Heidi Cooper is the CEO of Business Chamber Queensland and a passionate advocate for the state's business community. Drawing on her vast experience in some of Australia's largest companies, Heidi discusses the future of Queensland business in the lead-up to Brisbane2032 and beyond.
Queensland businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and the heart of our communities. They are the employers, the risk-takers and the entrepreneurs. They are resourceful, innovative and resilient. They are the game changers, and never before has it been more important to ensure that our business community can thrive.
We are entering a period of significant opportunity in our state, with increasing global demand for Queensland-made goods and services as well as new ventures arising from digital innovation, infrastructure build and energy transition. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games also represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for business. With the Games fast approaching and significant growth forecast in Queensland, our sights are set on the opportunities that will be created for businesses and an enduring economic legacy for our state.
Businesses will have an important role to play in shaping this economic legacy. To fully understand the extent of this opportunity, let’s first look at the economic contribution the business community makes to our state.
The engine room of our economy
Queensland is home to over half a million businesses. We have nearly 500,000 small businesses, 14,000 medium businesses about 850 large businesses providing the full diversity of goods and services across all parts of our state. These businesses drive diversification, innovation and productivity, and are vital to Queensland’s prosperity, contributing more than $150 billion to our economy.
Growing Queensland's future workforce
The private sector employs more than two and a half million people. Every day, we hear from business owners and leaders who are committed to the development of their people, creating diverse job opportunities across the state, fostering skills development and enabling professional growth. The private sector is also often where young people kickstart their careers and, for many of us, create lifelong career opportunities. It is through this investment in our people that top talent remains in our state and contributes to vibrant and connected economies.
Enabling rapid digital transformation
Rapid digitisation has created a world where those with vision and bold ideas can be based anywhere, from Brisbane’s CBD to our most remote communities. This geographical range is reflected in the variety of industries in which our businesses operate, from traditional industries through to emerging areas as digital innovation overcomes traditional barriers to entry. Business owners and leaders are agile, so they are often innovators who can respond to new opportunities and capitalise on emerging trends. Digital transformation is allowing this to happen at a rapid pace in the private sector.
Expanding economic horizons
Businesses are increasingly looking beyond our state borders, expanding their reach nationally and globally through agricultural exports, developing engaging tourism experiences for visitors, and offering unique digital products and services online—to name just a few. Their high-quality, diverse and innovative offerings have made a significant contribution to the growing global market for products and services made in Queensland. In the 12 months to February, Queensland businesses exported more than $108 billion worth of goods overseas. Our own data shows export markets are among businesses’ most highly valued opportunities in 2025. As the Olympics excitement and opportunities build, and Queensland is put firmly on the map, the state’s business community will be well-positioned to take advantage of a rapid increase in trade opportunities and visitors who come to experience all our state has to offer.
Queensland Beyond2032
In 2032, the eyes of the world will turn to Brisbane and Queensland. In the lead-up to this event, our state will see enormous growth. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fast-track strong, future-facing investment, facilitate economic growth and further increase business scale and diversity.
For Queensland’s business community, it is a prime opportunity to reimagine and refashion our state as a contemporary and competitive global player.
At Business Chamber Queensland, we are supporting all businesses to get ready to take up this great opportunity. Through building capability, promoting sustainability, fostering partnerships with government, business and universities, and working with all stakeholders at every level to have local participation, we are ensuring all of Queensland shares in the benefits of this time.
When we look beyond 2032, we want to see a state that is thriving, sustainable and economically flourishing. A state that builds homegrown talent and welcomes the brightest minds. A state that embraces technology and leads on the world stage. A state that looks to the future with excitement and asks—What can we do next?
This is a historic time for Queensland businesses. The opportunities are endless and have the potential to benefit our state for many generations to come. Now is the time for Queensland’s business community to think big and to be bold. Now is the time for Queensland businesses to shine.
Heidi Cooper
QUT degrees—Bachelor of Laws (2002), Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2003), Master of Laws (2004) - now the Master of Philosophy.
Have a question for Heidi? Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Author
Zoe is a marketing and communications professional and Alumni Communications Coordinator at QUT. She is also a proud alumnus with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing).