Paper No.:
Date:
Member:
'abled Tabled, by leave Incorporated, Remainder incorporated, by leave by !es. Clerk at the Table:
Queensland Trade Mission,
to
Canada and the United States of America
led by
The Honourable Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
and
Minister for the Arts
28 April 2010 - 7 May 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROGRAM ...... 4
MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION ...... 14
OFFICIAL DELEGATION MEMBERS ...... 15
QUEENSLAND BUSINESS DELEGATES -VANCOUVER ...... 16
QUEENSLAND BIO 2010 DELEGATES -VANCOUVER ...... 18
QUEENSLAND BUSINESS DELEGATES - CHICAGO ...... 19
QUEENSLAND BIO 2010 DELEGATES - CHICAGO ...... 20
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING BIO 2010 ...... 25
WHY THESE MARKETS? ...... 26
MEETINGS - LOS ANGELES ...... 28
LUNCH MEETING WITH GREG COOTE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DUNE ENTERTAINMENT
AND WALLY MARIANI, SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF QANTAS AIRWAYS ...... 29
MEETING WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES (UCLA) ...... 30
MEETINGS-CANADA ...... 31
MEETING WITH MR GREGOR ROBERTSON, MAYOR OF VANCOUVER ...... 32
OFFICIALLY OPEN LIFE SCIENCES BC BREAKFAST SYMPOSIUM ...... 34
SITE VISIT OF THE OLYMPIC ATHLETES VILLAGE/ MILLENNIUM WATER RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT ...... 36
MEETING WITH SEAN PANDER, CITY OF VANCOUVER PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR CLIMATE
CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY ...... 37
BUSINESS LUNCH WITH THE CANADA AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
(CANZBA) HOSTED BY FLIGHT CENTRE ...... 38
MEETING WITH MR RICK HANSEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF RICK HANSEN
FOUNDATION AND TOUR OF THE BLUSSON SPINAL CORD RESEARCH CENTRE ...... 39
MEETING WITH UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AND THE CENTRE FOR DRUG RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ...... 41
PRIVATE MEETING WITH THE HONOURABLE MR GORDON CAMPBELL, PREMIER OF BRITISH
COLUMBIA ...... 43
CO-HOST THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RECEPTION WITH THE HONOURABLE
GORDON CAMPBELL, PREMIER OF BRITISH COLOMBIA AND SIGNING OF MOC BETWEEN
QUEENSLAND AND BRITISH COLUMBIA ...... 45
2 MEETING WITH DR MARIO PINTO, VICE PRESIDENT- RESEARCH, SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
AND OBSERVE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GRIFFITH
UNIVERSITY ...... 46
MEET WITH MR GORDON PRICE, DIRECTOR, THE CITY PROGRAM, SIMON FRASER
UNIVERSITY AT THE HOTEL AND DEPART FOR CANADA LINE TRANSIT SYSTEM ...... 47
MEETINGS - USA ...... 48
MEETING WITH VICE CHANCELLORS OF QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITIES ...... 49
QUT INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS LUNCHEON ...... 50
BURRILL PAN ASIAN LIFE SCIENCES INVESTMENT SYMPOSIUM ...... 52
MEETING WITH DR GREG SELINGER, PREMIER OF MANITOBA AND SIGNING OF
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN QUEENSLAND AND MANITOBA ...... 53
QUEENSLAND VIP BUSINESS RECEPTION ...... 54
BREAKFAST MEETING OF THE QUEENSLAND NORTH AMERICAN BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVISORY
COUNCIL (QNABAC) ...... 56
MEETING WITH MS KAREN KING, DSM BIOLOGICS AND MR ROBERT HARTMAYER, DSM
PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS ...... 58
MEETING WITH HEALTHCARE VENTURES REGARDING A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH
QUEENSLAND ...... 60
VISIT AUSTRALIAN PAVILION AND QCTN PAVILION ...... 62
OFFICIAL BIO 2010 WELCOME RECEPTION, CHICAGO ...... 64
MEETING WITH MR PHIL SCANLAN AM, AUSTRALIAN CONSUL GENERAL ...... 65
GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY NETWORK FUNCTION ...... 66
MEETING WITH MR FRED HOCHBERG, CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT OF EXPORT-IMPORT
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES (EX-IM BANK) ...... 67
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT LUNCHEON IN NEW YORK ...... 68
MINISTERIAL MEDIA STATEMENTS ...... 69
3 PROGRAM
Time in bold indicates local in -market time Time in normal font indicates Brisbane time
Time Differences: Los Angeles 17 hours behind Brisbane (DST) Vancouver (Canada) 17 hours behind Brisbane (DST) Chicago (USA) 15 hours behind Brisbane (DST) New York (USA) 14 hours behind Brisbane (DST)
Wednesday 28 April 2010 - Brisbane / Sydney / Los Angeles (USA)
7:00am Depart Brisbane for Trade Mission to North America
6:45am Arrive Los Angeles 11:45 p m Met by Carlie Rogers, Business Development Manager, Trade Queensland the Americas
Transfer to the hotel and check-in Travel time: 30min
12:45pm Depart hotel for meeting 5:45am (Thurs) Travel time: 5m walk
1:00pm Luncheon with Greg Coote, CEO of Dune Entertainment, 6:00am (Thur) Wally Mariani, Senior Executive Vice President of Qantas Airways and David Calvert -Jones of Helifilms USA
Venue: Fox Studios Commissary 2121 Avenue of the Stars Suite 2570
3:00pm Depart for University of California Los Angeles 8:00am (Thur) Travel time: 15 mins
3:30pm Meeting with UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) 8:30am (Thur) Venue: Murphy Hall, Charles E Young Drive East Westwood, Suite 2570
Participants: Roberto Peccei, Vice Chancellor for Research Emily Loughran, Director of Licensing - Office of Intellectual Property Administration
4 5:00pm Return to hotel 10.00am (Thurs) Travel time: 15m
Overnight Los Angeles
Thursday 29 April 2010 - Los Angeles (USA) / Vancouver (British Columbia)
7.00am Check out and depart hotel for LAX 12.00midnight (Thurs-Fri)
9.00am Meet official party in airline lounge 2:00am (Fri) Deputy Consul General to escort through security to the airline lounge
9:30am Depart Los Angeles for Vancouver 2:30am (Fri) Travel time: 3h
12:30pm Arrive Vancouver and transfer to hotel 5:30am (Fri) The Honorary Consul will meet the official party and provide airport facilitation.
3:45pm Depart hotel for meeting with the Mayor 8:45am (Fri) Travel time: 10m
4:00pm - 5:00pm Meeting with Mayor Gregor Robertson , Mayor of 9:00am - 10:00am ( Fri) Vancouver
Venue: City Hall 453 West 12th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
5:00pm Return to hotel 10:00am (Fri) Travel time: 10m overnight Vancouver
Friday 30 April 2010 - Vancouver
7:30am Depart hotel for Breakfast Symposium 12:30am (Sat) Travel time: Sm walk
7:45am Arrive at venue and meet Life Sciences BC executives and 12:45am (Sat) proceed to Breakfast
5 8:00am Open Life Sciences BC Breakfast Symposium 1:00am (Sat) Venue: Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver 300-999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC V6C3B5
9:00am Travel to next meeting 2.00:am (Sat) Travel time: 10m
9.15am Site visit of the Olympic Athletes Village/ Millennium 2:15am (Sat) Waters residential development, hosted by Mr Bill Aujla
Venue: Southeast False Creek (SEFC) development area
10.30am Travel to next meeting 3.30am (Sat) Travel time: 10m
10.45am Meeting with Sean Pander, City of Vancouver Program 3.45am (Sat) Director for Climate Change and Sustainability
Venue: 1800 Spyglass Place Vancouver BC V5Z 4K8
11:15am Travel to next meeting 4:15am (Sat) Travel time: 10m
11:30am Business lunch with the Canada Australia & New Zealand 4:30am (Sat) Business Association (CANZBA) hosted by Flight Centre
Venue: Sutton Place Hotel 845 Burrard Street Vancouver
1:30pm Depart lunch and travel to next meeting 6:30am (Sat) Travel time: 15m
2:00pm Meeting with Rick Hansen , CEO of Rick Hansen Foundation 7:00am (Sat) and tour the Blusson Spinal Cord Research Centre
Venue: Blusson Spinal Cord Research Centre 818 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC, Canada
3:00pm Travel to next meeting 8:00am (Sat) Travel time: 20m
6 3:30pm Meeting with the University of British Columbia's Centre 8:30am (Sat) for Drug Research and Development (CDRD)
Venue: University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology - 6393 Northwest Marine Drive Vancouver, BC V6T 1A7, Canada
4:45pm Return to hotel 9:45am (Sat) Travel time: 20m
5:05pm Prepare for meeting with Premier of BC and Reception 10:05am (Sat)
5:50pm Depart for meeting with Premier of British Columbia 10:50am (Sat) Travel time: 5m walk
6:00pm Private Meeting with the Honourable Gordon Campbell, 11:00am ( Sat) Premier of British Columbia
Other BC attendees include: Minister Naomi Yamamoto, Minister lain Black, and Deputy Minister Lorne Brownsey
Venue: 999 Canada Place Suite #740
6:30pm Proceed to reception with Premier Campbell 11:30am (Sat) Travel time: 5m walk
6:30pm Join the Hon . Gordon Campbell, Premier of British 11:25am Columbia, for the signing of the Queensland -British Columbia Memorandum of Cooperation
Venue: 999 Canada Place Oceanview Suite #2
6.45pm Co-host the Queensland Government Business Reception 11.45am (Sat) with the Honourable Gordon Campbell , Premier of British Columbia
8:30pm Depart for hotel 1:30pm (Sat) Travel time: 10m walk/2m drive overnight Vancouver
7 Saturday 1 May 2010 - Vancouver/Chicago
9:00a m Depart hotel for Simon Fraser University Burnaby campus 2:00am (Sun) Travel time: 25m
9:30am Meeting with Mr Mario Pinto, Vice President of Research 2:30am (Sun) and Mr Norbert Haunerland , Associate Vice President, Simon Fraser University and witness signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Griffith University
Venue: Simon Fraser University 8960 University High Street Burnaby, BC, Canada
11.00am Depart for hotel 4.00am (Sun) Travel time: 25m
11.30am Check out of hotel 4.30am (Sun)
11:45am Meet with Mr Gordon Price, Director, the City Program, 4:45am (Sun) Simon Fraser University at the hotel and depart for Canada Line transit system
12:00noon Depart for Airport on Canada Line, light rail system built and 5:00am (Sun) operated by SNC-Lavalin, accompanied by Mr Gordon Price, Director The City Program Simon Fraser University Travel time: 30m
2:20pm Depart Vancouver for Chicago 7:20am (Sun) Travel time: 4h 1m
8:21pm Arrive Chicago International Airport and transfer to hotel 11:21am (Sun) Travel time: 40m
Ms Libby Schick, Australian Consul-General to meet official party on arrival and provide airport facilitation. overnight Chicago
Sunday 2 May 2010 - Chicago (USA) am Brisbane Liaison Time
11:15pm Depart hotel 2:15am (Mon) Travel time: 10m
8 11.30am Meeting with Vice Chancellors of Queensland universities 2.15am (Mon) Attended by: • Paul Greenfield - UQ • Ian O'Connor - Griffith • Peter Coaldrake - OUT • Chris Cocklin - representing JCU
Venue: Burnham Park Room Westin Chicago River North
12:30pm Attend QUT Luncheon 3:30am (Mon) Venue: Astor Ballroom Westin Chicago River North
2:00pm Travel to next meeting 5:00am (Mon) Travel time: 5m
2:30pm - 4:15pm Burrill Pan Asia Life Sciences Investment Symposium 5:30am - 7:15am (Mon) Venue: Choral Rehearsal Room - Millennium Park 201 E Rudolph St, Chicago
4:15pm Depart for hotel to prepare for networking reception 7:15am (Mon) Travel time: 2m drive/10m walk
5:05pm Depart hotel for reception 8:05am (Mon) Travel time: 2m drive/10m walk
5:15pm Meeting with Dr Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba and 8:15am ( Mon) signing of the MOU between Queensland and Manitoba
Venue: Piano room - Millennium Park
5:45pm Move to Pavilion next door for Queensland VIP Business 8:45am (Mon) Reception and greet guests
5:45pm for 6:00pm Queensland VIP Business Reception 8:45am-9:00am (Mon) Venue: Jay Pritzker Pavilion - stage Millennium Park
9:00pm Depart for hotel 12:00pm (Mon) Travel time: 2m drive/10m walk overnight Chicago
9 Monday 3 May 2010 - Chicago
7:30am Breakfast meeting of the Queensland North American 10:30pm ( Mon) Biotechnology Advisory Council (QNABAC)
Venue: Chancellor Room Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
10:30am Meeting with Karen King, DSM Biologics 1:30am (Tues) Venue: Chancellor Room Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
11:00am Meeting with Healthcare Ventures (HCV) regarding a 2:00am (Tues) strategic alliance with Queensland
Venue: Chancellor Room Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
11:30am Depart hotel for BIO Convention Centre 2:30am (Tues) Travel time: 20m
12:00noon Queensland Press Conference 3:00am (Tues) Venue: Room S106A McCormick Place Convention Complex Chicago
1.15pm Depart press conference for BIO Expo floor 4:15am (Tues) Travel time: 15m walk
1.30pm Visit the Australian National Pavilion and QCTN Pavilion 4.30am (Tues) Venue: Exhibition Hall, BIO McCormick Place Convention Complex Chicago
3.00pm Return to hotel 6:00am (Tues) Travel time: 20m
3.30pm Lunch own arrangement 6.30am (rues)
4.30pm Brisbane office liaison 7.30am (Tues)
7:00pm Depart hotel for Welcome Reception
10 10:00am (Tues) Travel time: 15m
7:15pm Official BIO 2010 Welcome Reception 10:15am (Tues) Venue: The Field Museum 1400 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago
9:00pm Depart reception for hotel 12:00 pm (Tues) Travel time: 15m overnight Chicago
Tuesday 4 May 2010 - Chicago (USA)/New York (USA)
7:00am Depart hotel for O'Hare International Airport 10:00pm (Tues) Travel time: 30m
9:25am Depart Chicago for New York 12:25am (Wed) Travel time: 2h 10m (This Flight was delayed by more than 2 hours)
The Australian Consul-General to provide airport facilitation.
2:35pm Arrive New York (La Guardia) and transfer to hotel 2:35am (Wed) Travel time: 45m
Met by the Australian Consul in New York
1:30pm Check into hotel 3:30am (Wed)
5:30pm Meeting with Phil Scanlan AM, Australian Consul General 7:30pm ( Wed) to New York
Mr Scanlan will accompany you to the Griffith University function
Venue: Hotel
6:00pm Depart with Consul-General for Griffith function 8:00pm (Wed) Travel time: 25m
6:30pm - 9:00pm Griffith University Network function 8:30am - 11:00am (Wed) Venue: Lily Brett and David Rankin's Loft 81 Wooster Street, Loft 2WM
11 MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION
• To reinforce at senior government and commercial levels, the high priority that the Queensland Government places on trade and investment relationships with Canada and the United States of America, and to strengthen those relationships.
• To consolidate Queensland's trade and investment activities and promote the capabilities of Queensland companies in Canada and the United States of America, especially in key sectors such as biotechnology, education and training, property, planning and construction, alternative, clean and renewable energy, water management technologies and mining services, in addition to Queensland's traditional exports. • To reinforce the State's economic credentials and continue to promote Queensland as an attractive and sound trade and investment destination. • To support Queensland exhibitors at BIO 2010 in Chicago, United States of America.
• To renew the Statement of Intent with British Colombia and present at the Symposium on Life Sciences and Alternative Energy in Vancouver. • To gain insights into other successful major event bids to strengthen the submission for the Gold Coast to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
14 OFFICIAL DELEGATIO N MEM BERS
The Honourable Anna Bligh MP Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts
Mr Ken Smith Director-General Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Mr Stephen Beckett Deputy Chief of Staff Office of the Premier
Ms Megan Saunders Media Advisor Office of the Premier
Ms Bronwyn Davies Senior Functions and Protocol Coordinator Protocol Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet
15 QUEENSLAND BUSINESS DELEGATES -VANCOUVER
Professor Sue Berners-Price Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor
Mr John Breit Brisbane North Institute of TAFE International Business Manager
Professor Paul Greenfield University of Queensland Vice Chancellor
Mr Andrew Haythorpe Liberty Resources Ltd Managing Director
Dr Paul Higgins Excel Technology Group Product Development
Ms Michelle Lee Royal Brisbane Institute of Technology Chief Executive Officer
Mr Russell Luhrs Springfield Land Corporation Executive General Manager , Planning and Infrastructure
Professor Ian Mackinnon Queensland University of Technology Professor, Research and Commercialisation
Mr Christopher Madden Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor ( International)
Ms Bridget Maher Griffith University Commercialisation Officer, Griffith Enterprise
Ms Vanessa Maruna Pregno Family Investments Pty Ltd In-House Counsel
Dr Nicholas Mathiou Griffith University Director, Griffith Enterprise
Mr Roger McComiskie Price Waterhouse Coopers Partner
Dr Stuart Newman Griffith University Business Manager, Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies
Professor Ian O'Connor Griffith University Vice Chancellor
Professor Ronald Quinn Griffith University Director, Eskitis Institute for Cell & Molecular Therapies
16 Mr Alan Savina Pregno Family Investments Director
Mr Neil O'Sullivan Noja Power Switchgear Pty Ltd Managing Director
Professor Brandon Wainwright University of Queensland Director, IMB
Professor Ian Wronski James Cook University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Science
17 QUEENS ND BIO 2010 DELEGATES - VANCOUVER
Professor Ken Beagley Queensland University of Technology Professor of Immunology
Professor Peter Coaldrake Queensland University of Technology Vice Chancellor
Professor Matthew Cooper University of Queensland Researcher, Institute of Molecular Bioscience
Professor James Dale Queensland University of Technology Director, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities
Professor Jeffrey Gorman Queensland Institute of Medical Research Lab Head
Dr Judy Halliday UniQuest Pty Ltd Commercialisation Manager
Dr Peter Isdale IMBcom Pty Ltd President and Chief Executive Officer
Professor Ned Pankhurst Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Researcher)
Mr Mario Pennisi Queensland Clinical Trials Network Chief Executive Officer
Professor Mark von Itastein Griffith University Professor, Institute of Glycomics
Professor Tony Webber Clinical Network Services Chief Executive Officer
18 QUEENSLAND BUSINESS DELEGATES ® CHICAGO
Mr Peter Allen Aliens Arthur Robinson Partner
Professor Sue-Berners-Price Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor
Mr John Breit Brisbane North Institute of Tafe International Business Manager
Professor Paul Greenfield University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor
Mr Andrew Haythorpe Liberty Resources Ltd Managing Director
Ms Michelle Lee Royal Brisbane Institute of Technology Chief Executive Officer
Mr Russell Luhrs Springfield Land Corporation Executive General Manager, Planning and Infrastructure
Ms Bridget Maher Griffith University Commercialisation Officer, Griffith Enterprise
Professor Ian Mackinnon Queensland University of Technology Professor, Research and Commercialisation
Ms Vanessa Maruna Pregno Family Investments Pty Ltd In-House Counsel
Dr Nicholas Mathiou Griffith University Director, Griffith Enterprise
Mr Roger McComiskie Price Waterhouse Coopers Partner
Professor Ian O'Connor Griffith University Vice Chancellor
Mr Alan Savina Pregno Family Investments Pty Ltd Director
Professor Ian Wronski James Cook University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Science
19 QUEENSLAND BIO 2010 DELEGATES ® CHICAGO
Ms Bronwyn Adams University of Queensland Marketing and Communications Officer, Institute of Molecular Bioscience
Dr Craig Belcher UniQuest Pty Ltd Manager, Innovation and Commerical Development
Ms Roberta Bozzoli DLA Phillips Fox Senior Associate
Dr John Chiplin Progen Pharamceuticals Managing Director and CEO
Professor Chris Cocklin James Cook University Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Research and Innovation)
Professor James Dale Queensland University of Technology Director, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities
Dr Tim Dargaville Queensland University of Technology Queensland Smart State Fellow, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
Dr Chris Davis Griffith University Business Manager, Institute of Glycomics
Dr Gavin Dixon UniQuest Pty Ltd Technology Commercialisation
Mr Kris Dyszynski TetraQ Business Development, North America
Dr Ian Ferguson Griffith University Business Development
Dr Robin Fieldhouse UniQuest Pty Ltd Technology Commercialisation
Dr Anthony Filippis Xenome Limited Vice President
Mr Michael Finney Queensland University of Technology CEO, BlueBox Pty Ltd
Professor David Gearing University of Queensland Smart Futures Entrepreneur -in-Residence, Queensland Brain Institute
20 Professor Peter Gray University of Queensland Director, Australian Institute of Biotechnology and Nanoengineering
Mr David Green Alchemica Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Dr Judy Halliday UniQuest Pty Ltd Commercialisation Manager
Mr Ian Harris University of Queensland Director, Research and Innovation
Mr David Henderson Uniquest Pty Ltd Managing Director
Ms Linda Heron Queensland University of Technology Executive Officer, Research & Commercial Development
Dr Cherrell Hirst Queensland BioCapitals Funds Pty Ltd Chief Executive Officer
Mr David Hughes BioPharmacueticals Australia Chief Executive Officer
Dr Willa Huston Queensland University of Technology Research Fellow, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
Mr Ken Ingbritsen BioGlobal Chief Executive Officer
Dr David Ireland Uniquest Pty Ltd Manager, Innovation and Commercial Development
Dr Peter Isdale IMBcom Pty Ltd President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr Don Kakuda Uniquest Pty Ltd Commercialisation Manager
Professor Max Lu University of Queensland Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Research)
Dr Michael Manion UniQuest Pty Ltd Manager
Dr Nathan Martinez Q-Pharm Executive Officer, Business & Commercial Development
21 Mr Philip Mendes Innovation Law Partner
Dr Steven Mercer Tissue Therapies Chief Executive Officer
Mr Michael McArdle Queensland University of Technology Director, Office of Research
Adjunct Professor Robert McCarthy University of Queensland Adjunct Professor, Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
Professor Anton Middelburg University of Queensland Australian Research Council Federation Fellow, Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
Professor Dean Moss UniQuest Pty Ltd Director
Mr Russell Neal Clinical Network Services Chief Operating Officer
Professor Colleen Nelson Queensland University of Technology Chair of Prostate Cancer Council
Dr Stuart Newman Griffith University Business Manager, Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies
Dr Ian Nisbet Xenome Limited Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Mrs Annita Nugent UniQuest Pty Ltd Manager, Innovation and Commercial Development
Mr Ian O'Hara Queensland University of Technology Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities
Ms Rebecca Osborne Implicit BioScience Operations Manager
Mr Daniel Parry Implicit BioScience Chief Financial Officer, Product Approval Committee
Professor Ned Pankhurst Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Research)
Ms Rose - Marie Pennisi TetraQ Commercial Manager
22 Mr Mario Pennisi Queensland Clinical Trials Network Chief Executive Officer
Dr Ben Phillis UniQuest Pty Ltd Manager, Innovation and Commercial Development
Professor Ron Quinn Griffith University Director, Eskitis Institute for Cell & Molecular Therapies
Mr Garry Redlich Implicit BioScience Director
Mr Peter Riddles ViciBio Director
Ms Clare Schodel Queensland Clinical Trials Network Marketing Manager
Professor Arun Sharma Queensland University of Technology Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Research and Commercialisation)
Professor Peter Timms Queensland University of Technology Infectious Disease Expert
Professor Brandon Wainwright University of Queensland Director, Institute of Molecular Bioscience
Professor Tony Webber Clinical Network Services Chief Executive Officer
Mr Brett Whitecross BioPharmaceuticals Australia Business Development
Professor Ross Young Queensland University of Technology Executive Director, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
Professor Yin Xiao Queensland University of Technology Associate Professor , Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
23 QUEENSLAND BUSINESS DELEGATES - NEW YORK
Professor Sue Berners-Price Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor
Mr John Breit Brisbane North Institute of TAFE International Business Manager
Mr Andrew Haythorpe Liberty Resources Ltd Managing Director
Ms Michelle Lee Royal Brisbane Institute of Technology Chief Executive Officer
Mr Russell Luhrs Springfield Land Corporation Executive General Manager , Planning and Infrastructure
Professor Ian O'Connor Griffith University Vice Chancellor
Professor Ronald Quinn Griffith University Director, Eskitis Institute for Cell & Molecular Therapies
Professor Ian Wronski James Cook University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Science
24 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING BIO 2010
Prof Peter Andrews Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist Queensland Chief Scientist
Dr Mark Jacobs Office of Biotechnology and Therapeutic Director Medicines and Devices
Ms Connie Bechtel Office of Biotechnology and Therapeutic Project Manager, Washington State Medicines and Devices
Prof Beth Woods OAM Strategy and Evaluation Group Executive Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
Prof Robin Mortimer Queensland Health Senior Director
Dr Paul Grieve Agriscience Queensland General Manager
Dr Wayne Jorgensen Agriscience Queensland Doctor/Senior Principal Research Scientist
Mr Tim Nicholls MP Member for Clayfield
25 WHY THESE MARKETS?
The overall objective of this mission was to reinforce Queensland's existing reputation and activities in Canada and the USA. It was also to continue to maintain our reputation at BIO 2010.
Other objectives included renewing the previous Statement of Intent with British Columbia through a Memorandum of Cooperation, and building both intelligence and awareness to support the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games bid.
CANADA
Signing a Memorandum of Cooperation with British Columbia will also help to raise our profile in a significant Commonwealth country ahead of the Gold Coast Games bid.
British Columbia Canada is a natural partner for Queensland with a number of synergies, particularly with British Columbia, including population spread and regionalisation, and resource rich economies with strong, mature mining industries, as well as both jurisdictions being on the Pacific Ocean and having major trade and interaction with the Asia Pacific region.
Links have already been established between Queensland and British Columbian institutions on prostate cancer and spinal cord research (including drug discovery and trials), ecological communities and urban planning and renewal.
These outcomes have yielded such promise that both Governments agreed that the new MoC will be signed by their respective Premiers to raise the importance of the agreement, to allow the acceleration of the activities and linkages already obtained, and incorporate new areas of mutual interest.
Further, the Premiers of the Province of Manitoba and Queensland signed an MoU to acknowledge and strengthen the relationship around the specific interests of life sciences. The three year agreement is focussed on the sectors of life sciences, including biotechnology and agri-health research, and information communication technology (ICT).
® Outcomes over the next six months: • In the next six to nine months, a virtual cabinet meeting will be held between the Queensland and British Columbian Governments, to measure the progress of collaborative activities under the agreements and discuss further progress into the future . This is expected to be a world first and instrumental to promoting carbon neutral governance.
USA The United States of America is Queensland's 8th largest merchandise export market and despite the current economic crisis, continues to be an important business, education, tourism and research partner for Queensland. Priority sectors for the Queensland Government in the US include biotechnology and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, aviation, and creative industries.
26 BIO 2010
The OECD predicts that biotechnology will be used to produce almost all health and agricultural products by 2030. This evolving bioeconomy will see the sustainable production and conversion of biomass to a range of food, health, fibre, industrial products and energy. Queensland's investment in innovation has been a catalyst for growth in knowledge-based industries, particularly biotechnology and the life sciences, and has positioned the State to participate in what is an extremely competitive global market primarily based in North America.
Queensland's strengths in the human health area are relatively emerging and need continual reinforcement and promotion in the international marketplace. In context, our strengths in plant and veterinary science (including biofuels) may be under rated. The Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Andrews, as well as the Vice-Chancellors of each of the Brisbane- based universities attended BIO.
The aim was to maintain Queensland's presence and reputation while looking at broadening the effort in bio-based industrial products, and other aspects of plant and animal sciences. New grants were announced for Boeing and Amyris to establish Queensland as a credible player who follows through, while the work which is going on with prospective investors in biological fuels begins to point the way to the future.
The biofuels research consortium, that will locate a major aviation biofuel project in Brisbane, led by the University of Queensland, brings together some of the biggest names in global aviation, including Boeing and Virgin Blue along with major US green energy company, Amyris.
Overall, we emphasised our balanced offering across a range of scientific disciplines with a strong focus on commercialisation and our land, water and mineral assets.
27 MEETINGS - LOS ANGELES
28 LUNCH MEETING WITH GREG COOTE , CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DUNE ENTERTAINMENT AND WALLY MARIANI , SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF QANTAS AIRWAYS
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010 Time: 1 :00pm - 3:00pm
Venue : Fox Studios Commissary 2121 Avenue of the Stars Suite 2570 Los Angeles
ATTENDEES Mr Greg Coote Chief Executive Officer, Dune Entertainment
Mr Wally Mariani Senior Executive Vice President, Qantas Airways
Mr David Calvert-Jones Helifilms USA Inc
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• This meeting provided the opportunity to promote Queensland's film and tourism industries.
• Queensland's strengths as a film location were discussed and that there is significant industry support including world class production infrastructure and diverse and experienced crews.
• The outstanding success of the film Avatar, produced by Mr Coote's company Dune Entertainment was a source of discussion.
• As the US remained Queensland's fourth largest international source market for tourism in the year ending December 2009, the meeting provided the opportunity to discuss boosting tourism from the US and ways to best leverage G'Day USA activities.
• During a visit to Los Angeles on 16 January 2010, a new Tourism Queensland 'Team Cairns' campaign was launched to increase visitor numbers to Cairns and the Far North Region. The campaign was joint effort with Qantas.
• The ongoing success of the campaign was discussed with Mr Mariani of Qantas. The importance of the Qantas and V Australia direct flights between Brisbane and Los Angeles were discussed, as they give Queensland companies direct access to the US market.
29 MEETING WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, L OS ANGELES (UCLA)
Date: Wednesday 28 April 2010 Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Venue : Murphy Hall, Charles E Young Drive East Westwood Suite 2570
ATTENDEES
Professor Roberto Peccei Vice Chancellor for Research, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Emily Loughran Director of Licensing - Office of Intellectual Property Administration, UCLA
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• This meeting was an opportunity to explore UCLA' s approach and investments in Translational research.
• These issues are of concern for Queensland with the development of the Translational Research Institute based at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
• The meeting also provided unique insights into world 's best practice in establishing and operating fully integrated translational research, to take drug discovery from the lab all the way through clinical trials, manufacture and commercialisation. • The meeting provided the opportunity to highlight the expertise of a number of Queensland researchers , such as Professor Ross Young, Executive Director Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (who is a Visiting Fellow to the UCLA Alcohol Research Center) and to encourage ongoing collaboration with UCLA.
30 MEETINGS - CANADA
31 MEETIN G WITH MR GREG OR ROBERTSON, MAYOR OF VAN COUVER
Date: Thursday 29 April 2010 Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Venue : City Hall 453 West 12th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
ATTENDEES
Mr Gregor Robertson Mayor of Vancouver
Sadhu Aufochs Johnston Deputy City Manager, City of Vancouver
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• The meeting with the Mayor of Vancouver focused on growth management and sharing expertise in urban planning and mass transit.
• A key outcome of this meeting was an agreement to work towards an exchange of senior planning staff to grow expertise in this area - learning from the best planning minds in the world and using that to Queensland's advantage locally. • The gaining of cooperation at the highest level of local Government in British Columbia will build on the recent Growth Management Summit held in Brisbane.
• Greater Vancouver and South East Queensland share similar challenges in terms of population growth :
• South East Queensland is expected to grow from 2.8 million to 4.4 million by 2031 - an increase of 57 per cent.
• Over the same period the Greater Vancouver region is expected to grow from 2.2 million to 3.1 million - an increase of 41 per cent. • It was discussed that with more than 2,100 extra people calling Queensland home each and every week, forward planning is essential and Queensland has much to gain from sharing knowledge and expertise with Vancouver's best planning minds. • Key growth challenges include providing places for people to live, work and play; preserving the natural environment; and providing infrastructure and services to support growing communities. The Mayor spoke of the importance of 'transit oriented development' as an important strategy for achieving sustainability and building attractive vibrant communities, particularly in Greenfield areas. • Generally, density, if managed properly has greater community support in greenfield areas over infill.
• The success of the Vancouver Winter Olympics was discussed and that the Queensland Government is serious in its plans to bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
32 The Mayor offered the Queensland bid his best wishes and advised the delegation that he was happy for the City of Vancouver to provide what ever advice and support that was needed for the Queensland bid. This generous offer was warmly accepted.
33 OFFICIALLY O PEN LIFE SCIENCES BC BREAKFAST SYM POSIUM
Date: Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 8:00am - 9:00am
Venue : Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver 300 - 999 Canada Place Vancouver BC V6C3B5
ATTENDEES
Honourable Moira Stilwell MLA British Columbia Minister for Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
Ms Karimah Es Sabar Senior Vice President at the Centre for Drug Research and Development
Ms Natalie Dakers Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Drug Research and Development
Mr Martin Gleave Chair of the Vancouver Prostate Center
Ms Joan McIntyre Member of BC Provincial legislature
Ms Dawn Black Member of BC Provincial legislature
There were over 100 attendees including approximately 20 Queensland researchers and industry representatives.
THE SYMPOSIUM
• The symposium, hosted by LifeSciences BC brought together leading life science researchers from Queensland and Canada to further collaborations and alliances.
• The invitation to open the LifeSciences BC Symposium and address the delegates attending the symposium provided a great opportunity to highlight some of the key work being done by Queensland researchers and the collaborative opportunities that exist between Queensland and Canada. MAJOR POINTS IN OPENING ADDRESS
• Queensland's commitment to all life sciences including medical, agricultural and environmental aspects was reinforced.
• Queensland Government's commitment to research and knowledge-intensive industries and the importance of the investment previously under Smart State and now under Toward Q2 in developing a resilient and diversified economy.
• The importance of international alliances with like-minded provinces such as British Columbia
• Announcing new funding of $1.5 million under the Smart Futures Funding program for the Queensland-British Columbia Drug Discovery Alliance - a joint initiative between
34 Griffith University's Eskitis Institute and researchers from British Columbia's Centre for Drug Research and Development.
® Professor Paul Greenfield, Vice Chancellor of the University of Queensland presented an overview of Queensland's capabilities and interests in renewable biofuels together with the technical and commercial risks and challenges posed by international energy markets. This highlighted the context for building on Queensland's agricultural and biotechnology capabilities to participate in targeting new market opportunities, resulting from the need for renewable energies.
• The Queensland delegation was impressed with the role of Life Sciences BC as an integrating body bringing together research and business interests in the health, agricultural and environmental life sciences areas.
35 SITE VISIT OF THE OLYMPIC ATHLETES VILLAGE/ MILLENNIUM WATER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Date : Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 9:15am - 10:30am
Venue : Southeast False Creek (SEFC) development area
Mr Bill Aujla Project Manager, Southeast False Creek (SEFC) and Olympic Village Project Office
MATTERS DISCUSSED • The site visit provided an opportunity to view the 2010 Winter Olympics Village, now known as the Millennium Water Residential Development, and discuss the planning and sustainable energy issues considered in the development of the athletes' village.
• The visit was particularly timely given Queensland's bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games for the Gold Coast.
• Valuable insight was provided into ways to incorporate green building design and sustainable development principles in an asset which will provide ongoing value to the region.
• Official party and delegates toured the village and saw first hand how investing in games infrastructure had long-term benefits in terms of catering for future growth.
• It was acknowledged that Vancouver raised the bar with its world-leading Olympics infrastructure.
• Queensland has the opportunity to draw upon the Vancouver City Council's sustainable urban residential planning model, which was employed to develop housing for the world's Olympic athletes, and then for Canadian residents following the Games.
• The idea of using the Athletes Village to deliver a world-leading sustainable community, with its own energy source, was proposed at the recent Growth Management Summit in Brisbane and Queensland is interested in learning more about this idea as plans are made for the Gold Coast bid. • Discussion was on the Queensland Government's desire to make the Games "green" if the bid is successful. • The visit enabled the delegation to gain insight into how the Vancouver City Council developed the original 1991 concept for the area into the Olympic Village and post Olympic proposals as a public-private partnership model. • The Olympic Village project has been hailed as a success for integrating athlete accommodation with pedestrian priority, sustainable activity and public transport.
36 MEETING WITH SEAN PANDER, CITY OF VANCOUVER PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Date : Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 10:45am - 11:15am
Venue: 1800 Spyglass Place Vancouver BC V5Z 4K8
ATTENDEES
Mr Sean Pander City of Vancouver Program Director for Climate Change and Sustainability
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• This meeting provided the opportunity for me to discuss some of the initiatives being implemented by the city of Vancouver, in particular the innovative economic modelling to support construction and operation of Neighbourhood Energy Utilities.
• Mr Pander briefed the delegation on the importance of having public dialogue on what the community focus should be when it comes to deciding "conservation effort". For example in areas with abundant water, he questioned whether focussing on water conservation is the biggest "bang for the buck".
• The amazing response from Queenslanders living in the South East corner to the then water crisis was discussed, and the life long behavioural changes that came from this period, meaning that SEQ water users are some of the most frugal water consumers in the world.
• The community needs to be on board to truly make conservation an "every day" issue. • Mr Pander advised that any conservation program should include "leveraging" contributions from the community. Spending money on conservation measures should be seen as an investment not a cost. For example, spending money on increasing energy performance often has a significant return on investment. Communicating this with the community and using leveraged contributions is the best way to roll out wide scale conservation measures.
• Leveraging can also be an important tool for community amenity and local infrastructure. For example local residents may make a contribution for Council to "bring forward" an upgrade to a local footpath. This is successful in many North American jurisdictions including San Francisco and Berkley. This is known as the PACE system.
• Matters of mutual importance in relation to approaches and strategies for managing urban growth in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner were discussed.
37 BUSIN ESS LUNCH WITH THE CANADA AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAN D BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (CANZBA ) HOSTED BY FLIGHT CENTRE
Date : Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm Venue : Sutton Place Hotel 845 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6 Canada
ATTENDEES
Ms Nerella Campigotto President, Canada, Australia and New Zealand Business Association (CANZBA)
Mr Greg Dixon President, Flight Centre Canada
Mr Kevin Lamb Australian Consul General in Vancouver
The Honourable John Yap MP British Columbia Minister of State for Climate Action
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• Approximately 60 leading businessmen and women from Vancouver attended this luncheon.
• Queensland's strong engagement with Vancouver and British Colombia and noted how Queensland companies such as Flight Centre are attracted to Vancouver as a base for their North America operations.
• Flight Centre now employs over 1,000 people in Canada.
• The opportunities that exist as a result of the Queensland-British Columbia Memorandum of Cooperation were discussed and the importance of not only renewing this agreement, but expanding the terms is key to better trade.
• Canada was the Bch largest source of international tourists to Queensland and growing this market is important to the Queensland Government (53,205 tourists in 2009). • Griffith University attracts more Canadian students than any other university in Australia. • Synergies between British Columbia and Queensland including common interest and expertise across sectors including clean technologies and sustainability, education, water and waste water management, infrastructure and regionalisation were discussed. • Similarities between Brisbane and Vancouver in dealing with rapid growth and maintaining lifestyle and liveability were also topical.
38 MEETING WITH MR RICK HANSEN, CHI EF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF RICK HANSEN FOUNDATION AND TOUR OF THE BLUSSON SPINAL CORD RESEARCH CENTRE
Date : Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Venue : Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, 818 West 10th Avenue Vancouver British Columbia
ATTENDEES
Mr Rick Hansen President and Chief Executive Officer of Rick Hansen Foundation
The Honourable Dr Moira Stilwell Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
Mr Colin Ewart Director, Government Leaders, Rick Hansen Foundation
Mr Bill Barrable Chief Executive Officer, Spinal Cord Injury Solutions Network
MATTERS DISCUSSED • This meeting provided an opportunity to meet with senior executives of the Rick Hansen Foundation and discuss further opportunities for collaboration between relevant spinal cord research activities in Queensland and British Columbia. • During the visit to the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre a further $2 million funding boost to two key research projects for spinal cord injury research was announced via the Queensland Government's Smart Futures fund.
• $1 million was announced for the University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) which is looking at ways to repair spinal cord damage. The research will use nanotechnology to mobilise the body's own healing abilities to repair and regenerate damaged cells. - The AIBN is working with the Centre for Advanced Imaging at the University of Queensland and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, focusing on using nanotechnology to mobilise the body's own healing abilities to repair or regenerate damaged cells.
• A further $1 million was announced to the Queensland-Canada Spinal Cord Injury Alliance - a joint initiative of QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) and Canadian researchers. This project will look at implementing the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry in Queensland to track patients, their treatment and clinical outcomes with a view to improving quality of care. The Queensland Government funding
39 will enable the Queensland researchers from QUT and the Princess Alexandra Hospital to partner with researchers/clinicians at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre in Vancouver and establish Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital as the first international partner site of the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry. • If successful, the work has the potential to improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injuries.
• Rick Hansen was invited to visit Queensland in March 2011 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of his "Man in Motion" world tour.
• Representatives from the Queensland Government, relevant Queensland research institutes and the Rick Hansen Foundation are continuing to meet to identify further opportunities for collaboration, including the establishment of a Chair of Spinal Cord Injury at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
• Queensland Government funding announcements in Vancouver, that totalled $3.5 million for three Queensland and Canadian research alliances, has also attracted around $10 million in Canadian investment.
40 MEETING WITH UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AN D THE CENTRE FOR DRUG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Date : Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 3:30pm - 4:45pm Venue : University of British Columbia 6040 Iona Drive Vancouver BC, Canada
ATTENDEES Ms Natalie Dakers Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Drug Research and Development Ms Karimah Es Sabar Senior Vice-President, Business and Strategic Affairs, Centre for Drug Research and Development Dr Carol Mayer Senior Curator, Africa/Pacific, University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• Discussions focussed on how Queensland may develop links in areas of common interest with the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), particularly the commercialisation of research and a project-based research alliance to be established between the Eskitis Institute and the CDRD. • The Queensland-British Columbia MOC provides the opportunity to continue pursuing research collaborations.
• Links already exist between the Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies and the CDRD. Both organisations are part of a proposed Queensland-British Columbia Drug Discovery Alliance which also involves the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre and the Vancouver Prostate Centre. The aim of the Alliance will be the discovery of new drugs from natural product extracts drawn largely from Queensland's tropical regions.
• Queensland's unique biodiversity, world-class biotechnology capabilities and best practice legislation (the Biodiscovery Act 2004) position the State at the forefront of global biodiscovery.
• The funding announced earlier for the Queensland-British Columbia Drug Discovery Alliance between Griffith University's Eskitis Institute and the CDRD demonstrates how CDRD's multi-disciplinary approach can link well with Queensland's strong capabilities in discovery research.
• There are also potential synergies with Queensland's capabilities in pharmacy, pre- clinical testing and clinical trials at the University of Queensland, TetraQ, Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the QCTN Inc.
• A discussion took place between CDRD and the Queensland delegation identifying several additional areas of complementarities between British Columbia's and Queensland's drug development activities including potential matches between:
• The Queensland Tropical Health Alliance and CDRD
• The Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Genome BC
41 ® The Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Vancouver Hospital Prostate Centre
42 PRIVATE MEETING W ITH THE HONOURABLE MR GORDON CAMPBELL, PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Date : Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 6 :00pm - 6:30pm
Venue : 999 Canada Place Suite #740
ATTENDEES
The Honourable Mr Gordon Campbell Premier of British Columbia
Ms Naomi Yamamoto BC Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations
Mr lain Black BC Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Initiative
Mr Lorne Brownsey Deputy Minister, Corporate Initiatives and Intergovernmental Relations
Mr Kevin Lamb Australian Consul-General in Vancouver
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• This meeting provided the opportunity to discuss with The Honourable Mr Gordon Campbell the strong relationship between British Columbia and Queensland, and common interests including sustainable growth, and planning and infrastructure for major events.
• Premier Campbell was briefed on the Queensland delegations itinerary to North and South America, highlighting the areas where Queensland has been active in these regions.
• Planning for sustainable growth and the success of the recently held Winter Olympics in Vancouver was discussed.
• Planning and infrastructure issues related to hosting of large international events, in the context of the Gold Coast bidding for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 was raised.
• As was the positive effect the Olympics had on the Canadian Provinces and how their economies were influenced by the major event in Vancouver.
• Both parties were looking forward to formalising the strong relationship between British Columbia and Queensland by signing the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) at the Reception later in the evening.
• The points of the expanded MOC were outlined and that the MOC was designed to build on the significant outcomes which have already been achieved under the existing Statement of Intent (SOI) signed in 2008.
43 • The main points of interest being the close collaboration between Griffith University and Simon Fraser University on ecological communities and urban planning and renewal.
• The strengthening of collaboration in areas of: • Action on Clean Energy, Water Stewardship and Climate Change • Maximizing our Potential in Knowledge Intensive Sectors
• Responsible Resource Management • Regional economies and indigenous communities
• Promoting Bilateral Education Opportunities • Planning, Development Assessment and Growth Management
44 CO-HOST THE QU EE NSLAN D GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RECEPTION WITH THE HONOURABLE GORDON CAMPBELL, PREMIER OF BRITISH COLOMBIA AND SIGNING OF MOC BETWEEN QUEENSLAND AND BRITISH COLUMBIA
Date : Friday 30 April 2010 Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Venue : Terminal City Club 837 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC
ATTENDEES The Honourable Gordon Campbell Premier of British Columbia The Honourable Shirley Bond Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure The Honourable Naomi Yamamoto BC Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations
Mr lain Black BC Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Initiative
Mr Lorne Brownsey Deputy Minister, Corporate Initiatives and Intergovernmental Relations
Mr Kevin Lamb Australian Consul-General in Vancouver
The Honourable John Yap British Columbia Minister of State for Climate Action
THE RECEPTION
• Approximately 200 representatives of Government and Business attended the reception. • The reception brought together key leaders in British Columbia and the Queensland delegation to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC).
• Both Premier's addressed the reception outlined the progress under the Statement of Intent (SOI), signed in 2008 and the strengthening of the relationship through the new agreement. • The MOC reaffirms the spirit of the SOI and pledges to turn cooperation into concrete action in a number of areas including action on clean energy, water stewardship and climate change; maximizing our potential in knowledge intensive sectors; responsible resource management; regional economies and indigenous communities; promoting bilateral education opportunities; and planning, development assessment and growth management.
• Also a commitment to hold a Virtual Cabinet Meeting of the two Government's of Queensland and British Colombia was outlined and the opportunities that this presented to learn more and exchange ideas on key areas of mutual interest, such as hosting major events like the Olympic Games and urban planning and design.
45 MEETING WITH DR MARI O PINTO, VICE PRESIDENT ® RESEARCH, SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY AND OBSERVE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY
Date : Saturday 1 May 2010 Time: 9 :30am - 11:00am
Venue : Simon Fraser University Burnaby Campus 8960 University High Street Burnaby, BC, Canada
ATTENDEES
Dr Mario Pinto Vice President (Research), Simon Fraser University
Dr Norbert Haunerland Associate Vice President (Research), Simon Fraser University
Prof Ian O'Connor Vice Chancellor & President, Griffith University
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• There was a formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Simon Fraser University and Griffith University which is a whole of institute agreement to promote future collaborative opportunities.
• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr Mario Pinto, Vice President (Research), Simon Fraser University and Professor Ian O'Connor, Vice Chancellor and President, Griffith University.
• Griffith University is exploring the potential to replicate the Simon Fraser's UniverCity urban planning model to enable Queensland students to learn from some of the most contemporary planning styles available.
46 MET WITH MR GORDON PRICE , DIRECTOR, THE CITY PROGRAM, SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY AT THE HOTEL AND DEPART FOR CANADA LINE TRANSIT SYSTEM
Date : Saturday 1 May 2010 Time: 11:45am -12:00noon Meet with Mr Gordon Price 12:O0noon - 12:30pm Depart for airport on Canada Line
Venue : Transit -from Hotel to Airport
ATTENDEES
Mr Gordon Price Director - City Program, Simon Fraser University
MATTERS DISCUSSED • The Official Party travelled from Vancouver's City centre to the airport via the Canada Line, a light rail system built and operated by SNC-Lavalin.
• Mr Gordon Price is a Canadian urban planner and former Vancouver City Councillor who, after retiring from politics, became a writer and public lecturer on urban renewal and transportation planning issues. He accompanied the Official Party and provided a briefing on the operations of the Canada Line.
• Mr Price has been involved in the transformation process associated with successful regional planning in Vancouver and is a respected commentator on "Vancouverism".
• The opening of Canada Line in August 2009 added 16 new stations and 19km to the SkyTrain network. It brings rapid rail service to Metro Vancouver's busiest north-south corridor, linking Downtown to Richmond and Vancouver International Airport.
• The maker of the Canada Line, SNC-Lavalin is a large Canadian engineering firm. It is one of the ten largest engineering firms in the world and is based in Montreal, Quebec.
• The rollout of the light rail system in coordination with other transport modes has been an ongoing process, now spanning 30 years.
• It was a valuable opportunity to see first hand how light rail has made such a positive impact in Vancouver. The Queensland Government is proudly supporting a new light rail system on the Gold Coast.
47 MEETINGS - USA
48 METING WITH VICE CHANCELLORS OF QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITIES
Date : Sunday 2 May 2010 Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Venue : Burnham Park Room Westin Chicago River North
ATTENDEES Professor Paul Greenfield AO Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Queensland
Professor Peter Coaldrake Vice-Chancellor, Queensland University of Technology
Professor [an O'Connor Vice-Chancellor and President, Griffith University
Professor Chris Cocklin Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, James Cook University
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• This meeting presented the opportunity for high-level, strategic discussions about future directions for Queensland's university and research sectors, and interaction with government and industry.
• The focus was on collaboration across all universities with government and industry.
• The Government's Q2 agenda - strong, green, smart, healthy and fair - will be greatly progressed by co-operating and collaboration between the Government universities and researchers.
• Support was sought from the Vice-Chancellors in achieving the objectives, and all parties committed to ongoing, strategic engagement to improved interaction and support between government and the universities.
49 QUT INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS LUNCH EON
Date: Sunday 2 May 2010 Time: 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Venue : Astor Ballroom Westin Chicago River North, 320 N. Dearborn, Chicago
ATTENDEES Professor Peter Coaldrake Vice-Chancellor, Queensland University of Technology
Mr Bill Barrable (Guest Speaker ) CEO, SCI Solutions Network
Dr Harrison Dillon (Guest Speaker) President and Chief Technology Officer, Solazyme Inc
THE LUNCHEON • Approximately 120 Queensland and international guests, including senior executives of QUT and representatives of legal firms, medical and biotechnology organisations, US universities, venture capitalists attended the luncheon which was hosted by Professor Peter Coaldrake, Vice-Chancellor, Queensland University of Technology.
• The event acknowledged the breadth and depth of biotechnology expertise within the State as well as the many partners and collaborators that make it possible.
• Acknowledged was the breath and depth of QUT's biotechnology activities. • The event provided a strong platform to announce QUT's successful bids under the current round of Smart Futures Funding and to launch Queensland's presence at the 2010 BIO Convention and Exhibition which included:
• QUT's Australia-Canada -India Chlamydia Research Alliance ($ 1.9 million).
• QUT's Queensland -Canada Spinal Cord Injury Alliance ($ 1 million, previously announced in Vancouver ) and the Planning Future Electricity Grids: Renewables initiative ($ 1.6 million, announced subsequently at the Queensland Press Conference at the BIO 2010 Convention and Exhibition).
• QUT showcased initiatives including the Queensland -Canada Spinal Cord Injuries Alliance, algae-based renewable diesel from sugar products, prostate cancer initiatives and wound management Cooperative Research Centre.
• Two international keynote speakers : Mr Bill Barrable, CEO, SCI Solutions Network and Dr Harrison Dillon, President and Chief Technology Officer, Solazyme Inc presented interesting and informative talks.
• The Queensland Government has invested significantly in QUT' s biotechnology research capability and infrastructure . Examples include: • Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant funded under Smart State Research Facilities Fund,
50 • Sugarcane Biomass to Ethanol Project ' incorporating the establishment of the Syngenta Centre for Sugarcane Biofuels Development at QUT (under National and International Research Alliances Program (NIRAP)
• Premier's Fellowship awarded to Professor Colleen Nelson for the project, "Development of New Therapeutic Approaches for Prostate Cancer Progression"
• The Queensland Government 's investment has facilitated the attraction of external funding into OUT, for example Commonwealth NCRIS funding to enhance the Mackay Pilot Plant and attract overseas investors such as Syngenta.
51 BURRILL PAN ASIAN LIFE SCIENCES INVESTM E NT SYMPOSIUM
Date: Sunday 2 May 2010 Time: 2:30pm -4:15pm
Venue : Choral Rehearsal Room 201 E Randolph St Chicago IL60601 Millennium Park Chicago
ATTENDEES Mr G. Steven Burrill CEO & Founder, Burrill & Company
MEETING SYNOPSIS • The Burrill Pan Asia Life Sciences Meeting brought together government and industry leaders from China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand for a three-hour meeting to discuss initiatives to develop the Pan Asian life sciences industry.
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• A panel discussion was facilitated, it was titled "Incentives and Competitive Advantage: Government leaders discuss what their countries are doing to attract and grow biotechnology businesses". • This meeting was for CEO's and industry leaders working in the Asia Pacific region or seeking to do business there, entrepreneurs interested in opportunities to build business in the region, and scientific and academic leaders interested in regional developments in biotechnology.
• Dr Cherrell Hirst, Chief Executive Officer of Queensland BioCapital Fund also participated in a panel of international life science investors.
• The panel session provided a unique opportunity to outline to an investor focused audience the approach the Queensland Government has adopted to build the State's biotechnology and life sciences capabilities over the past decade and create a positive business environment able to attract investment.
• The panel session highlighted the similar challenges facing Australia's neighbouring economies. • The Burrill Pan Asia Investment Meeting was a tangible demonstration of the benefits the partnership between Queensland and Burrill & Company affords both parties.
• There is good interest from international stakeholders to participate in the Torrid Zones Investment meeting in Cairns in August and the TRX 10 conference in Brisbane in October 2010.
52 METING WITH D R G REG SELINGER, PREMIER OF MANITOBA AND .SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN QUEENSLAND AND MANITOBA
Date : Sunday 2 May 2010
Time: 5:15pm - 5:45pm
Venue : Choral Rehearsal Room Millennium Park
ATTENDEES
Honourable Doctor Greg Selinger Premier of the Province of Manitoba, Canada MLA, BSW, MPA, PhD
THE SIGNING
• The Queensland delegation had a meeting with Dr Greg Selinger, Premier of the Province of Manitoba to formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Emerging Technology Collaboration between Queensland and Manitoba over the next three years. • The initial focus of the MOU is to enhance collaboration in key emerging technologies between both jurisdictions, focused initially on the areas of life sciences (biotechnology, functional foods and nutraceuticals and agri/human health research) and advanced composite materials; to create new export opportunities, improved productivity in traditional industries and provide innovative processes for the health needs of growing/aging populations.
• Opportunities in life sciences (biotechnology, functional foods and nutraceuticals and agri/human health research) and composite materials were identified during recent visits to Queensland by key industry and government interests from Manitoba and the discussions they held with local counterparts.
• The Government of Manitoba has made considerable investments in biomedical R&D as well as research to extract higher production levels and higher value materials from the Province's main agricultural commodities such as canola, wheat, barley and cattle.
• The Manitoban Government is actively pursing the projects identified under the new MOU with the Queensland Government and industry counterparts.
• The possibility of more formalised meetings between researchers and companies from Manitoba and Queensland is being explored with a strong Manitoban delegation anticipated to attend the TRX 10 Conference in October in Brisbane.
53 QUEENSLAND VIP BUSINESS RECEPTION
Date: Sunday 2 May 2010 Time: 5:45pm - 9:00pm
Venue: Jay Pritzker Pavilion Millennium Park Chicago, Illinois
ATTENDEES
The Honourable Kim Carr Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
The Honourable Greg Selinger . Premier of Manitoba, Canada
The Honourable Dr Moira Stilwell British Columbian Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
Mr Tim Nicholls MP Member for Clayfield, Queensland
THE RECEPTION
• This reception provided the opportunity to present Queensland's capabilities at a hosted reception for approximately 200 representatives from Queensland and around the world. • It provided Queensland attendees with an opportunity to network and foster new relationships, while positioning and showcasing the State's strengths, particularly in medical, agricultural and industrial biotechnology.
• Key international allies from biotechnology related fields attended as well as potential business partners across other sectors.
• Over the past eleven years that Queensland has had a mission to BIO, the Queensland VIP Business Reception has established an important and positive reputation amongst the international biotech community and is now one of the signature events leading up to the start of each annual BIO convention.
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• Key members of the Official Party including the Premier, the Commissioner to the Americas and the Director-General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet greeted guests on arrival to the event.
• The main address was an opportunity to highlight Queensland's strengths and growing international reputation as a significant biotechnology hub.
• The Queensland Reception provided the ideal platform for industry/business networking. • The reception enabled around 100 Queensland delegates the opportunity to meet with around 100 leading national and international industry and government leaders including the federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, the Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba, the Honourable Dr Moira Stilwell, British Columbia's Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development and Mr Steve Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Company.
54 • The Queensland and federal Governments jointly announced the attraction of one of the world's leading contract manufacturers DSM Biologics to Queensland. DSM Biologics will operate the new scale-up manufacturing facility to be located adjacent to the Translation Research Institute being constructed on the Princess Alexandra Hospital campus. • The Queensland Government has provided $7 million in seed funding for the facility under its ten-year Biotechnology Strategic Plan and the Commonwealth is investing $10 million as part of its ongoing push to win high-tech, high-value jobs and industries for Australia. • This is a turning point in the development of Queensland's biotechnology industry, with the aim being to make this industry worth $20 billion and employ 16,000 people by 2025 by supporting Queensland research, innovation and jobs into the future, and this major contract is a great step forward. • The facility will allow local companies to make the relatively small quantities of biopharmaceuticals needed for early-stage clinical trials. Drugs of this kind are being developed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis and cancer. • The remaining $45 million required to build the $62 million facility will come from the Translational Research Institute funding pool, which includes $140 million from the Commonwealth and $100 million from the Queensland Government, along with generous contributions from philanthropic and institutional partners. • The Translational Research Institute, headed by Professor Ian Frazer, is due to open in 2012, with the BioPharmaceuticals Australia facility on track to begin manufacturing by 2013.
55 BREAKFAST MEETING OF THE QUEENSLAN D NORTH AMERICAN BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COUNCIL (QNABAC)
Date : Monday 3 May 2010
Time: 7: 30am - 9:30am
Venue: Chancellor Room Fairmont Chicago 200 North Columbus Drive Chicago, Illinois
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• The breakfast meeting provided a strong platform to boost the profile of the Queensland North American Biotechnology Advisory Council (QNABAC) within the North American biotechnology community.
• Extended thanks to QNABAC for their continued support of Queensland companies in the US;
• Welcomed new member Ms Karimah Es Sabar of LifeSciences BC in Vancouver to the QNABAC;
• Promoted the Queensland Government's initiatives and support to encourage development in biotechnology including the development of the Transitional Research Institute (TRI)/BioPharmaceuticals Australia (BPA) project;
• Promoted Queensland's capacity to establish a Bio-Based Industrial Products Sector; • Used examples of Queensland's collaborations with US states and Canadian provinces in biotechnology to highlight both the importance of the QNABAC and the strong potential for further North American collaborations; and
• Re-enforced the Queensland Government's commitment to support the industry and outlined that a substantial number of institutes had been established.
• This breakfast meeting also presented an ideal opportunity to network and engage with both QNABAC members and the North American biotech community.
0 QNABAC held discussions on:
• the status of the Queensland industry and preliminary survey data of the industry's growth over the past two years;
• the importance of continuing to align the universities with economic development in the broad sense and specifically in commercialisation and support for entrepreneurship;
• the importance of building on the investment to date to target new market opportunities for example in the clean energy market. In this regard I sought the views of Council members on the Discussion Paper: Strategic directions for development of the Queensland bio-based industrial products sector; and
• the opportunity for Queensland to leverage its income from its commodity exports with China and other markets, to continue to develop a resilient, diversified economy including biotechnology and other knowledge-intensive industries.
56 ® The Council heard from Dr Karen King, President of DSM Biologics on the key reasons for DSM's decision to choose Queensland: the market opportunity, the explicit Government commitment, and the critical importance of the role that the provision of DSM's expertise locally will play in securing the viability of Australia biotechs.
57 MEETING WITH MS KAREN KING, DSM BIOLOGICS AND MR ROBERT HARTMAYER, DSM PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
Date : Monday 3 May 2010 Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Venue : Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel 200 North Columbus Drive Chicago, IL, USA
ATTENDEES
Ms Karen King President, DSM Biologics Mr Robert Hartmayer (TBC) Chief Executive Officer, DSM Pharmaceutical Products Mr Peter Allen Chair, BioPharmaceuticals Australia (Network) Pty Ltd Mr David Hughes Chief Executive Officer, BioPharmaceuticals Australia (Network) Pty Ltd
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• The execution of the agreements that formalise the commercial partnership between BioPharmaceuticals Australia (Network) Pty Ltd (BPA) and DSM Biologics Company Australia Pty Ltd (DSM). This partnership was announced at the Queensland VIP Business Reception on the evening of Sunday 2 May 2010, and a joint media release followed at the Queensland Press Conference at 11.30am on Monday 3 May 2010, reinforcing Queensland's leadership in this area, as evidenced by the establishment of the facility in Queensland. • Discussed progress on facility design and construction.
• Discussed other areas of Queensland's capabilities that may be of interest to other parts of the parent DSM company.
• Further strengthened the relationship with senior representatives from DSM by highlighting Queensland's ongoing commitment to the BPA project. Discussions aimed at understanding their level of interest in a prospective collaboration with Queensland and clarifying the areas that might align with their strategic direction.
• Thanked DSM for the partnership and assured them of the Queensland Government's ongoing support for the project.
• Discussions focussed on the progress being made in designing the facility and the proposed timetable for construction. Business development and human resources management activities will also be a focus as they underpin the successful start up of the BPA facility.
• Attraction of a major multinational company to operate the BPA facility, namely DSM, is a significant achievement. This meeting also presented an opportunity to discuss Queensland's broader capabilities that may be of interest to the parent DSM company, Royal DSM N.V.
• The commitment of DSM Biologics to operate the national scale-up manufacturing for new biologic drugs (and key component of the TRI) is a significant achievement as it will
58 assist to ensure the Government's investment in research is translated into new drugs and vaccines.
• The partnership with DSM Biologics is the culmination of a unique alignment between state and federal governments, our universities and the Atlantic Philanthropies.
• The announcement was a highlight of the Australian delegations participation at BIO 2010 and was well covered by international industry media and publications.
• DSM made the decision to invest in Brisbane a focal point of their BIO 2010 presence, further emphasising Brisbane's increasing international presence.
• The Queensland Government has provided $7 million in seed funding for the facility under its ten-year Biotechnology Strategic Plan and the Commonwealth is investing $10 million as part of its ongoing push to win high-tech, high-value jobs and industries for Australia.
• This is a turning point in the development of Queensland's biotechnology industry, with the aim being to make this industry worth $20 billion and employ 16,000 people by 2025 by supporting Queensland research, innovation and jobs into the future, and this major contract is a great step forward."
• The facility will allow local companies to make the relatively small quantities of biopharmaceuticals needed for early-stage clinical trials. Drugs of this kind are being developed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis and cancer.
• The remaining $45 million required to build the $62 million facility will come from the Translational Research Institute funding pool, which includes $140 million from the Commonwealth and $100 million from the Queensland Government, along with generous contributions from philanthropic and institutional partners.
• The Translational Research Institute, headed by Professor Ian Frazer, is due to open in 2012, with the BioPharmaceuticals Australia facility on track to begin manufacturing by 2013.
59 MEETING WITH HEALTHCARE VENTURES REGARDING A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH QUEENSLAND
Date: Monday 3 May 2010 Time: 11.00am -11:30am
Venue : Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel 200 North Columbus Drive Chicago, IL, USA
ATTENDEES
Mr Augustine (Gus) Lawlor Managing Partner, HealthCare Ventures LLC
Mr Christopher ( Chris) Mirabelli Managing Director, HealthCare Ventures LLC
Mr Douglas (Doug) Onsi Venture Partner, HealthCare Ventures LLC
Mr Rob Armstrong Vice President of Global Research and Development, Eli Lilly
Mr Darren Carroll Vice President New Ventures, Lilly Ventures
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• A potential strategic alliance between the Queensland Government and HealthCare Ventures LLC.
• Discussed the establishment of a new life science venture fund with HealthCare Ventures LLC (HealthCare Ventures), with significant funding support from Lilly Ventures part of multi-national pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.
• The objective of the strategic alliance is to increase capital investment, enhance local capability and increase global networks into the Queensland biotechnology industry.
• Topics of discussion included:
• proposed establishment of a new HealthCare Ventures life science fund with Queensland Investment Corporation (At this meeting the negotiations were concluded and negotiations were finalised on the Fund)
• a HealthCare Ventures presence in Queensland;
•, HealthCare Ventures business model; and • proposed deliverables over the next 10 years.
60 61 VISIT AUSTRALIAN PAVILI ON AN D QCTN PAVILI ON
Date : Monday 3 May 2010 Time: 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Venue : Bio Exhibit Hall Australian Pavilion, Booth 3748 / QCTN Pavilion, Booth 5720 McCormick Place Convention Complex 2301 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago
THE PAVILIONS • A visit to the Australian Pavilion and the Queensland Clinical Trials Network (QCTN) booth was arranged for the Queensland BIO delegation.
• This was an opportunity to meet with Queensland exhibitors and delegates on the Australian and QCTN stands. • The Queensland presence at BIO was a substantial proportion of the Australian delegation and comprised companies, tech transfer agencies and research organisations. Queensland exhibitors secured significant leads through the exhibition while companies took up to 30 business matching meetings each to identify new licensing, partnering and investment opportunities. • The Australian branding is tremendously important in an increasingly crowded market place. Queensland through the Queensland Clinical Trials Network pavilion continued to build strong brand awareness within the North American market
• The announcements of the BPA-DSM Biologics partnering and the Boeing-Amyris alliance with UQ to develop aviation biofuels, were highlights of Queensland's and Australia's participation at BIO 2010.
• Queensland has secured international drug manufacturer DSM Biologics to operate Australia's first major contract manufacturing facility for biologic drugs and therapeutics. - The Queensland Government has provided $7 million in seed funding for the facility under its ten-year Biotechnology Strategic Plan and the Commonwealth is investing $10 million as part of its ongoing push to win high-tech, high-value jobs and industries for Australia. - The Translational Research Institute, headed by Professor Ian Frazer, is due to open in 2012, with the BioPharmaceuticals Australia facility on track to begin manufacturing by 2013.
• The AIBN Queensland Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative, a biofuels research consortium led by Professor Lars Nielsen at the University of Queensland, will locate a major aviation biofuel project in Brisbane that brings together some of the biggest names in global aviation, including Boeing and Virgin Blue along with major US green energy company, Amyris. Queensland partners include Mackay Sugar, Brisbane- based IOR Energy, James Cook University and Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries.
62 • As with BIO 2009, the Australian Pavilion (booth 3748) reflected the "One Australia" branding to showcase Australia's capabilities to the global industry. Queensland was allocated four premium exhibit booths in the Australian Pavilion. In addition to the Queensland Government, the following Queensland organisations exhibited within the Australian Pavilion: Uniquest; The Institute for Molecular Bioscience - IMBcom; Queensland University of Technology; and Griffith University.
• QCTN is the primary point of contact for preclinical and clinical research in Australia. It is a member-based, industry-focused group representing national and international businesses which have a presence in Queensland. These organisations are life sciences service providers and related entities serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, complementary medicines and medical devices industries.
• The QCTN exhibited in a separate location to the Australian Pavilion. QCTN Queensland stakeholders on the QCTN stand included:
• BioPharmaceuticals Australia (BPA)
• Clinical Network Services (CNS)
• Brisbane Marketing • MediQ
• Q-Pharm
• ViciBio
• TetraQ
• Perkins Resources
• Queensland Biotechnology & Medical Devices Industry Forum; and • Burrill & Company (Queensland Strategic Partnership)
63 OFFICIAL BIO 2010 WELCOME RECEPTI ON, CHICAGO
Date: Monday 3 May 2010 Time: 7:15pm - 9:00pm Venue: The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois
THE RECEPTION
• The Reception was attended by key international biotechnology, clean technology and pharmaceutical firms.
• The BIO 2010 International Convention is the largest international biotechnology convention and exhibition attracting over 15,000 industry leaders from 65 countries. The theme for the BIO 2010 convention was 'Fulfilling the Promise: Heal, Fuel, Feed the World'.
• The reception presented the opportunity to network and promote and reinforce Queensland's commitment to the biotechnology industry and to highlight the Queensland Biotechnology Strategic Plan 2005-2015.
• The Strategy's vision is to develop a Queensland life sciences industry with a projected growth in revenues of $4 billion, in an industry worth $20 billion by 2025.
• The networking opportunities facilitated links with international business delegates to identify and pursue opportunities for new international partnerships for Queensland organisations.
• Also strengthened existing life science related international alliances with Washington State, British Columbia and South Carolina, and profiled new alliances with British Columbia and Manitoba.
• While BIO 2010 is heavily focused on the pharmaceutical and health sector, the Chicago location also ensured a strong focus on biofuels. This provided an opportunity to promote Queensland's competitive advantages in industrial biofuels - the State's production capabilities for feedstocks (eg, sugarcane, algae), advanced existing logistics (rail, port) and climate.
• The Queensland Government is also exploring opportunities for renewable/alternative (e.g. solar, biofuels), clean coal technology, water technology and infrastructure projects.
64 MEETING WITH MR PHIL SCANLAN AM, AUSTRALIAN CONSUL GENERAL
Date : Tuesday 4 May 2010 Time: 5 :30pm - 6:00pm
Venue : The Alex Hotel 205 East 45th Street New York, NY10017
ATTENDEES Mr Phil Scanlan AM Australian Consul-General in New York USA
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• A discussion took place regarding the Queensland delegations itinerary to North and South America, highlighting the areas where Queensland has been active in these regions.
• Mr Scanlan provided an update on the current climate within US financial institutions with respect for investment in Australia, particularly in clean energy.
• The Consul General was then briefed on recent trends and significant projects in Queensland's economic and social development.
• The Consul General's view on potential investment into the Cleantech industries in Queensland by US investors was also sought.
65 GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY NETWORK FUNCTION
Date : Tuesday 4 May 2010 Time: 6 .30pm - 9.00pm Venue : Lily Brett and David Rankin's Loft 81 Wooster St LOFT 2WM Between Spring and Broome St SoHo New York 10012
ATTENDEES
Mr Phil Scanlan AM Australian Consul General to America Professor Ian O'Connor Vice Chancellor Griffith University Professor Michael Goode Queensland Institute of Medical Research Mr Chris Madden Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Griffith University
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• The Griffith University networking function, with a focus on renewable energy, provided me with an opportunity to promote Queensland's capability and capacity in green technologies, climate control and long term corporate sustainability, to note the Queensland Government commitment to this industry sector and to commend Griffith University on being a pioneer and well respected leader in this globally significant area.
• Queensland hosts some of Australia's most advanced research and development centres for clean technologies, green building and design, renewable energy and environmental solutions such as water and waste water technologies.
• The Queensland Government is committed to minimising the effects of climate change and recognises the importance of supporting the environmental sector and investing in green technologies to achieve this.
• Griffith University has led environmental science, education, research and practices for more than three decades. Griffith launched Australia's first environmental science degree in 1975, well before the environment was on the global agenda, and now has more than 5600 environment alumni.
• Griffith's value statement enshrines the University's contribution to a robust, equitable and environmentally sustainable society. Griffith's current strategic plan continues a commitment that "environmental sustainability will be reflected in its building design, as well as its energy, water and waste management practices.
66 MEETING WITH MR FRED HOCHBERG, CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT OF EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES (EX-IM BANK)
Date : Wednesday 5 May 2010 Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Venue : 30 Rockefeller Plaza
ATTENDEES
Note - the Premier did not attend this meeting . It was conducted by Mr Ken Smith, Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Mr Fred Hochberg Chairman and President, US Export-Import Bank Mr John Stephens GE - USA Mr Steven Howlett GE - USA Mr Tim Rourke GE - Australia The Honourable Peter Beattie Queensland Commissioner for the Americas Mr Stuart Dignam Deputy Commissioner
MATTERS DISCUSSED
• The Director-General used this meeting to promote Queensland's emerging gas industry and commitment to the development of clean coal technologies to the Chairman. • He also discussed Queensland's development and deployment of a range of renewable energy technologies including commercial scale solar thermal and geothermal, plus wind and bagasse cogeneration. • The Chairman noted the synergies between the Obama administration's energy policies - particularly in relation to supporting development and rollout of clean coal generation capacity - and the energy environment in Queensland • The Chairman discussed the role of the Ex-Im bank. He noted that demand for credit in the current economic climate is extraordinary, driving in excess of $20B in loans from the bank in the last year, which he expected to better this year. • The Chairman noted Mexico's $100 billion infrastructure programme and that there were similar infrastructure needs in Colombia and Brazil. • The Director-General highlighted the strengths of Queensland as an investment destination, providing continuity and stability for any investments. • It was noted that the Ex-Im Bank is in active discussion with GE around possible clean coal projects in Queensland. The nature of the support is commercial in confidence. • The Director-General provided background on the Commonwealth Government's flagship programme and highlighted that it is a competitive process with independent decision making milestones which will ensure all interested parties are treated fairly. • The Chairman concluded by indicating a strong interest in Queensland's energy sector and policies, pointing out that the Ex-Im Bank has an obligation to back innovative projects, no matter where they are in the world, which deliver results that are of interest to the US.
67 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMEN T LUNCHEON IN NEW YORK
Date : Wednesday 5 May 2010 Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm Venue : Del Frisco's Steak House 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York
ATTENDEES Mr Gary Beyer Head of American Relationship Management, Deutsche Bank
Mr Philip Douglas Director, Deutsche Bank Mr David Plank Head of Research Australia, Deutsche Bank Mr Torsten Slok Director Research, Deutsche New York Mrs Joanne Thornton Director, Funding & Markets, QTC
MATTERS DISCUSSED • Expectations for the Australian/Queensland economy in the context of the global recovery, noting that some investors remain cautious/sceptical about the China growth story. • The plan for returning Queensland to a AAA/Aaa credit rating. The less ambiguity investors have regarding this issue, the lower Queensland's cost of funds. Conversely, the greater uncertainty around Queensland's return path to AAA status, the higher the borrowing costs.
• The State's Asset Sales Program, including which assets are being sold, the sequence of events and the overall value to the State from this initiative. • Deutsche Bank is a member of QTC's Distribution Group and QTC's lead manager for the distribution of QTC's bonds in the US. To assist in the global distribution, pricing support and liquidity of QTC bonds, the Distribution Group comprises leading international and domestic banks that act as intermediaries (i.e. conduits) to institutional investors (both offshore and onshore) to source funding and provide information flows - thus QTC relies on the Distribution Group's relationships with institutional investors to promote Queensland and QTC bonds.
• Institutional investors are generally from prime global institutions that purchase QTC's A$ Global and domestic bonds , via QTC 's Distribution Group (our market intermediaries). They are typically central banks, Japanese securities houses, funds and asset managers, and large global investment banks.
68 MINISTERIAL M EDIA STATEMENTS
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Office of the Premier 2010PREM0091-000488 Government of Queensland April 30, 2010
B.C., QUEENSLAND STRENGTHEN TIES, CO -OPERATION
VANCOUVER - British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh have signed a wide-ranging memorandum of co-operation that will further ties between the two jurisdictions in six key areas.
The signing was held in Vancouver during Premier Bligh's two-day visit to the province.
"The people of British Columbia and Queensland share a rich history, and going forward we are equally committed to building sustainable, green economies and an unparalleled quality of life to pass on to our children and grandchildren," said Premier Campbell. "Under this agreement, Queensland and B.C. will now make our relationship even closer by seeking opportunities to work together in such areas as climate action, biotechnology and the exchange of world-class knowledge."
"This agreement gives unique opportunities for collaboration between the best and brightest from Queensland and British Columbia," said Premier Bligh. "We're focusing on our strengths in alternative energies, climate change, drug development and sustainable cities.
"Our friendship is already strong and producing concrete results - I fully expect significant outcomes for years to come."
The B.C.-Queensland Memorandum of Co-operation includes the following provisions: Action on clean energy, water stewardship and climate change. Maximizing knowledge intensive sectors, including biotechnology, life sciences, health and medical research. Responsible resource management. Regional economies and indigenous communities. Promoting bilateral education opportunities. Planning and growth management, including exchanging information and ideas.
Today's agreement follows up on the B.C.-Queensland Statement of Intent signed in 2008. It helped open the way for both jurisdictions to work on sharing information and increasing engagement in the Asia-Pacific region to help improve market access for both B.C. and Queensland companies.
Since that time, Queensland has worked closely with B.C. to increase links in field of medical research. A notable example is the link between Vancouver General Hospital's Prostate Centre and the new Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre in Queensland.
69 The agreement also includes the two jurisdictions working towards holding a future trans- Pacific joint cabinet meeting using telepresence technology.
Contact: Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary Office of the Premier Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 604 307-7177
Office of Premier Anna Bligh Brisbane, Australia +61 7 3224 4500
70 MINISTERIAL M EDIA STATEMENTS
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Office of the Premier 2010PREM0091-000488 Government of Queensland April 30, 2010
B.C., QUEENSLAND STRENGTHEN TIES, CO-OPERATION
VANCOUVER - British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh have signed a wide -ranging memorandum of co-operation that will further ties between the two jurisdictions in six key areas.
The signing was held in Vancouver during Premier Bligh's two-day visit to the province.
"The people of British Columbia and Queensland share a rich history, and going forward we are equally committed to building sustainable, green economies and an unparalleled quality of life to pass on to our children and grandchildren," said Premier Campbell. "Under this agreement, Queensland and B.C. will now make our relationship even closer by seeking opportunities to work together in such areas as climate action , biotechnology and the exchange of world -class knowledge."
"This agreement gives unique opportunities for collaboration between the best and brightest from Queensland and British Columbia," said Premier Bligh. "We're focusing on our strengths in alternative energies, climate change, drug development and sustainable cities.
"Our friendship is already strong and producing concrete results - I fully expect significant outcomes for years to come."
The B.C.-Queensland Memorandum of Co-operation includes the following provisions: Action on clean energy, water stewardship and climate change. Maximizing knowledge intensive sectors, including biotechnology, life sciences, health and medical research. Responsible resource management. Regional economies and indigenous communities. Promoting bilateral education opportunities. Planning and growth management, including exchanging information and ideas.
Today' s agreement follows up on the B .C.-Queensland Statement of Intent signed in 2008. It helped open the way for both jurisdictions to work on sharing information and increasing engagement in the Asia -Pacific region to help improve market access for both B.C. and Queensland companies.
Since that time, Queensland has worked closely with B.C. to increase links in field of medical research. A notable example is the link between Vancouver General Hospital's Prostate Centre and the new Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre in Queensland.
68 The agreement also includes the two jurisdictions working towards holding a future trans- Pacific joint cabinet meeting using telepresence technology.
Contact: Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary Office of the Premier Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 604 307-7177
Office of Premier Anna Bligh Brisbane, Australia +61 7 3224 4500
69 Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Friday, April 30, 2010 Premier talks growth management with the world's best
Premier Anna Bligh has kicked off the first leg of a trade mission to North America with a strong focus on growth management and gaining expertise from world leaders in urban planning and mass transit in Vancouver, Canada.
Ms Bligh today met with the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, and agreed to work towards an exchange of senior planning staff to grow expertise in this area.
"Vancouver has been consistently ranked as the world's most liveable city over the past decade," Ms Bligh said.
"The planning challenges here are similar to those we face in Queensland, particularly in the South East corner.
"With more than 2,100 extra people calling Queensland home each and every week we have to stay ahead of the game on this issue.
"This is about learning from the best planning minds in the world and using that to our advantage locally."
Tomorrow, the Premier will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell, which also focuses on exchanging ideas between the two states on growth management.
Ms Bligh said the talks at the highest levels of state and local government in British Columbia would build on last month's Growth Management Summit held in Brisbane.
Greater Vancouver and SEQ face similar challenges as a result of strong population growth. "SEQ is expected to grow from 2.8 million to 4.4 million by 2031 - an increase of 57 per cent," Ms Bligh said.
"Over the same period, the greater Vancouver region is expected to grow from 2.2 million to 3.1 million - an increase of 41 per cent.
"This is a massive issue for both of our Government's and we have everything to gain from sharing knowledge and expertise with Vancouver's best planning minds."
The Memorandum of Cooperation being signed by the Premiers includes a specific clause on "Planning, Development Assessment and Growth Management".
70 Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Sunday, May 02, 2010 Premier signs historic deal for world's first "virtual Cabinet"
Cooperation between Queensland and Canada will reach a new level after Premier Anna Bligh today signed an historic deal to hold a "virtual Cabinet" with the State Government of British Columbia.
In Vancouver on a trade mission to North America, Ms Bligh and Premier Gordon Campbell today signed up to the groundbreaking cyber project which is also believed to be a world first.
"This is a real opportunity for Queensland to join forces with British Colombia and work together strategically to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing us today," Ms Bligh said.
"Today's agreement signifies an unprecedented level of cooperation and sharing of expertise in key areas like growth management , clean energy and tackling climate change."
The virtual Cabinet is due to take place within the next year and would use technology such as video conferencing, building on a practise already in place by the British Columbian government.
It follows today's signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Premier Bligh and Premier Campbell between the two states, which strengthens collaboration in areas including:
Action on clean energy and climate change;
® Sharing expertise on planning, development and growth management; ® Managing natural resources including water; ® Promoting education opportunities between the two states; ® Promoting regional economies; and ® Supporting indigenous communities.
Ms Bligh said the two Government's had much to gain from sharing expertise and working cooperatively because they faced similar challenges.
Today's announcement comes a day after Ms Bligh met with the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, and agreed to work towards an exchange of senior planning staff to grow expertise in the area of planning and growth management.
SEQ is expected to grow from 2.8 million to 4.4 million by 2031 - an increase of 57 per cent. Over the same period, the greater Vancouver region is expected to grow from 2.2 million to 3.1 million - an increase of 41 per cent.
"Vancouver has been consistently ranked as the world's most liveable city over the past decade, and I'm determined to use the best expertise in the world to our advantage locally," Ms Bligh said.
71 "Queensland and British Columbia are also both resource rich states and share a similar determination to tackle climate change - in fact British Columbia is regarded as a leader in North America for its efforts to grow jobs and invest in new green economy."
"And we both have leading universities taking part in groundbreaking research that has the potential to make a real difference with regards to tackling big diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as helping those living with spinal cord injuries."
Ms Bligh - who is leading the North American leg of a trade mission to the Americas involving more than 120 delegates - will continue on from Vancouver to the world's biggest Bio technology conference in Chicago Bio 2010.
Contact 07 32244500
72 Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Sunday, May 02, 2010 Qld Government supports effort to unlock health mysteries
Could the Great Barrier Reef hold the answer to a cure for cardiovascular and other diseases and help treat prostate cancer?
In Vancouver, Canada on the latest leg of a trade mission, Premier Anna Bligh today announced more than $3.5 million funding boost to three key research projects that could also potentially attract around $10 million in Canadian investment.
"There is groundbreaking medical research that's underway thanks to the combined efforts of Canadian and Queensland researchers - and it deserves to be supported," Ms Bligh said.
"If successful, these projects have the potential to find cures for diseases such as malaria, treat diseases like prostate cancer, and aid those living with spinal cord injuries."
Ms Bligh announced the successful applicants of the 2010 National and International Research Alliances program grants:
- A $1.5 million grant for the Queensland British Columbia Drug Discovery Alliance - a joint initiative between Griffith University's Eskitis Institute and researchers from British Columbia; - A $1 million grant to the Queensland-Canada Spinal Cord Injury Alliance, a joint initiative of QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) and Canadian researchers; and - More than $1 million to the University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN).
Ms Bligh said the Eskitis Institute has built a collection of over 300,000 natural compounds from plants and marine invertebrates from tropical Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea and China, with a view to unlocking their potential to produce new medical drugs.
The Eskitis Natural Products Library could well hold the key to some of the worst diseases blighting human kind, including malaria and African sleeping sickness," Ms Bligh said.
The Institute will supply its collection of natural product extracts to the Vancouver-based Centre for Drug Research and Development which would screen the collection to help develop drugs for a number of illnesses, including prostate cancer."
Research into spinal cord injuries would also receive support through a $1 million grant to the Queensland-Canada Spinal Cord Injury Alliance, a joint initiative of QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation ( IHBI) and Canadian researchers.
The IHBI research project, led by Dr Ben Goss and in partnership with the Princess Alexandra Hospital, would look at implementing the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry in
73 Queensland to track patients, their treatment and clinical outcomes with a view to improving quality of care.
Ms Bligh met up with Mr Hanson on her mission - a Canadian sporting legend and advocate for people with spinal injuries, famed for covering more than 40,000 km and 34 countries in his wheelchair in the 1980s.
"This is important work and the Government is pleased to make this strategic investment because of the world-class expertise of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the potential of the research to improve the quality of life for thousands of people suffering spinal cord injuries," Ms Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh said Dr Goss and his team would also look at implementing a series of clinical trials and observational studies both in Vancouver and Brisbane.
"The researchers will look at a number of potential therapies including implanting cells to aid spinal repair," Ms Bligh said.
More than $1 million would also to the University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) which is also working on ways to repair spinal cord damage.
Professor Andrew Whittaker from the AIBN is working with the Centre for Advanced Imaging at the University of Queensland and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, focusing on using nanotechnology to mobilise the body's own healing abilities to repair or regenerate damaged cells.
Media contact : 07 32244500
Contact for Professor Ron Quinn , Eskitis Institute : tel 3735 4100
Contact for Professor Andrew Whittaker, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, UQ: tel 3346 3885
Contact for Dr Ben Goss, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, QUT: tel 3138 6239
74 Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Monday, May 03, 2010
QLD LEARNS FROM VANCOUVER IN GC GAMES BID
Vancouver: Queensland will learn first-hand the lessons of the Vancouver Winter Olympics to help shape the Commonwealth Games bid for the Gold Coast.
In Vancouver on a trade mission, Premier Anna Bligh, toured the Olympic Athletes Village and saw how investing in games infrastructure had long- term benefits in terms of catering for future growth.
The Premier discussed the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games bid with British Columbian Premier, Gordon Campbell, who agreed to share information on Olympic preparations.
And she got a sneak peak of what light rail could bring to the Gold Coast, testing out the Canada Line transit system - a light rail system which moves 345,000 passengers each weekday around Greater Vancouver.
"Vancouver raised the bar on the Olympic global stage with its world-leading Winter Olympics infrastructure for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics," Ms Bligh said.
"Queensland has the opportunity to draw upon the Vancouver City Council's sustainable urban residential planning model, which was employed to develop housing for the world's Olympic athletes, and then for Canadian residents following the Games," Ms Bligh said.
"The idea of using the Athlete's Village to deliver a world-leading sustainable community, with its own energy source, was proposed at the Queensland Growth Management Summit, and I am very interested in how we can make this idea a reality," she said.
"I want to draw on that experience to help shape our planning for the Commonwealth Games 2018 bid -to make the Game's green.
"For our bid to be successful, strong planning is very important, and it's been great to get a first-hand insight into Canada's recent experience in planning, project management and site development for a global sporting event."
Ms Bligh said attracting the Commonwealth Games to Queensland would potentially create up to 30,000 jobs on the Gold Coast in the lead up to, and during, the event.
She said Queensland was well placed in its bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with local sports business expertise in companies including Populous, Rebound Ace, Anti Wave Australia and others already contributing to many of the world's major sporting events.
Premier Anna Bligh today got a sneak peak of what light rail could bring to the Gold Coast, testing out the Canada Line transit system, a light rail system which has operated successfully since 1985.
"Between 1992 and 2005, Vancouver was the only Canadian city in which the time taken by the average resident to get to and from work declined," Ms Bligh said today.
75 "Canada and Australia have many things in common - including having to deal with the challenges of population growth.
"It's good to see first-hand how a light rail system operates successfully. We can learn from international examples like this to make sure the Gold Coast rapid transit system is second to none.
"The Vancouver light rail experience also shows how new major public transport investments can help manage regional growth more effectively and tackle congestion."
The Gold Coast Rapid transit project - a partnership between the Queensland Government, the Commonwealth and Gold Coast City Council- will link the commercial and retail centres of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach in Australia's sixth largest city.
The project is worth around $1.3 billion to the local economy and will generate more than 6,000 jobs during the life of the project.
The project is expected to replace up to 75 million car trips and reduce local greenhouse gas emissions by 114,000 in the first ten years of operation.
Contact 07 32244500
76 Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Monday, May 03, 2010
QUEENSLAND TO MAKE MEDICINES OF THE FUTURE
Queensland has secured international drug manufacturer DSM Biologics to operate Australia's first major contract manufacturing facility for biologic drugs and therapeutics.
Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced the contract in Chicago today at the world's biggest biotechnology conference.
The Queensland Government has provided $7 million in seed funding for the facility under its ten-year Biotechnology Strategic Plan and the Commonwealth is investing $10 million as part of its ongoing push to win high-tech, high-value jobs and industries for Australia.
The facility is being built in partnership with Queensland Government-owned BioPharmaceuticals Australia , and will be located with the Translational Research Institute on the Princess Alexandria Hospital campus in Brisbane.
"This facility will fill a huge gap in Australia's biotechnology infrastructure", Senator Carr said. "it will make the Translational Research Institute one of the few places in the world that can turn research discoveries into real -world treatments for patients."
"This is a turning point in the development of Queensland's biotechnology industry," Premier Bligh said. "We have a plan to make this industry worth $20 billion and employ 16,000 people by 2025. This is about supporting Queensland research, innovation and jobs into the future, and this major contract is a great step forward."
The facility will allow local companies to make the relatively small quantities of biopharmaceuticals needed for early-stage clinical trials. Biopharmaceuticals are produced in live cells from plants and animals, especially mammals, which most resemble humans. Drugs of this kind are being developed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis and cancer.
"An estimated $60 million goes offshore every year to manufacturers of small-scale drug and therapeutic compounds because we can't do this kind of work in Australia," Premier Bligh said. "The partnership with DSM Biologics is about to change all that."
Senator Carr said: "Creating this capability will make Australia an even more attractive destination for investment in biopharmaceutical research, development, and production. It will give home-grown companies the tools they need to compete internationally - enabling us to deliver more revolutionary drugs like Gardasil, which is protecting women around the world from cervical cancer."
Karen King, president of DSM Biologics, said the company is very excited to have been selected to operate the facility in Queensland: "The Australian biotech industry is rapidly
77 growing and this was an important factor for our participation. We are looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the prospering Australian biotech industry."
The remaining $45 million required to build the $62 million facility will come from the Translational Research Institute funding pool, which includes $140 million from the Commonwealth and $100 million from the Queensland Government, along with generous contributions from philanthropic and institutional partners.
The Translational Research Institute - headed by the inventor of Gardasil, Professor Ian Frazer - is set to open in 2012, with the BioPharmaceuticals Australia facility on track to begin manufacturing by 2013.
"This is another example of what we can achieve when governments, researchers and industry work together," Senator Carr said. "Australians will benefit from this investment for years to come."
Media contacts: Stan Anson, Minister Carr, 0447 744 276 Megan Saunders , Premier Bligh, 0419 913 438
78 Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Tuesday, May 04, 2010 Bligh Government backs Queensland's top researchers Chicago: Premier Anna Bligh has backed Queensland's leading researchers with $13 million in funding grants announced today at the world's biggest biotechnology convention, Bio 2010. "There is groundbreaking work underway by a number of leading Queensland researchers that deserves to be supported," Premier Bligh said from Bio 2010.
"These are leading lights in Queensland's biotech research community who's ideas could potentially make a big difference to people's lives.
"Biotech is an industry of the future and we expect it to be worth $20 billion by 2025 -this is about supporting Queensland ideas and innovation into the future."
"The work recognised today is very diverse and ranges from shortening the life span of dengue carrying mosquitoes to helping young burns victims cope with pain.
"It also includes boulder-blasting technology that will help the mining industry by using a high powered jet hose to break down rocks and MRI scanners that can scan individual limbs rather than whole bodies.
"Each of these projects is unique and has a great potential - whether it in health or industry."
Among those congratulated by Ms Bligh was Professor Scott O'Neill and his team at the University of Queensland who have received $1.95 million to continue their work to eradicate dengue fever - a project which has previously attracted $1.9 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.
"Dengue Fever affects over 50 million people annually and Professor O'Neill's work is being watched closely throughout the Asia Pacific," Ms Bligh said.
"His work involves infecting dengue carrying mozzies with the bacterium Wolbachia to both significantly reduce their life-span and make older mosquitoes incapable of biting.
"At the same time it will help to further position Queensland as a leader in tropical health and expertise," she said.
Ms Bligh said these projects, as well as three major Queensland-Canadian research alliances announced last week, were part of $17 million for 13 projects under new Queensland Government National and International Research Alliances Program (NIRAP) and Research- Industry Partnerships Program (RIPP) funding.
The investment has generated a pool of funding - including contributions from researchers and their partners - of around $60 million in total.
79 "These programs are part of the Queensland Government's Smart Futures Fund which aims to support collaborative research projects, skills development and innovative research throughout the State," Ms Bligh said.
The Queensland Government has invested $3.6 billion investment in research and development and innovation, there are more than 30 new research institutes and more than 300 research-related projects, research scholarships and fellowships. Queensland Government National and International Research Alliances Program (NIRAP) and Research- Industry Partnerships Program (RIPP) recipients include:
- More than $1.9 million to the Innovative Dengue Prevention Technologies for the Asia- Pacific Region project - to reduce the ability of dengue carrying mosquitoes to spread the disease.
- More than $1.8 million to the Australia-Canada-India Chlamydia Research Alliance - to advance prevention, treatment and management of Chlamydia.
- More than $1 million to the Universal Ultrasensitive Diagnostics Platform - to develop better early detection of infectious, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
- $2 million to the Queensland Sustainable Aviation Fuel initiative - to source aviation biofuel from three types of processed feedstock: sugarcane juice and bagasse; oilseed trees such as Pongamia; and algae.
- Almost $1.5 million to the High Efficiency Microalgal Biofuel System Project - to develop low-cost, high productivity 'photo-bioreactors' which can produce green algae for use in a range of biofuels.
- Almost $1.65 million to the Planning Future Electricity Grids Project - to develop a world- first planning tool to ensure Queensland's electricity network will cope with peak loads in high population areas.
- $1 million to Magnetica Ltd for its Very High Field MRI Magnet project - to develop and commercialise a portable MRI scanner.
- $1 million to CMTE Development Initiative (CRC Mining) for its Pulsed Water Jet Commercial System Development - to develop and commercialise world-first water jet blast technology for the mining industry.
- More than $410,000 to Diversionary Therapy Technologies for its DITTO Research and Development Project - to finalise clinical trials and progress to manufacture its unique hand- held DITTO device that helps to significantly reduce pain and anxiety levels in young burns patients.
- $lmillion to Alchemia Ltd for its Novel Pain Killers with Reduced Side Effects Project - to develop the next generation of painkillers that produce fewer side effects in patients such as nausea, vomiting and sedation.
Contact 07 32244500
80 Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
The green future of the sky - planes powered by algae
Chicago: The Bligh Government has secured a world-first green fuel initiative which could slash greenhouse gas emissions by fuelling planes with algae.
In Chicago representing Queensland at the world 's biggest biotechnology conference, Bio 2010, Premier Anna Bligh announced a research consortium that will locate a major aviation biofuel project in Brisbane.
The consortium - led by the University of Queensland - brings together some of the biggest names in global aviation including Boeing and Virgin Blue along with major US green energy company, Amyris.
Queensland partners in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative include Mackay Sugar, Brisbane-based IOR Energy, James Cook University and Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries.
"Queensland is set to become the home for cleaner, greener, renewable jet fuel," Ms Bligh said today.
"The aviation industry accounts for around two per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and that may grow to three percent unless further action is taken to reduce emissions.
"We're leading the way on aviation biofuels research. With a growing focus on making our skies greener, this is big business and good for jobs and the environment. "
The Queensland Government has injected $2 million in to the project through the University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering andNanotechnology (AIBN) which will research the production of aviation biofuels.
Boeing has committed $450,000 to the project and Amyris is investing more than $1 million in it. Ms Bligh said the AIBN Queensland Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative, led by Professor Lars Nielsen, was a world first and could have a big impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry.
Professor Neilson said there were already 18,000 aircraft in operation and another 25,000 were expected to enter service in the next 20 years.
"So reducing the environmental impact of flying is a key challenge in tackling climate change," Professor Nielsen said.
Professor Neilson said the holy grail of global aviation and international research was focusing on finding a biofuel that was safe to use, could be produced sustainably and in the
81 quantities to feed jets' enormous appetite, and that was as cheap, if not cheaper, to produce as fossil fuels.
Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice president of Engineering, Operations and Technology, John Tracy said: "As a technology and aerospace industry leader, Boeing is working with its customers and industry-university partners around the world to pioneer environmentally progressive technologies that will improve the global transportation system.
"These efforts include developing and flight testing sustainable advanced-generation biofuels, as well as providing more fuel-efficient products, improved air traffic management systems and more."
MEDIA CONTACT: Megan Saunders 0419 913 438 Premier's Office 3224 4500
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