18 February Momentum, Reality & Building What’s Next | Dean’s Desk 4 February 18, 2026 By Admin RIN Dean's Desk 0 There’s strong momentum across our network right now, but also some very real conversations about what comes next for our region. Here’s what the past fortnight has looked like. 1. 2026 Events Off to a Flying Start We’ve begun the year with two sold-out events, and that energy matters. Our February Industry Briefing sold out in just seven days, a record result and a clear sign members are ready to reconnect. Thank you to Adam Lancey, Asset President of BMA, for delivering a sector update and outlook, and to Kylie Porter (GW3) for outlining regional priorities. Last Friday, our International Women’s Day Business Lunch also officially sold out. Nearly 600 attendees will gather in the coming weeks for one of the largest business events in regional Queensland. We’re proud to welcome Kate Davies, CEO of Netball Queensland, as our 2026 keynote speaker to truly embody Give to Gain. Next up is our March Industry Briefing on 20 March featuring Qantas and Mackay Airport. Tickets are available here. 2. Brisbane: Optimism and Reality Last week I travelled to Brisbane to speak at the Queensland Resources Council Resources Roundup at State Parliament. There was optimism about the sector’s performance and future opportunities. But my role was to deliver honesty about how confidence in regional Queensland is slipping. The latest QRC data shows billions lost across key regions, including $4.6 billion in Mackay last financial year. Through our Regions Before Royalties campaign, we continue to hear directly from business owners and workers feeling the strain. The combination of hard data and on-the-ground accounts genuinely resonated. These are not abstract numbers. They represent real communities and real consequences. The following morning at the Queensland Local Content Leaders Network meeting, the focus turned to strengthening local procurement and improving reporting transparency. GW3’s latest modelling reinforces the urgency. A 10% reduction in coal supply chain spending would cost our region nearly $1 billion and almost 4,000 jobs. Coal remains foundational to our economy. Diversification is important, but so is policy certainty. Read the GW3 report here. 3. Unlocking Trade Through Mackay In positive news, North Queensland Bulk Ports announced construction of a container depot at the Port of Mackay, a development that changes the logistics landscape for our region. For many businesses, importing or exporting products, materials or parts has meant additional time and cost through Brisbane or other ports. Enabling direct containerised trade through Mackay reduces that burden, strengthens supply chain resilience and positions our port for growth. If your organisation moves containerised freight, now is the time to engage with NQBP as the project progresses toward completion in 2026. 4. Future Capability and Diversification Two developments this week highlight the importance of building long-term resilience. Yesterday, I attended the official opening of Flexi-Lab at the Resources Centre of Excellence's Future Industries Hub. As neighbours in the building, we have watched this project evolve over several years. It now provides practical capability in future facing minerals, research and pilot-scale processing, strengthening our region’s industrial base. Next week’s METS & MORE Diversification Forum is equally timely. Off the back of GW3’s reporting, diversification is not theoretical. It is a practical way for businesses to manage risk in uncertain conditions. For many METS and supply chain businesses, it can begin by applying existing capability into adjacent industries and broadening revenue streams over time. If you have not yet registered for the Diversification Forum, you can do so here: https://events.humanitix.com/mets-and-more-diversification-forum That’s how regional economies evolve, by building on strength rather than replacing it. Looking Ahead Strong events, serious advocacy and important infrastructure progress. Over the next fortnight we lead into International Women’s Day, the Diversification Forum and continued work behind the scenes on behalf of our members and our region. I look forward to seeing many of you in the weeks ahead. Related Articles Back in Action for February | Dean’s Desk 3 Dean’s Desk returns for February as RIN officially kicks off 2026, marking a milestone 25th anniversary year. This update confirms a busy start with sold-out events, growing International Women’s Day momentum, and continued advocacy for regional businesses—setting the tone for a strong year ahead. 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