Advertisment

General News

13 February, 2025

Fiscal group leads the way

CASSOWARY Coast’s economic leadership group has been given a boost with nine high-fliers added to their numbers to help grow the region.

By Nick Dalton

Cassowary Coast Councillor Renee McLeod.
Cassowary Coast Councillor Renee McLeod.

The Cassowary Coast’s economic leadership committee (ELC) is designed to support economic growth, attract investment and improve the region’s overall liveability for current and future residents.

The newest members, who responded through an expressions of interest campaign, include Tania Olsen (Cassowary Coast River Improvement Trust), Lara Wilde (AgriFood Catalyst), Manu Lines (Ports North), Glen Murray (Queensland Seafood Industry Association), Lisa Connell (ERSCON Consulting Engineers), Sebastian Cavallaro (Coral Coast Financial Services), Dean Pease (Australian Fisheries Management Authority), Kavita Varghese and Peter Williamson.

The ELC is a group of community and industry leaders working together to oversee and guide the implementation of the ‘Growing Stronger Together 2033 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan’. The strategy is focused on supporting local businesses, attracting investors and making the Cassowary Coast a great place to live, work, stay and play. 

The ELC includes both standing members and members selected through an expression of interest process. 

A Cassowary Coast Regional Council spokeswoman said the response from the community and industry generated a strong pool of quality applicants with strong local knowledge and expertise. 

“The diverse group brings expertise across various field such as business, agriculture, tourism and health and social care, ensuring well rounded decision making,” she said.

Mayor Teresa Millwood said the ELC was “dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable local economy, with bold goals for significant population and job growth by 2033, together making the Cassowary Coast the region of choice for residents and investors”.

Economic portfolio holder Councillor Renee McLeod said the newly-appointed ELC was strong with broad expertise across diverse sectors.

“Their combined knowledge and varied perspectives make them an ideal team to tackle challenges and seize opportunities, guiding the Cassowary Coast toward a thriving future,” she said.

“This group will play a critical role in advancing the Growing Stronger Together 2033 Strategy, offering invaluable insights and recommendations that will empower (the) council to make well-informed, impactful economic decisions.”

ELC standing member organisations are Cassowary Coast Tourism, Australian Banana Growers Council, Canegrowers Innisfail, Canegrowers Tully, Ports North and the Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network.

Advertisment

Most Popular