Sustainability

In 2018, Brisbane launched the Visitor Economy 2031: Vision for the Brisbane Region (VE2031), which aims to enhance the contribution of the visitor economy to the region’s lifestyle, environment and economy through capturing greater value for our communities and sustainably managing growth.

One of the catalyst projects to emerge from the wide stakeholder consultation process was the need to develop a clear sustainability agenda for the visitor economy, connected to the region’s narrative, developed in response to the community’s aspirations around improving liveability, and through industry-driven vision and buy-in. As a result, the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) has embarked on a sustainability journey, joining the Global Destination Sustainability Index in 2019, establishing a Sustainability Project Control Group (PCG) in 2020, and developing the 2021-22 Sustainability Action Plan.

BEDA's mission is to deliver the highest impact economic growth initiatives that will create employment opportunities and raise living standards for the people of Brisbane.

BEDA is taking a lead role in driving Brisbane’s economic recovery, working with city leaders, partners, and local business to deliver initiatives with immediate and sustainable economic impact for Brisbane.

Our commitment to sustainable economic development ensures that the opportunities and lifestyle we create today will remain available to future generations of Brisbane residents, and will deliver resilience and impact mitigation to local business and community.

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals support an international shift to a more sustainable economy that leads to greener, more inclusive economies and stronger, more resilient societies.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s Sustainability Action Plan aligns with our shareholder’s priorities and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

BEDA can proactively lead activities that align with the following six SDGs:

• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Through our work, BEDA can influence activities that align with the following four SDGs: 

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Goal 13: Climate Action

At BEDA, our mission is to implement the highest-impact initiatives with immediate and sustainable economic impact for Brisbane. Our people choose to work at BEDA because we are passionate about Brisbane and are committed to making Brisbane a better place.

Brisbane is a clean and green city, that is smart, prosperous, accessible, connected, creative and healthy, and that leads the region by example. BEDA is committed to ensuring opportunities and a prosperous today for Brisbane residents. In delivering these outcomes, we are conscious of protecting the opportunities and quality of lifestyle for future generations of Brisbane residents.

A destination with sustainability credentials offers more for visitors, investors, and business. It also offers resilience and impact mitigation for local business and community. BEDA will drive the adoption, promotion, and recognition of sustainable practices across our Brisbane remit to drive a competitive advantage for our city.

Through our work, we demonstrate our corporate values of:

• Delivering Together
• Respecting Each Other
• Making an Impact
• Acting with Integrity

At BEDA, our commitment to sustainable development reflects these values and our team’s desire to truly represent, support and deliver outcomes across the Brisbane Region.

BEDA recently launched a Reconciliation Action Plan, which identifies the actions our organisation can take to support reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. At BEDA, we have a powerful platform for leadership, advocacy, and education across Brisbane’s business community that we can leverage to share the benefits of sustainable economic development and to shape a stronger future for all Brisbane residents.

BEDA’s Sustainability Action Plan has been endorsed by our Shareholder, Board and Leadership Team. Our Leadership Team has committed to the implementation of our Sustainability Action Plan through our 2021-22 business plan and through individual business unit’s operational plans. The implementation of our Sustainability Action Plan will be guided by BEDA’s Sustainability Project Control Group (PCG), led by its sponsor, General Manager, Tourism Business and Major Events.

Our Sustainability PGC is a group of employees from across our business who are passionate about sustainable economic development and who have made a commitment to contribute to the development and implementation of our Sustainability Action Plan.

Click here to view the action plan. 

Click here to view the sustainable events guide.