Paul has 25 years experience working with public and private sector organisations. He has worked for Federal and State Governments in political, policy and delivery roles. Paul is highly experienced in the facilitation and delivery of major projects in Queensland and has a proven track record in delivering major projects in complex stakeholder environments. Paul has held senior executive positions with the Office of the Coordinator-General and the Department of State Development as well as other roles previously with the Federal Government and Economic Development Organisations in Queensland. Paul has led government assessment for major projects in Queensland for minerals, water, agriculture and tourism projects for the Coordinator-General and has a strong grasp of the regulatory frameworks for the delivery of major projects. Paul has extensive experience in working with government, industry and community stakeholders to deliver projects in Queensland. His experience in regulatory, facilitation, financing and advocacy roles has helped many industry proponents navigate the sometimes complex approval pathways to accelerate development of projects into construction. Hailing from Mount Isa, Paul is passionate about developing regional economies and helping to drive the future growth of our critical minerals industries.

Maria James is the CEO of MITEZ, a member based advocacy peak regional development organisation for the North West corridor. Previous to this she spent more than a decade at Port of Townsville managing the trade and business development unit. Maria began her career as a graduate economist with the Commonwealth Department of Defence but then spent almost 20 years working in both the UK and USA in Further Education and International Rugby administration before settling in Townsville with her family. A born and bred North Queenslander, Tully to be specific, Maria is passionate about Northern Australia and being part of its development. She sits on the RDA Townsville and North West Committee, the Athletics North Queensland Board, the CopperString Regional Reference Group and the Premier’s Queensland Leaders Forum.

Janelle is the Director Minerals Geoscience with the Geological Survey of Queensland in the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development. A geophysicist by training, Janelle has worked with the GSQ for 14 years, managing acquisition and modelling of geophysics across Queensland. In her current role she oversees delivery of large-scale geoscience programs for the benefit of Queensland. Janelle is the Director Minerals Geoscience with the Geological Survey of Queensland in the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development. A geophysicist by training, Janelle has worked with the GSQ for 14 years, managing acquisition and modelling of geophysics across Queensland. In her current role she oversees delivery of large-scale geoscience programs for the benefit of Queensland.