and opportunities and promoting the competitive advantage the state offers.
The investment focus for the Australia TradeCoast region is aligned with the Queensland Government priority industries of aviation, aerospace and manufacturing, however the reach of Invest Queensland goes much further.
By working in collaboration with Australia TradeCoast, its landowners and existing businesses, Invest Queensland will continue to help build this significant industry hub.
Invest Brisbane has attracted an exciting portfolio of companies to Brisbane during 2007/8 resulting in $262million in capital investment, of which $45million has been directed into the Australia TradeCoast region.
Projects secured by Invest Brisbane in 2007/8 created 1,107 new jobs and ensured the retention of a further 1,318 jobs in Brisbane.
2009 DEVELOPMENT
In the year ahead, Australia TradeCoast will work closely with its partners to attract development into the region from new markets.
The Queensland Government will maintain an aggressive approach to address skills shortages by focussing on increased business migration activities through the Work-Live-Play migration campaign. It will also foster innovation and the commercialisation of Queensland ingenuity, both in Australia and overseas, by implementing initiatives under the Smart State and Q2 strategies.
Invest Brisbane will target new international markets with major sector potential, such as Spain’s infrastructure and energy industries, Japan’s food and beverage businesses and the United Arab Emirates for infrastructure and development.
Board chairman David Harrison acknowledges there are challenges, but is certain that strategic and prudent planning, with ongoing research and evaluation of investment and focussed marketing, means the Australia TradeCoast partnership can weather current economic trends and continue positive growth.
“No business can be immune to current economic turmoil, which will reverberate across world markets for some time to come,” Mr Harrison said. “It is as important as ever for Australia TradeCoast to work strategically with our partners and industry to achieve real and sustainable growth.
“In March 2008 we published an Economic Assessment and Forecast Study which reinforced the region’s unlimited long-term opportunities for trade and investment. To be successful, growth must be supported by a coordinated approach to infrastructure development and land use.
“The Australia TradeCoast partnership has invested over $1billion since 2005 and forecasts a further $10billion in investment by 2010. We will continue to review trends to ensure we can meet oncoming challenges and achieve planned infrastructure development in 2009.”
Looking forward to 2009, Mr Harrison said, “We will shortly present a Freight Study which quantifies the significance of freight and logistics activities for the region. A comprehensive investigation into the transport network, centred on Australia TradeCoast as a region, offered a number of strategic insights which are being considered alongside wider planning initiatives.
“Our new general manager, Brett Fraser, joined us in December and will work closely with the Australia TradeCoast team and our partners to further develop this important economic region and the strength of the Australia TradeCoast brand.”
www.australiatradecoast.com.au ♦
Australia Trade Coast
Best known brands
Australia TradeCoast. Synergy newsletter.
Industries
Aviation, avionics, shipping, marine, freight, logistics, warehousing and distribution, infrastructure, property, advance manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, tourism, retail.
Chief spokesman
Brett Fraser, General Manager.
Contact
Australia TradeCoast
11 The Circuit, Brisbane Airport,
PO Box 61, Hamilton, Qld 4007
Tel: +61 7 3406 5750
info@australiatradecoast.com.au
www.australiatradecoast.com.au
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