ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
development practitioners seeking to support
businesses during disruptive periods of construction.
This edition also features an article by Neil
Glentworth with a rallying call for Australia to develop
a strong “Smart Nation” vision in order to unlock the
economic development opportunities associated with
global technological advances.
Simon Molloy provides a fascinating case study
regarding work commissioned by Regional
Development Australia, Northern Rivers NSW to
investigate the potential for the digital sector to act as
a growth driver in the Northern Rivers.
FROM THE CEO
It is my pleasure to introduce this special Awards of
Excellence edition of the Economic Development
Australia (EDA) Journal.
The 2018 National Economic Development Awards
of Excellence finalists and winners are featured in
this edition. We look forward to showcasing some
of the award-winning case studies in more detail
throughout the year through the website, the EDA
webinar program and other face to face workshops.
These case studies illustrate leadership and
innovation and we congratulate them all.
In addition to the winners showcase, we are pleased
to include an article by Amanda Gooddy from
Sunshine Coast Council who was a recipient of
EDA’s Study Tour Program. Amanda’s visit to New
Orleans provides valuable insight for economic
This edition also highlights the REMPLAN economic
profile which is available for EDA members on the
EDA website. Access and analyses of quality data
helps EDA members identity risk and opportunity
and equips them to better understand the levers for
competitiveness.
Thank you to the practitioners and organisations who
have contributed to this edition and we encourage
other economic development professionals to
share their projects and insights for future editions.
Information regarding submitting an article for the
Journal can be found here.
We hope you enjoy this special edition of the EDA
Journal and if you would like further information about
any of EDA’s activities or initiatives, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Jacqueline Brinkman
CEO
Economic Development Australia
VOL.11 NO.2 2018 | 5