A North Queensland project to boost regional economies through innovative, local and social procurement is set to grow, thanks to fresh funding from the Queensland Government.
Through a funding partnership between ArcBlue, CQUniversity and Smart Precinct NQ the Q-SEED program will continue in Townsville.
Q-SEED funding is thanks to the Queensland Government – Advance Queensland Regional Futures – Collaborative Projects program. The funding will support the Q-SEED partners to work with key organisations and projects in the region, to strengthen local employment and procurement to benefit Townsville that were identified in the first phase, including a key focus on opportunities for local suppliers and priority jobseekers.
In addition to the Advance Queensland grant, Q-SEED’s original funder The John Villiers Trust is also funding a further stage of the project, to create robust and sustainable strategies to engage young people in Townsville into employment.
In 2023, Q-SEED engaged with more than 200 local business, community and government leaders to develop a Regional Action Plan for growing procurement opportunities.