Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Ros Bates has welcomed the relaunch of Software Queensland as IT Queensland, which gives a stronger voice to all the state's information and communication technology (ICT) companies.

"IT Queensland - in its former capacity as Software Queensland - has made a significant contribution to the ICT industry and I look forward to its ongoing input under a new banner with a broader focus," Ms Bates said.

"Since 2005, it has been a representative on the ICT Industry Workgroup, providing extensive input from an industry point of view into a wide range of issues.

"I know IT Queensland is passionate about local ICT businesses and will be examining a host of ways to continue to invigorate the industry," she said.

Ms Bates recognised collaboration with industry groups such as IT Queensland is vital for the government to improve services to Queenslanders.

"I have just concluded a series of roundtable sessions where I met with representatives from various industry associations and ICT companies to brief them on my priorities as Minister for Information Technology, and discuss how we can best work together," she said.

"By successfully collaborating on major ICT projects, we can deliver real benefits to the community."

Ms Bates highlighted the Queensland Government's priority: getting the economy back on track.

"By using technology and innovation we can realise the full potential of our state," she said.

With an eye to the future, Ms Bates was also conscious of the need to create an ongoing, accessible and capable ICT workforce.

"We know if government and industry present a united front, we will ensure the ICT profession has a successful brand and will attract the brightest graduates to the ICT industry," she said.

Personal collections from North Queenslanders will be showcased in a new exhibition for the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Ros Bates, Minister for Science, IT, Innovation and the Arts announced today.

"To Have and To Hold is an exhibition that will bring together the unique, eccentric and occasionally obsessive collections of dozens of locals," Ms Bates said.

"The Museum is putting the call out for collectors to lend a sample of their collections for the exhibition, which opens in September.

"Collecting is a universal interest - I think everybody has collected something at some stage in their lives and this is a chance for some of these collections to be on display at the Museum of Tropical Queensland.

"The Museum is keen to hear from people who collect anything from teapots to telescopes, mugs to militaria."

Museum of Tropical Queensland Director Peter McLeod said the display would be as much about the collectors themselves and the joy of collecting as about the objects that will go on display.

"Collectors can register their interest through the Museum of Tropical Queensland website, or on forms available at the Museum's front desk", Mr McLeod said.

"We'll contact everyone who sends in an expression of interest to learn more about them and their collections and choose the ones for display based on the uniqueness of the collection or the collector's story.

"We appreciate the effort and value that collections hold for their owners, and each item will be treated as part of the Museum's collection for as long as it is on loan to us," he said.

To Have and To Hold will run 24 September-25 November 2012, and forms part of the Museum of Tropical Queensland's 25^th anniversary celebrations.

Entry to the Museum is free for locals through the Council Community Pass, supported by Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook councils.

The Museum of Tropical Queensland - celebrating 25 years in 2012 - is part of the Queensland Museum network, celebrating 150 years in 2012 and is open 9.30am-5pm daily.

Arts Minister Ros Bates said it showed a commitment to long term planning for the industry in this state.

"The Government's policy, Arts for all Queenslanders, will ensure quality performing arts experiences continue to be enjoyed as the State's population grows to a projected 4.4 million by 2031, in the South East alone," Ms Bates said.