The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Federal Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor, will host a Gladstone Industry Roundtable tomorrow, to discuss future major projects in the region as the Rudd Government looks to consolidate Australia's economic recovery from the global recession.
Industry leaders will meet for the roundtable discussions at Chris Trevor's electoral office in Goondoon Street to discuss the $65 billion in new projects in the pipeline for the Gladstone region.
"I'm looking forward to hearing feedback from the industry leaders in this dynamic region of Australia," the Assistant Treasurer said.
"The energy and resources sector will play a massive role in Australia's future economic growth and the Rudd Government is charting an ambitious course of development for the benefit of local Gladstone industries and Australia as a whole."
"The Rudd Government is facilitating private sector expansion around the country with the most comprehensive infrastructure investment program seen in decades through our record $36 billion nation-building program."
Around 80 major new resource projects are slated to start operations in Australia by 2015 and it's estimated they will lead to an increase of around $92 billion in real GDP and create direct and indirect jobs across the country.
"Gladstone is set to play a major role in the nation's growth in this important energy and resources sector, which will bring major benefits in terms of local jobs and business activity," Mr Trevor said.
"Gladstone itself is set to benefit from a $65 billion boost from various projects earmarked for our region. How we manage and sustain this growth will be crucial to the success of our local community."
"I'm keen for my home town of Gladstone to reap the benefits as we grow into an even bigger regional hub capable of supporting a growing population with good jobs and a great lifestyle."
"If we are going to add 35,000 people to our community over the next 20 years then we need to start planning for this growth now, as a city of 100,000 presents both challenges and opportunities for us."
"The roundtable will help identify issues crucial for Gladstone's development as a centre of the energy and resource industry and ensure we are ready for the challenges that lie ahead," Mr Trevor said.