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Note: RDAMBSC Board have reviewed structure and have upgraded the original advertised role from DRD to CEO role.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of Committees made up of community representatives who help to drive economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in regions through facilitating investment in people, places, services, and industries and local economies.

RDAs assist to bridge the regional development gaps in regions by working with a broad range of stakeholders across sectors and supporting the delivery of Australian Government strategic priorities.

RDA Moreton Bay & Sunshine Coast is looking for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to represent an innovative organisation which is committed to developing its region of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa, and work with regional RDAs to develop Queensland.

CEO Position description

The role of the CEO is to:

1. Connect stakeholders and facilitate opportunities

• Facilitate investment in people, places, services, and industries and local economies
• Support regional stakeholders, including local government and the not-for-profit-sector, to seek grant opportunities that advance strategic regional priorities
• Support decarbonisation efforts and the transformation to a net zero economy and enable regional linkages between sectors to achieve these aims
• Build the evidence for economic development, including innovation and diversification strategies
• Facilitate meaningful engagement across the three levels of government, and with diverse communities (especially First Nations people) to ensure investments deliver better outcomes for the region(s)
• Collaborate with integrity, transparency, respect and accountability
• Support gender equality

2. Advise government

• Contribute relevant data and local intelligence to support the evidence base to inform regional development strategies, program design and policy

3. Committee governance

• Managing the day-to-day affairs of the RDA Committee and its personnel in a manner consistent with the Guide, the Committee’s Annual Business Plan and Budget, the Funding Agreement, and its constitution (for incorporated committees)
• Developing the RDA Committee’s Annual Business Plan and Budget, Annual Report on Outcomes, Annual Audited Accounts, Communications Strategy, and associated management delivery

4. Management

• Providing management advice and support to the RDA Committee consistent with the Funding Agreement and the RDA Committee Program’s Better Practice Guide, including:
• Keeping the RDA Committee informed of the status and progress of its business
• Undertaking the accountable and transparent management of RDA Committee funds under the oversight of the Chair
• Ensuring that all RDA Committee reporting and compliance requirements are met
• Ensuring that the RDA Committee operates in accordance with the applicable state or territory incorporation legislation
• Ensuring that the RDA Committee meets its obligations under the Funding Agreement;
• Implementing office policies and procedures
• Leading and developing RDA Committee personnel (where agreed by the Committee) and being involved in the recruitment of staff
• Implementing decisions and activities as determined by the RDA Committee Chair or

CEO accountabilities and responsibilities

As CEO you will be accountable to the RDA Committee for the successful achievement of the organisation’s strategic objectives. You will also be accountable:

• For delivering outcomes that meet regional needs
• To the funding providers – for ensuring that agreed objectives are achieved and resources invested are expended as efficiently and effectively as possible
• To RDA Committee staff – for providing a safe and healthy work environment
• Supporting the RDA Committee to meet the requirements of the RDA charter
• For delivering the outcomes and meeting the reporting requirements and performance measures specified in the RDA Funding Agreement and any other agreements the RDA Committee has with funding partners
• For the good operational and financial governance of the overall organisation

Applications for CEO positions are sought from highly motivated and experienced people who are knowledgeable about the economic strengths and challenges of the state/region.

Women, First Nations Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

An Applicant Information Pack, including the application form, can be found here:RDAMBSC CEO Application Pack March 2026
Note: Only properly completed applications will be accepted.

Salary range: $168,764 to $180,449 (according to experience) plus car allowance and superannuation.

For further information, phone Andrew Eves-Brown on 0403 795 899 (Mon–Fri 9am-5pm local time) or email accounts@rdasunshinecoast.org.au. Applications for this position close 11:59pm, Monday 20th April 2026.

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Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast (RDAMBSC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Law as Chair, effective immediately.

Jason is currently the CEO of Farm Angels and an experienced executive with more than 35 years of leadership across the technology, telecommunications and not-for-profit sectors.

He has extensive experience leading large organisations, delivering strategic initiatives and working with government, industry and community stakeholders.

Jason also has significant regional development and governance experience. He previously served as Deputy Chair of Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast and has played an active role in regional economic development and community leadership across the region for 25 years, having been a founding Director and former Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Council, along with previously serving on various Economic Development Boards and six years as President of the Mountain Creek State High School P&C.

Jason holds an Executive MBA from the University of the Sunshine Coast and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

RDAMBSC are dedicated to connecting people and projects that drive sustainable growth across the critical economic corridor of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa. We welcome Jason’s appointment in this pivotal leadership role as we continue our focus on driving great outcomes for our community and thank Dalene Wray for her Acting role during the recruitment process.

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Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of Committees made up of community representatives who help to drive economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in regions through facilitating investment in people, places, services, and industries and local economies.

RDAs assist to bridge the regional development gaps in regions by working with a broad range of stakeholders across sectors and supporting the delivery of Australian Government strategic priorities.

RDA Moreton Bay & Sunshine Coast is looking for a Director of Regional Development (DRD) to represent an innovative organisation which is committed to developing its region of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa, and work with regional RDAs to develop Queensland.

You will be responsible for assisting the RDA Committee to establish the program’s strategic vision and objectives and lead a small team of dedicated staff in achieving these objectives.

You will facilitate meaningful engagement across the three levels of government to ensure investments deliver better outcomes for regions and support decarbonisation efforts and the transformation to a net zero economy and enable regional linkages between sectors to achieve these aims.

The DRD will promote the region’s activities to government, industry, business, and community sectors to highlight competitive advantages. As DRD, you will provide contribute relevant data and local intelligence to support the Australian Government’s evidence base, to inform regional development strategies, program design and policy responses, skills and workforce support and support regional stakeholders to seek grant opportunities that advance strategic regional priorities.

Applications for DRD positions were sought from highly motivated and experienced people who are knowledgeable about the economic strengths and challenges of the state/region.

Women, First Nations Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and people with disability were encouraged to apply.

An Applicant Information Pack, including the application form, can be found here: DRD Application Pack

Salary range: $135,665 to $151,964 (according to experience)

For further information, phone Andrew Eves-Brown on 0403 795 899 (Mon–Fri 9am-5pm local time) or email accounts@rdasunshinecoast.org.au. Applications for this position are now closed.

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One of the Sunshine Coast’s most important economic development arms has been handed a new focus on employment in a region set for the largest jobs growth in Queensland.

Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast (RDAMBSC) has been appointed by the State Government to lead a revitalised Sunshine Coast Regional Jobs Committee (SCRJC) – one of 12 across Queensland.

The SCRJC will coordinate a revised focus to develop local skilling and workforce solutions that target skills gaps in critical industry sectors. The Sunshine Coast remains an important focus for the Queensland Government with Jobs Queensland predicting the region’s employment numbers will grow by 7.1 per cent in the four years until 2028 – the largest increase in the state.

RDAMBSC will build on the strong work of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce which has overseen the SCRJC since it was established in 2024.

RDAMBSC – one of 50 RDAs funded by the Federal Government around the nation – represents a voice for investment, impact and inclusion through region-led partnerships to sustain and innovate the Moreton Bay-Sunshine Coast-Noosa economic growth corridor.

The additional responsibility will complement RDAMBSC’s work in a region that surpasses national averages with 45 per cent of Sunshine Coast residents holding post-secondary qualifications.

And while strong employment continues in industries including health care and social assistance, construction, retail trade and accommodation and food services, in the next three years Jobs Queensland expects the Sunshine Coast will experience major jobs growth in manufacturing, education and training, public administration and professional, scientific and technical services.

RDAMBSC Acting CEO Tracey Coobula said the organisation was excited about the prospect of playing a stronger role in employment and skills development in the Sunshine Coast local government area while also drawing on its knowledge of the wider Moreton to Noosa corridor.

Ms Coobula said RDAMBSC’s previous partnerships with SCRJC through the likes of the Future Skills Events would enable it to enhance strategic employment growth in the region.

“Bringing the SCRJC under the RDAMBSC banner will only strengthen the region’s alignment as we seek to plan and deliver long-term employment solutions,” Ms Coobula said. “RDAMBSC is looking forward to this additional role with the region already boasting a solid employment base. Our communities are a mix of young families, established professionals, retired and semi-retired individuals who bring a wealth of industry expertise to the region.

“And we have tremendous opportunities for business. Our region offers 30-40 per cent lower operational costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne and we have stronger connectivity to Asian markets.”

Ms Coobula said while local skill levels were proportionately higher than national averages, a sustainable workforce pipeline was also being established to build focused education and training programs to address a skilled labour gap and to attract talent.

RDAMBSC has been continually active in employment and research initiatives across the three regions.

This year, RDAMBSC has already partnered with the University of Technology Sydney to understand the region’s economic capabilities while also engineering a communique with Australian defence industry leaders to create new opportunities for local businesses.

It has also adopted the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) that is proven to transform regional economies and is credited with sparking innovation and economic growth in some European regions. This partnership is being delivered in collaboration with SCRJC.

“We’ve had the privilege of engaging with local business through identifying accelerators and innovation programs, including Tokenizer through the Peregian Beach Digital Hub and UniSC’s Space to Sea Accelerator, to create an entrepreneurial environment encouraging investment and innovation,” Ms Coobula said.

“And our S3 project is a proactive step in aligning local capability with national reform – we’re putting our region at the heart of the national productivity conversation by trying to shape the economy the region wants to lead in future decades.”

For more media information, contact Michael Crutcher, 55 comms, (07) 3041 1115; 0417 798 794; michael@55comms.com.au

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Applications are now open for the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast Chair position.

The RDA Committee Chair has overall responsibility for setting strategic direction and ensuring that objectives and outcomes of their RDA Committee are achieved.

The Chair has a hands-on role and is active in facilitating economic development opportunities for the region. It is a vital regional and local leadership role supporting the implementation of the Australian Government’s Regional Investment Framework (RIF).

Applications close on Monday, 1 December 2025 at 5pm AEST and the indicative start date for successful applicants is early January 2026. For more information about the role and to apply visit: www.rda.gov.au/chair

If you have any queries about the application process, you can also contact the RDA Program Management team at rdaapplications@infrastructure.gov.au

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Regional Development Association Moreton Bay Sunshine Coast (RDAMBSC) is raising the topic ahead of this Friday’s deadline for feedback for the new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.

RDAMBSC – one of 50 RDAs funded by the Federal Government around the nation – represents a voice for investment, impact and inclusion through region-led partnerships to sustain and innovate the Sunshine Coast-Noosa-Moreton Bay economic growth corridor.

RDAMBSC Chair Gavin Keeley said stakeholders had constantly raised their frustrations with mobile reception. Earlier this year, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman announced that the Sunshine Coast was among the top five regions in the nation for the most phone complaints.

Mr Keeley said stakeholders complained to RDAMBSC that a lack of mobile telecommunications towers in the growing area meant they were hitting “greyspots” – when their phones were showing full reception yet users were unable to get a line out or to access the internet because of congestion in local towers.

That included anecdotal evidence to RDAMBSC of concerns from an inability to reach emergency services to businesses unable to process transactions with clients.

Mr Keeley encouraged Sunshine Coast and Noosa businesses and residents to lodge their thoughts with Sunshine Coast Council before it closed off feedback on Friday for the planning scheme that will replace the 2014 document that guides regional development.

“The Sunshine Coast Council already has one of the most restrictive planning schemes of any local government area in Australia when it comes to mobile reception,” Mr Keeley said.

“We need change because we have a huge surge in the local population in recent years yet we’re not seeing planning consent for mobile telecommunications infrastructure. Cases just can’t be decided on visual impact and the use of coverage maps to justify rejection because these maps take no account of congestion.

“Congestion can mean people cannot make phone calls at a time when there may be an emergency.

“Mobile telecommunications must be considered as an essential utility in region, just like the three waters (drinking, stormwater and sewerage), electricity and fixed line telecommunications.”

Mr Keeley said RDAMBSC wanted Council to consider a telecommunications master plan that could identify the location for new infrastructure in line with ongoing extensive residential and commercial development.

Mr Keeley said Federal Government’s Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) policy urged consideration for telecommunications infrastructure for “all new housing developments of 50 house lots or more … during planning processes”.

The Federal Government declared that “a significant number of new communities have reported inadequate, or no, mobile coverage when moving into their new homes, and this can remain the case for years”.

Mr Keeley said other Queensland local government areas had been proactive in approvals for telecommunications infrastructure, including allowing towers in industrial zones that were away from residential areas.

“The telecommunications providers aren’t asking to be able to do whatever they want, but they do need approvals to ensure they can deploy a working network to meet the current and future needs of the local community,” Mr Keeley said.

“It’s important that the Sunshine Coast and Noosa take advantage of the planning scheme feedback process to let Council know of the issues.”

A toolkit to allow Sunshine Coast residents, businesses, and local community groups to lodge objections is available here: Planning Scheme Submission Instructions VF

For more media information, contact Michael Crutcher, 55 comms: (07) 3041 1115; 0417 798 794; michael@55comms.com.au

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Expressions of Interest now closed.

Regional Development Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast (RDAMBSC) is excited to offer expressions of interest for a delegation of local investment-ready scale up businesses to attend #CapTech2025 in Sydney this November 12-14th.

What is #CapTech2025

#CapTech2025 brings together deal makers, entrepreneurs, founders, investors, projects and businesses seeking to scale. It presents a valuable opportunity to showcase your brand to attendees and business leaders while also providing excellent national and global exposure to business opportunities.

In its fourth year, #CapTech2025 will place Australia at the centre of future-focused industries by bringing together accomplished business leaders and subject matter experts to collaboratively pursue shared objectives and nurture unique business relationships in an exclusive setting.

More details available on the website #CapTech2025 A Global Innovation & Investment Summit | SIPBN

Who’s eligible

For this opportunity, RDAMBSC is looking for enterprises within our region that:

• Are Innovation-Driven: Companies pushing the envelope in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, agtech, and sustainable business practices.
• Have High-Growth Potential: Businesses ready to scale, enter new markets, or seek investment to fuel their next growth phase.
• Need Exposure to Investors: Companies that could benefit significantly from connecting directly with capital providers and other critical stakeholders.
• Industry Groups: Looking to support their members

What’s included:

Each successful applicant will receive one (1) All Access Summit Pass (valued at over $2,450) which includes:

• Drinks at NSW Parliament House
• #CapTech2025 all-day event + post event drinks
• VIP seating and check-in
• Private dinner
• Two-days of dedicated business matching sessions

PLEASE NOTE: Successful applicants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

How to apply:

Complete the Expression of Interest form below by 11:59pm Friday, 3 October 2025.

Successful applicants will be advised by Mid October 2025.

Why You Should Be Part of #CapTech2025:

Discover: Explore Australia’s future-focused industries, featuring visionary speakers, thought leaders, and innovative resolutions that shape the landscape of tomorrow.

Connect: Forge meaningful connections by engaging in deals and investments that propel Australia’s future-focused industries forward. Connect with high-level individuals, including investors, industry leaders, and tech innovators.

Execute: Develop tangible outcomes by bringing in private capital, funds, and talent. Execute strategies, forge partnerships, attract investments, and assemble a team of talented individuals to bring your vision to life.

If you have any questions, please contact Tracey Coobula, Acting CEO RDAMBSC via email ceo@rdasunshinecoast.org.au or phone 0410 894 809.

EOIs are now closed.

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At RDAMBSC, we are committed to driving economic growth and unlocking opportunities across the Moreton Bay-Sunshine Coast-Noosa corridor. Since our establishment in April 2024, we’ve been focused on building trust, engaging meaningfully with our communities, and delivering tangible impacts on the ground.

As one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, we’re at an exciting juncture. Growth brings incredible opportunities but also presents challenges that require collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning. To navigate this journey successfully, we need your input.

That’s why we’re hosting a series of information and consultation sessions to connect with stakeholders, partners, and regional leaders. These sessions are designed to shape our shared priorities, uncover opportunities, and foster partnerships that will guide our region’s future development.

What to Expect

Guided by a discussion paper from the UTS Centre for Local Government, these sessions will explore:

• Regional economic trends and insights – Understand the latest data and developments shaping our region.
• Collaborative opportunities – Discuss how we can align efforts to achieve shared goals through impactful partnerships.
• Pathways to prosperity – Explore strategies to create a thriving and sustainable future for our communities.

Event Details

Join us at one of the following sessions on Wednesday, 12 February:

• Noosa Session: 8am – 10am, Peregian Digital Hub
• Sunshine Coast Session: 11:30am – 1:30pm, Altitude Nine
• Moreton Bay Session: 3pm – 5pm, UniSC Petrie Campus

Whether you’re from the private sector, government, or a passionate advocate for regional development, this is your opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa region.

Your Voice Matters

Creating meaningful change is a collaborative effort, and every perspective counts. By participating, you’ll help inform RDAMBSC’s strategic priorities and ensure our initiatives are aligned with the needs and aspirations of our communities.

Register Your Attendance

Registration is essential. Secure your spot HERE

You can download the discussion paper to prepare for the sessions: DOWNLOAD DISCUSSION PAPER

The full Insights Report is also available for download.

If you have any questions, please contact us at ceo@rdasunshinecoast.org.au

Let’s work together to chart a course for a vibrant, resilient, and thriving region. We look forward to seeing you there!

A regional priority

Discussing the upcoming webinar series, CEO Jacki Steel emphasised RDAMBSC’s focus on empowering First Nations businesses, as well as the organisation’s commitment to addressing community needs.

“Driving success among First Nations entrepreneurs and business owners is a priority for the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast region,” she explained.

“Based on engagement and candid discussions with First Nations business owners and entrepreneurs right here in our community, we’ve identified a clear desire for dedicated support that offers practical knowledge and helps build networks with other Indigenous businesses.

“This webinar series has come about in response to that need, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Export Council of Australia to bring this program directly to our local businesses.”

Register now

Spaces for this webinar series are limited, and we will be prioritising businesses in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa areas.

If you would like to find out more about these sessions, please contact us.

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On 1 April this year, two neighbouring RDAs came together as one entity, uniting under a shared purpose: to drive place-based regional economic development across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. This merger provided us with a strong platform built on the successes of our predecessors, and over the past eight months, we’ve focused on leveraging this to create meaningful impact.

A Year of Listening, Engaging, and Acting

Throughout 2024, we’ve been intentional about engaging broadly, listening deeply, and acting purposefully. Ours is a region defined by growth, with remarkable people leading incredible initiatives on the ground. This has been the foundation of our partnership-first approach and the development of our One Voice Strategy.

We’ve worked to amplify and add value to existing projects, and by collaborating closely with our partners, we’ve aimed to extend the reach and maximise the impact of our collective efforts.

Four Focus Areas: Guiding Our 2024 Efforts

To ensure our efforts create impact where it’s needed most, we identified four key focus areas for 2024:

1. Connectivity and Knowledge
   The sub-sea cable connection into Maroochydore presents a tremendous opportunity to foster entrepreneurial solutions and create high-skilled jobs. However, improved cross-regional mobility—particularly east-west connectivity—remains critical to unlocking our workforce potential and regional accessibility.
2. Advanced Industries and Innovation
   Our region is home to a dynamic network of businesses and industry groups, including the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), Manufacturing Excellence Forum, Innovate Moreton Bay and Silicon Coast, to name a few. These organisations reflect a vibrant sector ready to meet the challenges of our evolving economy. By championing innovation and collaboration, we’re working to position our region as a hub for advanced industries.
3. Sustainability and Regeneration
   With two UNESCO Biospheres in our region, sustainability is at the core of our identity. Our vision is to create a sustainability mindset at the business level in everything we do —recycling, reusing, and reinvesting resources to foster balanced growth. This is about building a resilient economy that respects both our natural environment and our future needs.
4. Engagement and Inclusion
   For me, this focus is deeply personal. Community empowerment lies at the heart of economic development, and breaking down barriers to participation is key. By fostering vibrant, inclusive communities, we can drive region-led development that benefits everyone.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m thrilled that the Australian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the RDA program for another five years. This gives us the opportunity to take a longer-term view and scale up our efforts in 2025.

Looking forward, we know we need to:

• Clearly articulate the pressure points and opportunities tied to our region’s rapid growth.
• Advocate for the infrastructure and support needed to manage population increases and change.
• Showcase our advanced industry base and global connections to highlight our capabilities on the national stage.

One area I’m particularly excited about is our continued collaboration with the local Indigenous business community. Through initiatives like the Black Coffee network and Indigenous Business Month, we’ve seen the passion and innovation of First Nations-led businesses. Moving forward, we’re committed to creating more opportunities for co-design and delivery in this space, ensuring these First Nations voices play a central role in shaping our efforts and our region’s future.

A Final Reflection

I feel incredibly fortunate to lead RDA Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast, especially in a region brimming with opportunity. With the unwavering support of our dedicated Board and enthusiastic stakeholders, I’m confident we’ll achieve meaningful, lasting change for our communities.

Here’s to an exciting and impactful 2025.

Bring it on!

Jacki Steel
CEO, RDA Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast

RDAMBSC: 2024 video recap

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