This paper has been prepared to help inform and encourage decision-makers across government, healthcare, industry and the broader community to urgently take greater action to prevent and reduce the impacts of overweight and obesity in the Queensland mining and resources sector.

While a key focus of this paper is examining the impact overweight and obesity are having on workforce productivity in the sector, the personal, economic and societal impacts which overweight and obesity are having on Queenslanders are equally concerning.

Queensland’s financial services sector is a catalyst of economic growth, acting as a enabler of investment and employment throughout the country. As sustainability moves increasingly to the forefront of economic change, Queensland’s financial services sector’s role in catalysing the sustainable economy is critical. Investment in the future of sustainable finance in Queensland will enable and accelerate the growth of our green and sustainable economy.

Description goeSince 2014, the Queensland Futures Institute has been at the forefront of delivering independent future-focused thought leadership for Queensland.

Queensland’s own independent think tank, our members are prominent, forward-looking organisations, dedicated to advancing State wide prosperity. They share a view that the vast potential of our great State will be best realised by collaborating to tackle Queensland’s future challenges and many opportunities.

 The QFI’s Annual Leaders Survey is now a core component of our suite of expert thought-leadership and innovative future focused forums. We ask our members and their leaders to look forward to the next decade of prosperity for Queensland and provide their insights and priorities on maximising our State-wide successes.

Over several decades, Queensland’s wealth base and key drivers of economic development have undergone significant change. A number of regional and remote areas face a range of challenges including low and declining populations; economic vulnerability due to reliance on a single industry sector and/or employer; capability and skill gaps; demographic and industry changes due to advancements in technology and other global trends; and dependency on local government (as the last provider) for services to preserve liveability.

This study explored the current state and future improvement opportunities, processes and structures required to develop more efficient, profitable and sustainable economic networks and policy frameworks across Queensland’s cities and regions. 

In this research, QFI has sought to better understand the factors that influence business decisions to start, grow or stay in Queensland. In undertaking this work, QFI was conscious that while some of these factors were likely to be totally within

the control of Government, many were unlikely to be. QFI’s objective therefore, is to contribute in a positive way, information and analysis which can assist Government, and anyone else with an interest, to create a thriving Queensland business community.

Exploring the driving forces that are shaping Queensland’s economy, this report examines opportunities to leverage the state’s competitive advantages, diversify traditional industries, and create new sectors that meet emerging global demand, while also flagging the potential for missed opportunities. Its findings aim to provide a narrative for Queensland’s new economy and inform future strategic, business and policy decisions.