Embracing innovation to accelerate existing and emerging resources in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.
Unite with industry leaders and innovators on ways to invigorate regional economies, and advance sustainable project outcomes.
Learn about the creation of a new resource sector that leverages cutting-edge innovation and technology, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability
Examine how the resource sector influences regional economies, addressing both the opportunities and challenges it presents for local communities
Uncover the strategic design, planning, and delivery of projects in the Mackay area, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in fostering a prosperous resource future
Breakfast Event
Hear from our keynote speakers at the networking breakfast followed by a Q&A panel discussion. Ticket price includes buffet breakfast.
$50+GST IAQ Members
$60+GST NON Members
Speakers
Shaun Ferris
Assistant Coordinator-General
Industry & Infrastructure Development
Shaun commenced as the Assistant Coordinator-General, Industry and Infrastructure Development for the Office of The Coordinator-General (OCG) in October 2024, prior to joining the OCG Shaun had held roles in both the private sector and public roles focused on the resources sector including as the Deputy Director-General, Georesources and senior roles with global mining companies.
Shaun brings extensive experience in environmental management, sustainability, project approvals, stakeholder engagement, government relations, and land and tenement management.
Shaun is a passionate advocate for diversifying Queensland’s economy through growing our industry base, strengthening supply chains, and leveraging the rich natural resource endowment of Queensland.
Shaun is a strategic, results driven leader whose worked all stages of the resource sector lifecycle within Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Shaun holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) from Griffith University.
Adrian Beer
Managing Director
Australian Innovation eXchange
Adrian Beer is the former CEO of the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centre for the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector. With over 30 years of industrial technology experience, across a wide range of capital-intensive industries.
Adrian is passionate about collaborative transformation, business efficiency, maximizing the performance and effectiveness of operations. His career has encompassed product strategy, digital transformation, and commercialising innovation; from small-scale start-ups to global corporate roles with two of the world's largest industry technology organisations. With a background in electrical engineering, Adrian has working in mining and resources, energy utilities, transportation, and defence.
Adrian holds an MBA from the University of New England (Australia), is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM), and a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. He serves on advisory boards for NIER, AROSE, and ARC institutions, is currently a Director of Australian Innovation Exchange, and previously non-executive director roles with Austmine and Robotics Australia Group.
Gerard Coggan
Queensland’s Coordinator-General (CG)
Gerard Coggan commenced as Queensland’s Coordinator-General (CG) in January 2024 and has the responsibility to lead the coordination and facilitation of Queensland's major infrastructure projects and drive sustainable development and economic growth across the state.
With more than 25 years’ experience in project management and consulting, Mr Coggan has a demonstrated history of steering work through complex environmental sustainability and community engagement processes.
Prior to this role, he has worked in both the private and public sectors, most recently engaged as a General Manager at APA Group, and in his last role in the Queensland Government as Acting Deputy Director-General – Investment Facilitation and Partnerships in the former Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.
As an independent officer of the State reporting directly to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, the Coordinator-General is relied upon to drive and deliver economic opportunities for Queensland.
