On Monday 31 August, more than 70 leaders from government, industry, community organisations and regional development gathered to launch RDA Brisbane’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and signal a shared commitment to Queensland’s future.

The event, generously hosted by McCullough Robertson, marked the unveiling of a new strategic direction and a powerful demonstration of RDA Brisbane’s growing role as a connector, advocate and catalyst for regional development across Queensland.

“This evening is about much more than launching a document,” RDA Brisbane Chair Kieren Dell said. “Our Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap, but real progress will come from the partnerships, collaboration and shared commitment needed to turn that vision into outcomes. Queensland’s regions are central to our state’s future prosperity, and RDA Brisbane is committed to connecting government, industry and communities to unlock opportunities for Queensland.”

In welcoming guests, including Cr Fiona Cunningham, Deputy Lord Mayor of Brisbane, and Bryson Head MP, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals and Member for Callide, Mr Dell acknowledged the breadth of and diversity of the leaders, partners and stakeholders represented at the launch.

A highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by RDA Brisbane CEO Nicole Duguid, featuring Bryson Head MP; Dominique Lamb, Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and Mike Swart, CEO of the Queensland Manufacturing Institute and Industry Capability Network. The panel explored the Strategic Plan’s four pillars: leveraging Brisbane 2032 for regional benefit, advancing sovereign capability, enabling infrastructure and connectivity, and growing thriving regional communities.

One of the evening’s most engaging conversations centred on talent, opportunity and regional liveability. Dominique Lamb challenged attendees to think differently about what it takes to build thriving communities.

“We often talk about encouraging people to stay in the regions, but the reality is that not every region can currently support every aspiration,” Ms Lamb said. “If you’re an elite high jumper chasing Olympic success, there may be a point where you need to leave your hometown to access specialist facilities and coaching. The opportunity presented by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is to change that equation.”

Bryson Head brought a personal perspective shaped by his own career as a geologist, speaking candidly about the value of gaining experience beyond regional communities.

“Leaving a regional town to build skills and experience can be incredibly valuable. I did it myself,” Mr Head said. “The real challenge is making sure our regions are places people want to come back to. That means creating career opportunities, investing in infrastructure and services, and building communities where people can see a future for themselves and their families.”

The conversation also explored how regional businesses can position themselves to capture opportunities from Brisbane 2032, infrastructure investment and Queensland’s growing sovereign capability agenda.

Mike Swart highlighted that significant opportunities exist for regional businesses, whether they choose to pursue contracts independently or work collaboratively through partnerships and consortia.

“The opportunities are there for regional businesses, but preparation is everything,” Mr Swart said. “The organisations that are preparing now, building relationships, demonstrating capability and thinking strategically about collaboration will be best placed to participate in future procurement opportunities.”

The strongest message from the night was clear: strategy only matters if it translates into action. As conversations continued after the formal proceedings, the launch showed that RDA Brisbane’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 provides the roadmap — and the relationships in the room showed that the work is already underway.