A TREND analyst and futurist is headed to Toowoomba to speak at a national conference and share his predictions for the future of the region.

Principal of McCrindle Research, Mark McCrindle, has appeared widely on television shows as a media commentator, thought leader and social researcher.

Our approach is to use demographic modelling and data in an area to predict changes from national down to local levels, Mr McCrindle said.

As the workforce ages and the next generation transitions, Gen Y and Gen Z will comprise more than half of the workforce.

Mr McCrindle is one of the speakers at the three-day national Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium where road, rail and air freight capabilities will be highlighted.

The event, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise for the second time will see speakers from across Australia assess the challenges and opportunities ahead.

It will be held from February 27 to March 3.

Mr McCrindle said a growing demand for logistics solutions in the region made it ideal to develop as a key infrastructure hub thanks to ambitious projects like the Toowoomba Enterprise Hub.

The TSBE Development Status Report highlights $13billion of investment spend in the region, a strong indicator of future success across industry.

What will drive the logistics and freight industries in the Darling Downs and wider region is demand from population growth as well as the infrastructure development, he said.

The next round of data from the Census is due this year and will absolutely give Australia a sense of where its going. Its the densification of cities and new logistical challenges that are driving opportunity.

Mr McCrindle sighted Toowoomba as one of the lifestyle cities and hub for industry and innovation thanks to its location and connectivity.

The density of capital cities has hit a tipping point where Aussies are looking for alternatives and Toowoomba offers that, he said.

Mr McCrindle said the region was re-inventing itself after the construction phase of mining moved to the operational phase across the Surat Basin, with agriculture pushing the need for freight services and pathways.

The Toowoomba region has the supply-chain businesses and opportunities to value-add to existing industry as well as innovation thanks to the training facilities and university.

Speakers from road, rail and air will share the podium at the symposium to offer advice and industry information for 2017.

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Trend analyst and futurist to share industry predictions - Queensland Country Life