The Better Brisbane Alliance, a new initiative of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), will use their industry expertise and experience to help supercharge the growth of Brisbane’s economy, which is already forecast to be worth $239 billion by 2041. 

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane is well-known as a destination with enormous talent and potential and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will help expand that reputation globally. 

“Brisbane is the fastest growing capital city in the country and together our enviable lifestyle and strong, diverse economy are attracting people from across Australia,” he said. 

“Our incredible growth is likely to gather pace over the next decade as work gets underway delivering infrastructure and more tourists venture here to discover the world’s newest Olympic and Paralympic Games region. 

“Brisbane’s rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges. The Better Brisbane Alliance will be a vital forum for developing the fresh ideas and perspectives needed to ensure we get the best out of these opportunities while tackling the challenges head on. 

Cr Schrinner thanked each of the 23 members for agreeing to be part of the group. 

“The Better Brisbane Alliance brings together some of the brightest minds at the forefront of the city’s prosperity, across key sectors including the arts, business, education, events, First Nations culture, hospitality, property, trade and tourism,” he said. 

“Each of them share my passion for ensuring Brisbane gets even better.” 

The group will also benefit from special guest and Brisbane’s newest global executive arrival, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Cindy Hook, charged with delivering the world’s biggest sporting event in Brisbane over the next decade.

BEDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Ryan said the Better Brisbane Alliance will focus on amplifying Brisbane as a leading destination for business, investment, and visitation, as well as enhancing the city’s accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability credentials. 

“This is about bringing together some of the city’s biggest champions to share business agendas, build mutual networks and open doors to make things happen,” said Ryan. 

“These are Brisbane’s creators, city shapers, risk takers, disrupters and ideators who are already making a remarkable impact here and around the world.” 

The Better Brisbane Alliance was born out of industry engagement undertaken by BEDA in 2022 to create the Brisbane Brief, a sales tool to attract investment and business to the city,

which has received strong support and interest by respected decision makers keen to share knowledge and activate new opportunities for Brisbane. 

Better Brisbane Alliance Members 

• Councillor Krista Adams – Deputy Mayor, Civic Cabinet Chair for Economic Development and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane City Council 
• Juliet Alabaster – Chief Operating Officer, BEDA 
• Kylie Blucher – Managing Director, Nine Queensland and Nine Northern New South Wales 
• John Collins – Director, BEDA Board and Venue Director, Fortitude Music Hall and The Triffid 
• Robbie Cooke – Group Chief Executive Officer, Star Entertainment Group 
• Heidi Cooper – Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland 
• Elsa Dalessio – Chair, Queensland Tourism Industry Council 
• Gert-Jan de Graaff – Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane Airport Corporation 
• Phil Di Bella – Founder and Managing Director, The Coffee Commune 
• Kate Gould – Chief Executive Officer/ Artistic Director, Brisbane Powerhouse 
• David Hoey – President and Chief Executive Officer, Vaxxas 
• Bernie Hogan – Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Hotels Association 
• Peter Hyland – Founder and Director, Urbis 
• Chris Jones – Editor, The Courier Mail 
• Harvey Lister AM – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ASM Global Asia Pacific 
• Patricia O'Callaghan – Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Events Queensland 
• Don O’Rorke – Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Consolidated Properties Group 
• Shannon Ruska – Director, Tribal Experiences 
• Anthony Ryan – Chief Executive Officer, BEDA and Group Co-Chair 
• Chris Saines – Director, Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) 
• Paul Spiro – Chairman, BEDA Board, Queensland Chairman, Gadens, and Group Co-Chair 
• Neil Stephens – Chief Executive Officer, Port of Brisbane 
• Jen Williams – Queensland Executive Director, Property Council of Australia 

 

Media Enquiries

Please contact:   

Simone Lenneberg 

General Manager, Corporate Communications and Partnerships BEDA 

M: +61 (0)422 369 727 | E: [email protected]