A Chief Investment Officer has been appointed at the City of Gold Coast Council in a bid to promote and attract investment to the city.
Mayor, Tom Tate and Chief Executive Officer, Tim Baker announced the appointment of Jeff McAlister (pictured), an investment and trade development leader who has worked for both state and national governments in Australia and New Zealand.
Mayor Tate said Mr McAlister brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge and will be key to securing new opportunities and investment across the city.
Since 2016, Mr McAlister has been a Deputy Director General with the Queensland Government leading the tourism industry development portfolio.
Previously, in the Northern Territory, Mr McAlister was Director-General for International Engagement, Trade and Investment, where he worked with the private sector to diversify the Territory’s export base, attract investors for major projects, and refocus strategic engagement with overseas partners.
Earlier in his career, he worked with the New Zealand Government in international trade and investment roles, lastly as the Ambassador to Brazil.
“This is a really exciting time for the Gold Coast and it’s vital we leverage the opportunities presented to our city as we emerge from the challenges of COVID-19 and head towards 2032,” said Mayor Tate.
CEO, Mr Baker said the creation of the Chief Investment Office would establish a centralised point for the City to drive strategic, major private and council investments.
“The creation of this role and the Chief Investment Office has been a priority of mine to ensure we are equipped to best respond to all investment opportunities available and make the Gold Coast a city people want to conduct business in,” Mr Baker said.
The Chief investment Office is responsible for:
- promoting and attracting investment through a targeted investment opportunities portfolio
- facilitating major council investment opportunities
- case managing private sector investment projects or joint partnerships
- responding to unsolicited proposals and reducing red tape within council.
Mr McAlister will start his role on 10 October.
