Business Chamber Queensland brings Ahead of the Game to the Townsville    

By Business Chamber Queensland

Business Chamber Queensland is bringing its Ahead of the Game event series to Townsville on 16 July, as local businesses are urged to get ready for the wave of opportunity building across the region.  

With major infrastructure projects underway – including the $9 billion Bruce Highway investment and CopperString  – alongside planning for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and delivery of the Games On! program, North Queensland is entering a period of significant transformation. 

Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper said Townsville and North Queensland were entering a significant period of economic growth, underpinned by major infrastructure investment, energy projects, and global event opportunities. 

“This is a rare, transformative moment for local businesses, but success will depend on being prepared, competitive, and ready to scale,” Ms Cooper said. 

She said initiatives like this were critical to ensure businesses could step into procurement opportunities with confidence, win work and ensure regional Queensland captures the long-term economic benefits of the Games.  

The half-day program will feature a panel session, practical workshops and networking, covering partnerships, procurement readiness, workforce planning and branding and visibility. The panel speakers are: 

• The Hon Dale Last MP, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development 

• Councillor Nick Dametto, Mayor of Townsville  

• Joseph O’Brien, Founding Partner and CEO of VisIR and co-founder of the CopperString project 

• Dominique Lamb, Director of Community Affairs to the President of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.  

Ahead of the Game: Townsville will be held on Thursday 16 July 2026 at The Ville Resort Casino Townsville.  

ENDS 

Business Chamber Queensland media contact 
[email protected] | 0499 988 218