CQU is helping lead an initiative aimed at bringing together key players in the coal and information technology industries.

The University is the major sponsor of SMART Capricornia, which is hosting a one-day workshop designed to inform businesses and service providers about the demand opportunities in smart technologies.

Top speakers include: Bevan Slattery, a former Rockhampton resident who has just floated an internet exchange provider on the ASX; Lyle Batley, who will speak about coal-tracking technology involving regional IT businesses; and the CSIRO's Mick Kelly, who has been involved in breakthrough mining technology.

The workshop will be held in Rockhampton on May 18 and will feature a keynote address by Susan Johnston, CEO of the Queensland Resources Council.

Ms Johnston will speak about 'Boosting Central Queensland's Competitive Advantage'.

Registrations close this Friday (May 13). Inquiries can be addressed to SmartCapricornia@rrdl.com.au .

Smart Capricornia members include CQU representatives Professor Paul Hyland (School of Management), Professor Bob Miles (Institute for Sustainable Regional Development), Professor Fergus O'Brien (School of Information Technology) and Patricia Bovingdon from the Faculty of Business & Law.

Other leading members include Rockhampton's Mayor Margaret Strelow, Rockhampton Regional Development (RRD) chief executive Margaret Goody and State Development and Innovation principal officer Ray Conder. Former CQU staff member Arthur Hunt is the RRD project officer for the initiative.

A Smart Capricornia Special Interest Group has been formed to encourage business entrepreneurship and increase the number of knowledge workers in the region.

Smart Capricornia recognises that the CQ region will experience unprecedented growth in business activities related to the coal industry over the next decade. Planning will be needed for a rapid expansion of critical infrastructure and this presents a massive opportunity for existing and developing businesses.