Regional leaders unite to drive Fraser Coast's economic growth
Published on 03 September 2026
- Fourteen industry leaders appointed to new Fraser Coast Futures Alliance
- Alliance will help drive the Fraser Coast Futures 2036 economic development strategy
- Focus on investment, workforce needs, infrastructure advocacy and regional collaboration
A diverse group of Fraser Coast business, industry and community leaders will help drive the region’s economic future as members of the new Fraser Coast Futures Alliance.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has confirmed 14 external members of the Alliance following a highly competitive Expression of Interest process that attracted 39 applications from across the region.
Mayor George Seymour said the Alliance would bring together the experience, knowledge and networks needed to help deliver Fraser Coast Futures 2036, Council’s long-term economic development strategy for the region.
“The Fraser Coast has enormous potential and we are focused on delivery for the community,” he said.
“The Fraser Coast Futures Alliance brings some outstanding people together around the same table to share their insights, identify emerging opportunities and challenges, strengthen regional advocacy and support collaboration between Council, industry and the community.
“We want the Fraser Coast to be a place where businesses can invest and grow, where young people can build a career and a life, and where our economy continues to create opportunities for the whole community.
“Our region has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, and this Alliance will help ensure we continue building on that momentum together.”
Cr Seymour said the quality of applications prompted Council to expand the Alliance’s external membership from eight to 14.
“The calibre of applicants was extremely high, with people putting their hands up from across a broad range of industries and sectors,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone who put their hand up and offered their time and expertise to help shape the future of the Fraser Coast.”
The Fraser Coast Futures Alliance external members are:
- Alex Kruger – Fraser Coast Community Enterprise Ltd
- David Hay – Staywise Advisory
- Dylan Neilsen-Behrens – Whiskey Neat Pty Ltd
- Glen Winney – Fraser Coast Property Industry Association
- Joshua Linwood – Allweld Manufacturing Pty Ltd
- Michael Stock – St James Lutheran College
- Michelle Clunn – Maryborough Chamber of Commerce
- Dr Nicholas Yim – General Practitioner
- Rebecca Massingham – Massingham Advisory
- Sandra Holebrook – Trauma Assist
- Simon O’Callaghan – Fraser Coast Tourism & Events Ltd
- Sotera Trevaskis – Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett
- Tanya Stevenson – The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre
- Tony Prove - Downer
The Alliance also includes Fraser Coast Regional Councillors Michelle Govers and Sara Souvlis.
Cr Seymour said the Alliance would have a practical focus on issues that could make a difference to the region’s long-term prosperity.
“That could mean identifying new investment opportunities, looking at the skills and workers our region will need in the years ahead, or building a stronger case for the infrastructure the Fraser Coast needs as we grow,” he said.
“It is also about making sure we are speaking with a strong, united voice when opportunities arise or when we are advocating for our region to other levels of government and potential investors.”
The Alliance will meet quarterly, and members will serve on a voluntary basis for an initial two-year term.
The Alliance is advisory and does not make decisions on behalf of Council.
Find out more about Fraser Coast Futures 2036: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Economic-development-strategy