Dr Gaye Hart AM, Chair of Regional Development Australia Hunter, addressed the annual Hunter Conference of the Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA) which was held at Newcastle City Hall.
Dr Hart presented during the opening session – Hunter Region snapshot: Economy and Industry and discuss sustaining the Hunter’s economy for the future.
“Looking into the future – a future dependent upon investment, infrastructure and innovation – is akin to peering into a kaleidoscope, but RDA Hunter has endeavoured to bring some clarity to the picture – at least through to 2036 – by engaging Deloitte Access Economics to conduct an economic foresighting study,” said RDA Hunter Chair, Dr Gaye Hart AM.
“It is generally accepted that there are four significant influences likely to impact Australia into the future – changing demographic trends, climate change adaption policies, information technology and the Asian Century – each one impacting the Hunter’s economy.”
“The Hunter’s response to these influences and challenges is critical to our prospects in the longer term. RDA Hunter advocates building on our traditional strengths in resources, energy generation, manufacturing and construction as well as agriculture.”
Dr Hart also said that focusing on securing investment, putting in place supporting infrastructure and promoting innovation, research, knowledge and skills building were key to Hunter’s future.
The CEDA Conference will commenced with a dinner at Newcastle City Hall featuring keynote speaker Phil Ruthven, Founder and Chairman of IBISWorld and continued with a varied program of speakers including Su McCluskey of Regional Australia Institute, John O’Brien of Jurox and Prof Caroline McMillen, Vice Chancellor of the University of Newcastle.
Download Dr Gaye Hart’s presentation
Dr Gaye Hart CEDA Address 2013
View NBN Television’s story http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2013/08/28/innovation-the-key/