Council and CQUniversity sign for a Smart Way Forward

Published on 05 February 2016

Rockhampton Regional Council and CQUniversity have today signed an agreement to establish a close working partnership in support of developing our region as a Smart Regional Centre.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets out a multipronged approach to support local businesses, jobs growth and economic development in the Region.

“Working closely with CQUniversity we will be able to jointly pursue funding opportunities and innovative ways to attract and harness opportunities that improve our liveability.

“Both organisations will share information and resources as we develop smart regional initiatives, we will create an approach to develop agribusiness opportunities, and we will also explore ways to extend the Eduroam network via Council’s public Wi-Fi infrastructure,” she said.

 CQUniversity Associate Vice-Chancellor of the Rockhampton Region, Kim Harrington said the signing of the MOU between CQUniversity and Rockhampton Regional Council is a very positive step forward for the entire region.

“Here we have two very large regional employers and economic influencers joining forces to work together on areas of mutual community benefit, playing off the unique strengths of one another.

“This is a reflection of the great working relationship CQUniversity enjoys with RRC, but more importantly, it sets a roadmap for how we can work more strategically to better meet the opportunities and challenges of our region,” she said.

This is an initiative of The Smart Way Forward Digital Strategy that was adopted on December 8, 2015. The Strategy targets investment in smart technologies and innovation focused in the areas of the economy, city and regional liveability and the environment.

Council will continue to establish similar partnerships with other local organisations to help pave a smart way forward for the Region.