RDA Gold Coast

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Southport, QLD
RDA Gold Coast

Local people creating local opportunities
Regional investment, innovation, equity, sustainable growth

The Australian Government has established 55 community-based RDA Committees around Australia, including one at the Gold Coast, each made up of committed local leaders with a strong grass roots understanding of their regions. RDA Committees work with their communities to identify challenges, opportunities and priorities for action. They are local people developing local solutions to local issues.

10/06/2026

🏗️Shaping the Future of Construction in Queensland🏗️

The TAFE Centre of Excellence Construction Tech invites industry, government, unions, researchers, and education partners to attend the Future of Construction Roundtables, taking place across Queensland.

The sessions will bring participants together to share their insights on key topics, including digital and advanced construction technologies, workforce pathways, and the skills and training required to support modern construction methods.

Roundtable Details:
📆22 June 2026
🕛12.00pm-2.00pm
📍TAFE Queensland Ashmore campus

For more information or to register, visit➡️ https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2026/june/future-of-construction-roundtables?mkt_tok=MDg5LVBVUi01MzEAAAGiSFSOI3jcjWZEUqcss6ANIaEKKvI8sDEWFMnOvtSK7qltVie3RcQsd9mkUdM2MyGRiaT2rN5gXgeZnqQ3uwxXwgy8C6oIY1lny8mupW30dI__sA

08/06/2026

“Our regions are central to Queensland’s future.”

Last Wednesday, RDA Gold Coast CEO, Estella Rodighiero, and Deputy Chair, Geoff Smith, joined fellow Regional Development Australia (RDA) CEOs, Chairs and Deputy Chairs from across Queensland at the RDA Queensland Strategy Meeting held at Queensland Parliament House.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to collaborate with the Honourable Dale Last - Member for Burdekin, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing, and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, along with Queensland Government representatives, on key issues shaping the future of our regions and other regional development priorities.🛠️⚙️

The day also included valuable engagement with the Premier David Crisafulli MP, Mr Bryson Head MP, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals, Ms Bree James - Barron River MP, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland, Mr Andrew Cripps QLD, Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland and Mr Wayde Chiesa MP, State Member for Hinchinbrook.

Bringing together representatives from all RDAs across Queensland, the meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration, shared insights and advancing regional priorities. 🤝

👏A special thank you to the Department for supplying the event photos.

04/06/2026

What happens when one of Australia's most established steel manufacturers embraces innovation and sustainability?

This Flashback Friday, we're revisiting Chapter 1 of RDA Gold Coast's special four-part Sustainability Spotlight Eco-Series, where we explored how a proud Gold Coast steel manufacturer is helping shape a more sustainable future for industry.

Check out the first chapter here➡️ https://sustainablegoldcoast.org.au/sustainability-spotlight-neumann-steel/chapter-1

Headquartered in Currumbin, Neumann Steel has been helping shape Australia's infrastructure since 1970, contributing to iconic projects including the Q1 Tower, the Gold Coast Light Rail, and the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. But beyond construction, the company is building something even greater – a clean, green and sustainable future.

In this chapter, RDA Gold Coast CEO Estella Rodighiero explores Neumann Steel's remarkable sustainability journey and the tangible impacts it is delivering for industry, communities and the environment. 🌱🛠️

As we look back on this first chapter, we're reminded that sustainability isn't just about adapting to change, it's about leading it.

👏 Special thanks to Dan Bowers from Bowerbird Media Group for creating the reel!

03/06/2026

“We know there is a huge opportunity ahead for businesses on the Gold Coast – the challenge now is making sure every business can be part of that growth story”

Yesterday, RDA Gold Coast CEO, Estella Rodighiero was invited to attend the Ahead of the Game event hosted by Business Chamber Queensland.

The event provided valuable insights and practical guidance to help businesses build competitive advantage and prepare for a decade of unprecedented growth, with strategies focused on workforce capability, procurement readiness, branding and visibility, sustainability, and unlocking new market opportunities.

A standout panel featuring:
💼Dominique Lamb – Director of Community Affairs to the President, Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
💼Laura Maxwell – Managing Director, Queensland, News Corp Australia
💼John Warn – Chief Executive Officer, Experience Gold Coast
💼Schuyler Weiss – Managing Director, Bazmark
🎤Facilitator: Heidi Cooper – Chief Executive Officer, Business Chamber Queensland

The panel explored how the Gold Coast and broader South East Queensland can leverage rapid economic and population growth, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Australian Made brand, and the region’s strengths in tourism, events, creative industries and culture to drive long-term, inclusive economic development. 🏊‍♀️🌏

28/05/2026

☎️Have Your Say on the Future of Triple Zero ☎️

The Australian Government is seeking feedback on how the Triple Zero legislative and regulatory framework can continue to effectively deliver for Australians, both now and into the future.

The review will assess whether the current framework remains fit-for-purpose in supporting the delivery of Triple Zero services and identify opportunities for improvement across the following areas:

📞Public access to Triple Zero
📞Industry’s delivery of, and access to, Triple Zero
📞The impact of the legislative framework on emergency services
📞Government oversight of Triple Zero

Your feedback will help shape recommendations on how Triple Zero laws and rules could be improved to better fit the modern telecommunications environment.

📝Feedback closes Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Have your say here➡️ https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/triple-zero-legislative-and-regulatory-review

AusGov Infrastructure

25/05/2026

“What is the single biggest opportunity for the Southern Gold Coast economy between now and 2032?”

Last Friday, RDA Gold Coast and the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted the Winning Work Luncheon at The Homestead, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Designed specifically for Southern Gold Coast businesses navigating today’s toughest challenges, the event brought together 100 attendees for an outcomes-focused afternoon of insights and opportunity.

Our CEO, Estella Rodighiero, moderated an expert panel featuring:
🎤Leon Rebello MP – Federal Member for McPherson
🎤David Sinclair – Director-General, Department of Customer Service, Open Data and Small and Family Business
🎤Michelle Farquhar – Head of Queensland, Australian Industry Group
🎤Chris Guymer – Executive Director, Legacy and Policy, Olympic and Paralympic Games Office

The luncheon also featured presentations from Michael Lee, Principal Economic Development Officer, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, who outlined procurement and tendering opportunities for Southern Gold Coast businesses, and Michelle Farquhar, who provided insights on fuel supply and cost pressures, workforce relations, the federal budget outlook, business improvement, and employment regulations. 💼✍️

👏A special thank you to the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to co-host this impactful luncheon.

Stay tuned for post-event interviews with our panellists and Leanne Cohen, President of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce, in the coming weeks!

20/05/2026

⏰SURVEY EXTENDED: Gold Coast Businesses — Have Your Say on Energy Challenges⏰

With energy costs continuing to rise and reliability challenges impacting businesses across the region, now is the time to share your feedback.

The Your Business, Your Energy Survey, delivered by RDA Gold Coast in partnership with Energex and Ergon Energy Network has officially been EXTENDED until Friday, 29 May 2026.🚨💡

Your insights will help inform future:
⚡Energy pricing and tariffs
⚡Business support initiatives
⚡Reliability and outage planning
⚡Solar, battery and EV readiness across the region

If your business has experienced challenges relating to energy costs, outages, or future energy planning, we encourage you to participate.

⏱️Takes 10 minutes to complete
📝Closes on Friday 29 May 2026, 5.00pm.

Complete the survey➡️ https://survey.energyq.com.au/jfe/form/SV_6PuTbDshgZlm6Nw?Region=GC

Your feedback will play an important role in supporting the future energy needs of Gold Coast businesses.

19/05/2026

⏰ JUST 4 DAYS LEFT TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS ⏰

This Friday, Estella Rodighiero will co-host, MC and facilitate Winning Work, a practical business support luncheon delivered by RDA Gold Coast and the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Designed specifically for Southern Gold Coast businesses navigating today’s toughest challenges, this collaborative event brings together senior government representatives, industry specialists and funding bodies for a practical, outcomes-focused afternoon of insights and opportunity.

Moderated by Estella Rodighiero, the panel includes:
💼Mr Leon Rebello MP – Federal Member for McPherson
💼Mr David Sinclair – Director-General, Customer Service, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Queensland Government
💼Mr Chris Guymer – Executive Director, Legacy and Policy, Olympic and Paralympic Games Office
💼Ms Michelle Farquhar – Head of Queensland, Australian Industry Group

Presentations from:
🎤Mr Michael Lee – Principal Economic Development Officer, Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure, and Planning
🎤Ms Michelle Farquhar – Head of Queensland, Australian Industry Group

Event Details:
📆 Friday, 22 May 2026
🕦 11.30am – 2.00pm
📍 The Homestead, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
🎟️ Tickets: https://sgc.org.au/events/winning-work-a-practical-business-support-luncheon/

15/05/2026

“People are coming for the lifestyle, but more and more, they’re coming for the jobs, the investment and the opportunity they don’t see anywhere else in the country.” – Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel

Yesterday morning, RDA Gold Coast CEO, Estella Rodighiero, attended the 2026 Housing Industry Association - HIA Gold Coast Industry Outlook Breakfast to stay informed on the latest economic and housing trends shaping our region.

Insights from the HIA Economist team highlighted current and future housing conditions across the Gold Coast and Queensland, while the Real Estate Industry Outlook session with BDO underscored the pressures facing the sector, including limited developable land, rising material costs, ongoing labour and subcontractor shortages, and the growing demands of the 2032 infrastructure pipeline.

Dominique Lamb, Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane Olympic Games, shared an update on preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, outlining significant opportunities for local businesses. With 14 host cities across Queensland, billions in infrastructure investment, and procurement pathways for SMEs, the Games are set to deliver lasting economic and employment benefits.

The Gold Coast’s continued growth was also front of mind with Cr Mark Hammel, the Deputy Mayor, highlighting the urgency of a new planning scheme to improve housing supply, affordability, and infrastructure coordination as the city moves towards its 2030 vision.

12/05/2026

🌱City of Gold Coast’s Nature-Based Tourism Grants Program is now open🌱

The program supports new and existing businesses in delivering low-impact, immersive experiences that promote environmental conservation and cultural heritage.

Round 2 offers 2 funding streams to support projects of all sizes.
🪴Small grants (under $100k): for existing and new Gold Coast businesses delivering low-impact products and quick activation projects.

🪴Large grants ($100k to $500k): for new or significantly enhanced best practice, low-impact, nature-based tourism experiences and associated infrastructure.

📝Applications are open now until 30 June 2026 for small grants and until 31 July 2026 for large grants.

For more information or to apply, visit➡️ https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Invest-do-business/Supporting-business/Business-incentives-investment-programs/Nature-based-tourism?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

Address

Level 9, Seabank Building, 12-14 Marine Parade
Southport, QLD
4215

Telephone

+61411558834

Website

https://industry4.0.rdagoldcoast.org.au/, https://biomed.rdagoldcoast.org.au/, https://goldcoastrjc.org.au/, https://sus

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