Empowering South East Queensland’s Growth with a Connected Digital Future
At the SEQ Local Government Forum, Indara’s CEO Cameron Evans highlighted the critical role of digital connectivity in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and preparing the region for future challenges and opportunities.
On Friday, September 6, 2024, Indara’s CEO Cameron Evans and Senior Manager for New Markets Ian Hatton attended the SEQ Local Government Forum, hosted by the Council of Mayors (SEQ). The event brought together over 100 mayors, councillors, and CEOs from across South East Queensland (SEQ) to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the region, particularly in light of the upcoming October State elections.
Cameron Evans was a featured panelist in a discussion on SEQ’s digital future, where he received strong applause from local leaders as he emphasised the centrality of digital connectivity in the region’s growth and prosperity. Cameron spoke passionately about the urgent need to prioritise infrastructure delivery, including digital networks, ahead of the planned population growth, ensuring SEQ remains at the forefront of Australia’s digital evolution. His vision resonated with many in attendance, who agreed that strong digital foundations are essential to unlocking the region’s economic potential.
The Indara team also had the opportunity to meet with key decision-makers, including mayors and CEOs from SEQ councils. These leaders shared their plans to grow the region’s economy through high-value knowledge-based jobs — a vision that relies heavily on digital connectivity. Cameron and Ian highlighted Indara’s commitment to investing in the region’s digital future, a message warmly received by the attendees. As digital infrastructure continues to underpin economic development, Indara’s commitment to supporting SEQ’s ambitions through strategic investment and partnership was a key takeaway from the event.
The forum also featured insights from key political figures, including Minister Grace Grace MP and David Crisafulli MP, who discussed the region’s priorities ahead of the 2024 State Government elections. They highlighted opportunities for strengthened partnerships between the state government and SEQ councils to address critical issues like transport, infrastructure, and housing.
A significant highlight of the forum was a keynote by Microsoft’s CTO, Sarah Carney, who outlined how advances in AI and technology are set to create a wealth of future jobs and business opportunities in the region. The discussion further underscored the importance of robust digital infrastructure in enabling SEQ to attract global talent and investment.
Photo (credit – SEQ Council of Mayors): Sarah Carney
Throughout the day, a common theme emerged — the role of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in driving infrastructure development. Chris Jones and David “Luttsy” Lutteral, co-hosts of the Towards the Games podcast, shared their experiences from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, emphasising the critical role local communities will play in ensuring a successful Games bubble in SEQ.
In addition to discussions on digital infrastructure, the forum featured insightful perspectives from leaders like Justin McGowan GAICD, Daniel Finch, and Dan Parsons on how the region can leverage global investment to boost trade, tourism, and business benefits. Notably, Sarah Pearson, Neil Glentworth, and Sarah Carney joined Cameron Evans in discussing how collaboration across councils and businesses can drive innovation, growth, and cost savings in SEQ’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
As the forum concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and excitement about SEQ’s future. Indara remains dedicated to being at the forefront of this journey, driven by our purpose to accelerate a digitised future for our communities. We believe that a connected digital infrastructure is not just a foundation for growth but a catalyst for economic resilience, innovation, and social cohesion in SEQ.
Our commitment is clear: to empower SEQ to harness its full potential and achieve sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and investments in digital connectivity. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on how we are turning our purpose into action, championing a brighter, more connected future for all.
Related articles –
100 Mayors, Councillors tackle SEQ’s future in Brisbane (seqmayors.qld.gov.au)
Header Photo: Cameron Evans, Sarah Pearson, Sarah Carney, Neil Glentworth
