FROM THE CEO
Jacqueline Brinkman, Chief Executive Officer
I am delighted to present the second edition of the Economic Development Australia( EDA) Journal for 2025. Each year, EDA receives an impressive volume of expressions of interest from authors seeking to contribute to this highly regarded professional publication. We are grateful to the industry leaders and practitioners who share their expertise through insightful, thought-provoking articles.
Included in this edition is EDA’ s response to the Australian Government’ s call for submissions in the lead up to the Economic Reform Roundtable. Australia is presented with a transformational opportunity to build economic complexity and resilience in order to meet the complex challenges of climate change and the shifting international economic and political landscape. Economic Development Australia stands ready to support the Government to unlock the Power of Place in order to achieve its ambitions for economic impact, competitiveness and productivity.
We are also pleased to include a compelling article by Ricky Puata, exploring the transformative potential of modern manufacturing to support regions transitioning from carbon-intensive or declining industries. Ricky provides a clear roadmap for how government and industry can enable this shift through collaboration, investment, workforce development and strategic policy. The piece reinforces EDA’ s position that productivity growth and the transition to net zero will not occur without deliberate policy settings, targeted investment, and coordinated efforts across government, industry, education providers and communities.
Julian Guess and Anne Blakeway’ s article offers strong evidence of this collaborative approach in action. Their case study of the Upper Yarra, highlights how an innovative adaptation of Smart Specialisation Strategy( S3), supported by RMIT University and delivered through a Quadruple Helix( Q4) engagement model, is turning economic disruption into opportunity. Their work offers economic developers a replicable blueprint to support regional resilience and complexity in the face of economic transition.
Tyler Harford’ s contribution reminds local government economic developers of the powerful role councils can play in the global green transition. Through capacity building, SME support, and progressive procurement policies, councils can influence business behaviour and drive broader sustainability outcomes.
Christopher Manoski and Daniel Cavallo from Cumberland City Council emphasise the strong connection between urban planning and placemaking. Their Guilford Laneway Project provides a replicable model for other councils seeking to revitalise their local economies through thoughtful placemaking.
Finally, Linda Tillman, Kushla Gale and Rowan Lamont unpack the growing momentum around recreational trails. Drawing on the latest data, they explore how economic developers can harness rising demand for nature-based tourism to create economic opportunities, with practical guidance for communities planning or expanding trail-based visitor experiences.
We hope you enjoy this edition and invite you to join us at the National Economic Development Conference( NEDC25) in Newcastle from 28 – 30 October. With the theme, Shaping Tomorrow’ s Economy, the event will bring together national and international experts for study tours and a lively debate. We also look forward to celebrating excellence in the sector at the National Economic Development Awards for Excellence Gala. We hope you can join us!
Jacqueline Brinkman GAICD Chief Executive Officer Economic Development Australia
VOL 18 NO 2 2025 04 www. edaustralia. com. au