Council and CQU to sign an MOU for Smart Regional Centre Strategy

Published on 08 December 2015

CQUniversity will become the first organisation to sign up to Rockhampton Regional Council’s Smart Regional Centre strategy. 

Rockhampton Regional Council and CQUniversity have agreed to signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) document which commits both parties to cooperate on economic development opportunities and improve the liveability and sustainability of the region.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said the opportunity for Rockhampton to build a more diverse economy is very real.

“The Smart Regional Centre initiative will build on existing strengths and embrace the realities of a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy to create the jobs and industries of tomorrow,” Mayor Margaret Strelow said.

A key focus of the partnership will be the development of agri-business opportunities within the region.

CQUniversity’s Provost, Professor Hillary Winchester says, “CQUniversity will use this opportunity to showcase innovative new technology and processes in key university research areas, such as agri-business and environmental science. This will give local students unique opportunities to apply their studies locally and get jobs in the region.”

This MOU is expected to be the first of a number of similar agreements signed by both Rockhampton Regional Council, major employers and peak organisations across the region.