THE Redlands Coast is set to take its place on the economic map with the relaunch of Champion Redlands Coast (CRC) as an independent economic development organisation.
Designed to attract investment, support local businesses, and create meaningful job opportunities, CRC aims to transform the region into a vibrant, economically resilient, and sustainable destination for residents, workers, and investors alike.
Newly appointed CRC Chair Rabieh Krayem said Champion Redlands Coast was entering an exciting new chapter.
“Our focus is on unlocking the region’s potential, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment that creates meaningful jobs and opportunities for residents,” Mr Krayem said.
“We are committed to promoting Redlands Coast as a vibrant, economically resilient, and sustainable place to live, work, and invest.”
Mark Wallace, founder and principal of economic consultancy Econisis and an independent economic advisor to CRC, said most councils had some form of independent body that promotes economic development in an area.
“They can more easily seek funding from other levels of government and promote a region in a more fulsome way without the constraints councils have,” he said.
CRC’s relaunch follows similar organisations around Australia, including the Committee for Geelong, the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and Invest Gold Coast.
Mr Wallace explained the difference lies in the flexibility of a member-based model that can secure support from business and leverage government funding.
The Redlands Coast, according to Mr Wallace, has substantial latent economic potential, though demographic pressures – particularly an ageing population – posed challenges.
“The Redlands Coast has lacked defined activity centres, so strengthening the roles of Capalaba, Cleveland, and other centres as major business and service hubs is important,” he said.
He said CRC aimed to provide residents and businesses with a direct pathway to benefit from economic initiatives.
“It creates opportunities for new businesses and industries, meaningful employment, post-school pathways for young people, and supports residents who want to live and work locally,” Mr Wallace said.
“This enhances quality of life by reducing travel time and increasing access to high-quality local jobs.
Mr Wallace emphasised the need for Redlands Coast to establish a stronger brand presence.
“The Redlands has latent opportunities that are not well known outside the region,” he said.
“It doesn’t have the brand recognition that the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast have developed.
“The Champion Redlands Coast initiative represents an opportunity to advocate and promote the region as a nationally significant investment destination of choice.”
SeaLink General Manager, South East Queensland and CRC Board member Ben Renwick said positioning Redlands Coast as an investment destination would require collaboration and a clear, consistent message.
“Redlands Coast has exceptional natural assets and resilient communities, but we need to communicate that story consistently,” he said.
“If we align around a shared vision, and ensure the islands are part of it, Redlands Coast can confidently position itself as a compelling investment destination.
“By combining strong local insight with collaborative leadership, CRC and its partners can help amplify the story of Redlands Coast and drive meaningful outcomes on a much broader scale.”
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said Champion Redlands Coast was an initiative she founded as Chamber President and Chair of the Regional Jobs Committee to highlight the projects, businesses, and opportunities that drive jobs and growth in our region.
“Its purpose has always been clear: champion the big ideas that take Redlands from aspiration to delivery,” she said.
“The relaunch comes at the perfect time.
“Our region has a strong infrastructure pipeline, with transformational projects like the Birkdale Whitewater Centre and Hub 68 private hospital already creating jobs and unlocking new services.
“These projects don’t just happen – they need strong partnerships, advocacy, and confidence from industry and the community.
“That’s what Champion Redlands Coast delivers.
“It brings together business, government, and local leaders to showcase what’s possible and build momentum to get it done.”
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said the Champion Redlands Coast initiative represented the best of our local business leaders coming together to champion all that Redland has to offer.
“Redlands is expected to have a population of 189,000 five years from now,” Cr Talty said.
“Having our business experts leading initiatives that will support the growth in our economy and jobs as we move towards leveraging the benefits of the 2032 Olympics is invaluable to our city.
“I look forward to supporting the opportunities that partnering with the Champion Redlands Coast represents.”
