Richard Austin is the Regional Director for the Department of State Development covering Central Queensland and has more than 20 years’ experience in senior roles in government and the private sector focussing on regional development, business and industry development, Indigenous economic development, local government and tourism. Richard has also served on a number of tourism boards and national working groups focussed on regional and business development.
Holding a MBA and Post-Graduate qualification in Management, Richard is passionate about supporting the growth and diversification of regional businesses, building regional economies through sustainable development and investment and identifying and supporting new industries to start up or relocate to regional Queensland.
Having moved with his family to Central Queensland 4 years ago after a 25 year stint in the Northern Territory, Richard, along with his family have become active members of the sporting community, travelling regularly across the region to attend events.