Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Small and large business operations are the backbone of our regions' economies, providing jobs, investment and growth opportunities. I rise to inform the House of a significant event underway in the city of Rockhampton this week that highlights such opportunities. The Central Queensland Industry and Resources Expo showcases new innovations from mining and agriculture to health, transport and tourism. This event supports the business industry and resource sectors of Rockhampton, Gladstone and the Southern Bowen and Galilee Basins.

The expo at the Rockhampton Showgrounds is in its third year. Organisers say it highlights extraordinary opportunities that are developing as a result of Central Queensland's industry and resource sector. I take this moment to acknowledge the huge contribution this sector makes to Capricornia. Companies like BMA, BHP Billiton, Anglo coal and many other resource players have invested heavily in our region, and have changed the face of economic prosperity for not only Queensland but the nation. They invest in local infrastructure and pour money into our local towns, and I look forward to new opportunities where they allow local people to access more local jobs in the future.