READY FOR RENEWAL Collaboration and diversification key to COVID recovery
2020 Advance Cairns Year in Review
ADVANCE CAIRNS
ADVANCE CAIRNS OUR REGION ONE VOICE
THE COMMITTEE FOR TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
Connected & influencing Team Cairns FNQ pulls together Collaboration has been pivotal in pursuing State and Federal Government support for our region as it navigates the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The collective strength of the members of Advance Cairns, Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tropical North Queensland who came together for the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q in February was the foundation of our advocacy efforts with a goal to build greater diversity and resilience in our economy.
Become a member Join the Advance Cairns team today advancecairns.com | 07 4080 2900 |3
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ADVANCE CAIRNS
Contents Welcome........................................................................... 5 About us............................................................................ 6 Highlights of 2020........................................................ 8 Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q......................... 10 COVID collaboration and co-ordination.......... 12 Infrastructure priorities............................................ 14 Policy priorities.............................................................. 16 Economic development........................................... 18 What lies ahead............................................................ 20 Have your say.................................................................. 21 Member acknowledgement.................................. 22
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
An unforgettable year The economy in tropical north Queensland began 2020 facing what seemed like more of the same – mixed fortunes depending on which type of enterprise. Sectors such as health and allied industries, manufacturing, agriculture and resources were buoyant. But conditions for tourism, hospitality, retail and construction (particularly residential) were increasingly difficult. The year ahead appeared to be set to follow a relatively familiar pattern to that of 2018-19. But beneath the surface lurked a severe flu-like virus which we all quickly came to know as coronavirus (or more specifically COVID-19), a pandemic which swept the world and caused the most significant economic and social disruption since the Great Depression in the 1930s. What began as perhaps a largely forgettable year had rapidly turned into one which will be remembered for decades to come. Swift and substantive government control measures across the nation (and the world) brought many industries to a standstill. Faced with this, organisations were forced to ‘pivot’ with their business models to adapt to a new norm which offered only one certainty – unprecedented uncertainty. At Advance Cairns our planning for 2020 had been largely centred on the October state election. The advent of COVID-19 saw us also pivot quickly with the Board of Directors endorsing a significant shift into shorter-term advocacy, undertaken in close collaboration with sister organisations including Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce. Advance Cairns established a 50-strong Industry and Business Reference Group to provide grassroots information on the gravity of the COVID-19 impacts and recommend key support measures to governments of all levels.
By the time the Palaszczuk Government was returned to office on October 31, the following major commitments were secured: •
Cairns University Hospital - $15m towards land acquisition, $1.5m for a business case and a commitment from the Premier that university status would follow
•
Cairns marine precinct - $28m for early works plus $2m for a business case, to inform what the Government acknowledges what may be a further $150m in investment
•
Cairns Western Arterial Rd - $60m for further duplication works
•
Tourism and aviation - $54m in destination marketing and $20m for event attraction (both statewide funding pools)
As we look ahead to 2021, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic is still playing havoc with industries such as tourism, hospitality and international education. Health, manufacturing, agriculture and resources continue to grow while two emerging highlights are accelerating private investment in the marine maintenance sector and a surprising recovery in residential construction and property prices, fuelled by government incentives and a renewed focus on regional living. In light of COVID-19, Advance Cairns will step up its economic development activity over the next three years with a focus on sectors offering the greatest growth potential. We will also be increasing our presence in Canberra this year with a federal election possible as soon as August (and no later than May next year).
These recommendations were subsequently fed into Cairns Regional Council’s newly established Economic Response and Recovery Sub-Committee (of which Advance Cairns was a member).
Prime Minister Scott Morrison knows the Cairns region is among the hardest hit by COVID-19 – and that the seat of Leichhardt has been in the hands of government for all but one parliamentary term in the past 49 years.
Three phases of government support were identified – business survival, short-term stimulus and longer-term economic recovery.
The PM would be wise not to forget that the conservatives suffered a 14.3% swing when departing incumbent Warren Entsch last retired in 2007 – and the Coalition margin for the seat is now just 3.95%.
The multi-billion dollar COVID-19 response was led by the Federal Government with a raft of survival initiatives (most notably the JobKeeper subsidy) while the QLD Government and local councils also stepped up to reduce fees and charges. A suite of shovel ready infrastructure projects were also bankrolled. While actively supporting these COVID-related initiatives, Advance Cairns continued with its long-term advocacy priority activities. This advocacy was headlined by the biggest ever delegation from this region to Parliament House in Brisbane, the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q in late February (and a smaller group of senior representatives returning in July).
Nick Trompf Executive Chair, Advance Cairns
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About us Advance Cairns is the peak independent non-government advocacy and economic development organisation for Tropical North Queensland (TNQ). We work with a long-term vision to create a resilient and prosperous TNQ, provide a-political leadership and create a unified voice for the region.
Meet the team
Nick Trompf | Executive Chair Advance Cairns
Chris Boland | Director CEO, Ports North
Michael Delaney | Deputy Chair Consultant, BDO Cairns
Professor Sandra Harding Director Vice Chancellor and President James Cook University
Anuj Timblo | Director (from August) CEO, Fomento Resources Australia & Brazil
Sean Adams Director and Deputy Chair Jodie Duignan-George | Director Associate Vice Chancellor, CQUniversity
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Trent Twomey | Director and Immediate Past Chair Pharmacist & Partner, Alive Pharmacy Warehouse
(until December)
Managing Director, CSF Industries
Tracey Groves | Director Head of Commercial Cairns Airport
YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
Melissa Nielsen | Director Partner, Miller Harris Lawyers vale Advance Cairns wishes to pay a special tribute and recognise the contribution to our organisation and the region more broadly by friend and former director, Melissa Nielsen.
Sean Walsh | Director (until October) Partner, Miller Harris Lawyers
Richard Ireland OAM Inaugural Advance Cairns life member
George Chapman AO Advance Cairns Patron
Taylor Moy Business Development Manager Advance Cairns
Clive Skarott AM Advance Cairns Patron
Lt. Gen. John Grey AC Ret’d Advance Cairns Patron
Toni Sisson Economic Development & Policy Manager Advance Cairns
Carol Thompson Administration Assistant Advance Cairns
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ADVANCE CAIRNS
Events & briefings Despite a tumultuous year, Advance Cairns managed to stay connected with members, hosting 12 member briefings and events throughout 2020. The year kicked off with the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q in anticipation of the October State Election, followed by a second smaller delegation in July. Closing out the year we welcomed Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Shadow Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, and QLD Treasurer Cameron Dick to the region. Our events continue to feature high-calibre speakers and experts in their fields enabling our members to make connections and create partnerships to drive prosperity for the region.
Key member events
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Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q launch breakfast
Regional Maintenance Centre North East virtual collaboration session
Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q (second, smaller delegation)
30 JANUARY
13 MAY
14-15 JULY
18-19 FEBRUARY
MAY-JUNE
23 JULY
Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q delegation
Advance Cairns Executive Chair COVID-19 briefings to members
Local Leadership Committee luncheon
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Advance Cairns breakfast with Fomento CEO for Australia and Brazil
Roundtable with Shadow Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP and Senator Nita Green
Advance Cairns 2020 AGM and annual post-AGM cocktail function
20 AUGUST
28 SEPTEMBER
29 OCTOBER
24 AUGUST
9 OCTOBER
9 DECEMBER
Advance Cairns breakfast with Treasurer the Hon. Cameron Dick MP
Advance Cairns luncheon with Prime Minister the Hon. Scott Morrison MP
Advance Cairns post-budget morning tea with Treasurer the Hon. Cameron Dick MP
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
Delegations hit State Parliament February’s Cairns TNQ Convoy to Capital Q, in collaboration with Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Cairns Chamber of Commerce, was the largest and most united delegation from our region to travel to Brisbane. The 51 delegates from 12 different industries made a huge impact across Parliament House over two days during more than 70 separate meetings with both major parties and the cross benches. Five months later with borders closed amid the COVID-19 crisis, a second senior business delegation including Cairns Mayor Cr Bob Manning returned to Parliament House for two more days of back-to-back meetings. Off the back of this delegation, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk re-committed the QLD Cabinet to meeting in Cairns in August (after the original April meeting had to be cancelled) and subsequently made major announcements around the university hospital, marine maintenance precinct, Cairns Western Arterial Road and support for the tourism industry.
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COVID crisis sparks Team Cairns response Collaboration and co-ordination were central to the Cairns response to the COVID-19 crisis, which saw the region produce a comprehensive local recovery plan to inform State and Federal governments. As news emerged during January of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, Cairns was one of the earliest impacted regions. In the preceding decade the Cairns tourism industry had benefitted from the Chinese New Year during late January and early February (traditionally poor tourism months in this region). But the emergence of COVID in 2020 immediately put paid to any New Year celebrations with flights from China shut down from February 2, costing this region’s economy many millions of dollars in tourism income. On March 11th the World Health Organisation declared the virus a pandemic. Two days later a wartime-style National Cabinet was formed in Australia to provide a more co-ordinated Federal/State response to the unfolding crisis. Within 10 days Queensland borders were closed, with dramatic impact on a range of industries headlined by tourism and hospitality and international education. At the same time, the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group had been stood up under the auspice of Cairns Regional Council.
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highlights • COVID-19 hit Cairns hard • QLD borders closed amid pandemic • Team spirit shone through in local response Two committees were activated to lead response and recovery planning and implementation: The Economic Response and Recovery Sub-Committee (ERRSC); and The Human and Social Sub-Committee (HSRRSC).
Response
and
Recovery
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The following morning Advance Cairns convened more than 50 people from a diverse range of business and industry sectors at the Cairns Regional Council chambers (and virtually) to gather comprehensive information on the impact of COVID-19 – and what was needed to mitigate a potential economic catastrophe not seen since the Great Depression. This meeting pulled together a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring the survival of thousands of businesses and the jobs of their workers – including the pressing need for a national wage subsidy. (The group subsequently became known as the Cairns COVID-19 Industry and Business Reference Group.)
These recommendations were key in informing the newly established ERRSC These recommendations were key in informing the newly established ERRSC (a tighter group chaired by the chief executive of CRC and of which Advance Cairns was also a member). This committee’s key role was to provide advice to a three-levels-of-government Local Leadership Committee comprising the Member for Leichhardt the
Hon Warren Entsch, the Member for Cairns Michael Healy and the Mayor of Cairns, Cr Bob Manning. Throughout the unfolding crisis, a team spirit shone through with genuine collaboration across all stakeholders. The ERRSC met regularly and forwarded an evolving list of support measures to the Federal and State Governments initially to aid in business survival and increasingly to stimulate economic recovery through targeted investment. On July 23, the three leaders in Warren Entsch, Michael Healy and Bob Manning attended an Advance Cairns luncheon to update the business community. In August a formal local recovery plan, heavily informed by the economic and social committees, was released by council.
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Infrastructure Priorities The unusual nature of 2020 has meant that Advance Cairns concentrated more on short term advocacy, connecting and working together with local advocacy and industry groups to pursue increased immediate and ongoing government support for our region that was particularly devastated by COVID-19. At the same time, the 2020 State Election provided a backdrop to secure pledges from both major parties for Advance Cairns’ ongoing infrastructure priorities. Highlights included key commitments for the Cairns University Hospital, Cairns marine precinct and Cairns Western Arterial Road.
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Cairns University Hospital Redevelopment Project highlights
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The Queensland State Government has committed $15 million towards land purchase, $1.5 million for a preliminary business case, as well as an in-principle commitment to the construction of the Cairns University Hospital. The pre-election promise of the State Government to ensure the Cairns University Hospital is built is a great outcome for the region and will be vital to ensuring the health needs of Tropical North Queensland will be met. The transition of Cairns Hospital to university status will allow the hospital to deliver world-class, highquality care to address the critical health challenges facing TNQ and will also enable the hospital to address its current challenges related to hospital capacity, site resilience, workforce attraction and retention, and bringing care closer to home for our community.
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Education and Research Sector highlights
A high profile site has been identified by Cairns Regional Council as the preferred location for a proposed new CQUniversity CBD campus. CQUniversity’s Asia-Pacific Aviation Hub is operational and continues to expand its student intake. Given Tropical North Queensland faces a skills shortage in areas related to health, allied health, aviation and a number of other STEAM professions, several projects have been identified to address these skills gaps and boost educational facilities in the region, but government funding is yet to be secured. These include $50 million for the permanent new CQUniversity campus in the Cairns CBD, and $15 million for Stage 3 of the Asia-Pacific aviation hub.
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Cairns Ring Road highlights
The Federal Government confirmed it would extend the National Highway A1 from its previous termination point near Cairns port out to Smithfield. The State Government committed $60 million to duplicate the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Rd and Kamerunga Rd, supporting about 100 local jobs. A combined State and Federal investment of $359 million has been included in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program for Cairns Ring Road Stage 1 – the upgrading of the Captain Cook Hwy from the CBD to Smithfield. the Federal Government extension of the National Highway A1 will provide much better links between the CBD and the Cairns sea port, Cairns airport, the northern beaches and southern access route. Planning will commence for the Cairns Ring Road (Cairns CBD to Smithfield), jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government, in 2021.
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Cairns Marine Precinct highlights
Federal Government investment will double the tonnage and treble the complexity of the Navy’s fleet. $28 million has been committed by the State Government to build two new wharves in the marine precinct, providing critical initial infrastructure for future expansion. $2 million has also been earmarked for a business case for the marine precinct. Global ship builder Austal Australia bought one of Cairns’ three shipyards in December 2020 and has ambitions for considerable expansion. As Queensland’s only operational Navy base, Cairns is to be the first of three Regional Maintenance Centres for the Australian Navy, with the others in Perth and Darwin. That project continues apace, with announcements for a Regional Maintenance Provider to co-ordinate RMC activities due mid-2021. As well as 12 new offshore patrol vessels to be put into service between now and 2029, the Federal Government has announced it is to build six new Cape Class patrol boats and a further eight vessels for hydrographic surveys and mine countermeasures.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
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National Highway A1 highlight
The State Government is close to finalising a study investigating access options to the Atherton Tablelands, including the Kuranda Range Rd. With the completion of the Tablelands Access Report, further investment in this critical Kuranda Range Rd connection should be made, to enable important agricultural and safer vehicle routes. Additional funding for the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville should also be earmarked to maintain and grow the region’s competitiveness and access.
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Arts, Culture & Sport highlight
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Bulmba-Ja Arts Centre (formerly Cairns Centre of Contemporary Arts) was opened in 2020 after a $5.9 million refurbishment, funded by the State Government as part of a vision to support Arts and Culture in the far north.
Food and Water Security highlight
The Federal Government has contributed $2bn extra funding into the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund in its 2020-21 budget. The growing demand for water in the region means several water supply projects are necessary for the future growth of the region. The proposed North Johnstone River Diversion is currently being evaluated by the State Government via detailed hydrological modelling, with results due early 2021. Regional Development Australia Tropical North, through the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund (NWIDF), is leading a strategic business case that investigates new water storage options to expand the Lakeland irrigation area. The Federal Government has committed an additional $10 million for the business case. A detailed business case for the Gilbert River Irrigation Project was completed in May 2020, demonstrating a positive economic outcome for the project. Etheridge Shire Council is currently developing a strategy to further advance the project.
The continued growth of arts, culture and sport require investment. To achieve this, three key projects have been identified: Cairns Gallery Precinct development ($39.8 million); Cairns Showground, Sporting and Community Precinct redevelopment ($40 million); and International sports destination market assessment and business case ($1 million).
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Gulf Savannah Way highlight
Work has commenced, following the Federal Government investment of $50 million, plus $12.5 million from State Government. Sealing of this road will ensure key freight access routes are more efficient, reliable and safe. It will also facilitate other opportunities, including tourism. | 15
ADVANCE CAIRNS
Policy Priorities Our policy priorities in 2020 built on the major review undertaken in 2019, with several priorities updated due to successful advocacy and others reviewed in light of the current environment. Given the severe impact of COVID-19 on the region’s economy, one key priority which required refocussing surrounded aviation route development. Considerable short-term government support has been provided. This will continue to evolve during 2021 as Cairns looks to re-establish international air links as borders re-open.
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Cairns University Hospital highlights
In 2020, the Qld State Government declared its intention to build the Cairns University Hospital, announcing funding for a preliminary business case and land purchase. The 2020-21 State Budget confirmed recurrent funding for the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service would be $1.057bn, the same level as the previous year.
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Cairns Hospital is progressing towards obtaining University Hospital status following the State Election commitment with talks underway to select and purchase land, in conjunction with James Cook University. In terms of operational funding, two key milestones remain to be achieved: securing extra Commonwealth Supported Places to enable full medicine degrees to be taught in Cairns and increased recurrent funding from the State to deliver higher level services.
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Cairns Aviation Route Development highlights
During COVID-19, Cairns lost 95% of its total air capacity for the three months ending June 2020. Globally, international airline capacity is not expected to return to pre-COVID capacity until after 2023. State and Federal Governments have recognised the effect of COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on the Cairns region with several packages to assist, including $10 million destination funding for Tourism TNQ in the Federal Budget. With the assistance of the Federal Government and its International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM), crucial export routes have been retained. Importantly, visitor numbers to the region for December, following the reopening of borders, rebounded to 70% of pre-COVID-19 numbers.
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Superyacht Chartering hightlight
A Special Recreational Vessels Bill was passed by the Senate on 5 December 2019 allowing foreign owned superyachts to charter in Australia via temporary licenSes. Benefits of the Superyacht bill for the Cairns economy are yet to be fully realised due to COVID-19. Despite the border restrictions, a total of three vessels ran four charters with an economic benefit of $8.54 million to the Australian economy. Advance Cairns is advocating for permanent legislative change as a temporary licencing option under the Special Recreational Vessels Bill is due to expire in June this year.
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Strategic Energy Sector Framework highlight
Notwithstanding the lack of a government framework, the energy sector continues to set its own agenda with multiple renewable energy projects being initiated in the region, as well as State Government commitment to a Northern Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). To achieve energy security and affordability while also transitioning to a lower emission environment, TNQ will require a region-wide strategic investment framework and bilateral Government support. Shared investment of approximately $1.5 million (based on 50:50 contributions) is being sought from the State and Federal Governments to develop the TNQ Energy Sector Investment Framework.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
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Land Use and Agriculture key highlight
The completion of the Advance Cairns’ led Export 2030 – Delivering Fresh Food Fast report in conjunction with the Co-operative Research Centre for Northern Australia and key industry stakeholders marked an important step towards an ambitious yet achievable target of doubling high value food exports from Cairns airport by 2030. Increased investment to drive more rapid growth in agricultural production requires much greater certainty around land use and tenure. Initial conversations with the State Co-ordinator General are focused on Advance Cairns’ recommendation to create a framework to establish Strategic Agricultural Development Areas in QLD.
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Cairns City Deal key highlight
Uncertainty surrounds the future of the City Deals program with the major QLD agreement – known as the SEQ City Deal – having made little material progress in 2020. Infrastructure Australia has indicated no further funding is currently available for new City Deals or Regional Deals.
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Pacific Engagement Strategy key highlight
The announcement that Cairns is to be the first of three Naval Regional Maintenance Centres in Australia to become operational is a major step towards confirming the strategic importance of Cairns and its role as a hub for maintaining peace and security in the Pacific region. With increased Federal investment in security infrastructure in the Pacific, Cairns is perfectly placed to drive the implementation of Australia’s Pacific Step-Up engagement strategy. Cairns provides the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with a close, well connected location to enable stronger partnerships with Pacific nations. In addition to working to secure an Office of the Pacific presence in Cairns, a $1.5 million Federal Government grant is being sought to develop a comprehensive strategy that identifies and maximises initiatives that position Cairns as the Pacific capital of Australia.
To position Cairns as an economic powerhouse in northern Australia, a City Deal is required to fast track catalytic investments. The implementation of a Cairns City Deal aligns with and supports the implementation of a number of key strategies at the Local, State and Federal Government levels.
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Population and Migration Strategy key highlight
COVID-19 has created a spike in migration out of Australia’s major capital cities and into regional areas, with Cairns well situated to reap the benefits of the population shift. The Regional Australia Institute has established a group known as the Regional Activators Alliance to launch a multimillion-dollar, multi-media campaign in mid-2021 with the aim of accelerating this population shift. Advance Cairns is one of more than 30 organisations which have joined the RAI’s Regional Activators Alliance. To maximise the COVID-driven opportunity in this region, a population and migration strategy is needed to provide the framework for the infrastructure, services and facilities required to attract, retain and support a skilled and growing resident population in TNQ. The strategy will inform policy development regarding infrastructure, liveability, social cohesion and workforce planning, delivering the change required for economic development, and aiding in the creation of a master brand that overcomes perceptions of poor infrastructure, services and amenity in the region.
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ADVANCE CAIRNS
Economic Development Export 2030 – Delivering Fresh Food Fast In 2020, Advance Cairns led the completion of an important research study in conjunction with the Co-operative Research Centre for Northern Australia (CRCNA) and key industry stakeholders including Cairns airport, with the aim to double FNQ high value food exports to $120m by 2030. The Export 2030 – Delivering Fresh Food Fast report provides a roadmap to realise this ambitious target, with key recommendations to achieve opportunities for the agricultural industry of FNQ, such as building regional economic resilience, de-risking reliance on domestic markets and southern ports and increasing job opportunities in the region. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant economic impacts on the FNQ region and disruption of supply chain routes due to the closing of international and state borders. This has only served to highlight the importance of strengthening our supply chain network, improving our export relationships and enhancing collaboration to achieve this ambitious long term growth target for high value food exports.
Cairns marine precinct Interest and investment in the Cairns marine precinct continues to grow, and Advance Cairns has been involved in a number of activities in 2020 to further develop the sector. Advance Cairns co-hosted the second of two workshops with the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) from the Department of Defence, with participants helping to develop the plans for the Navy’s North East Regional Maintenance Centre (RMC), to be based in Cairns. The year also saw the updating of the Cairns marine precinct capability profile (first developed by Advance Cairns in collaboration with the city’s three shipyards and the State Government in 2019), after Federal investment of $24 million in the shipyards. This collateral will help further promote the region’s capabilities to private investors and government. Our economic development and advocacy work in the marine precinct saw the three shipyards upgrade their Advance Cairns membership to Premier level.
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Austal Australia, have bought BSE Maritime Solutions in late 2020, has elevated its membership from general to executive while the ASX-listed integrated services company Downer Group has joined as a Premier member. This year will see the continuation of Advance Cairns’ work in this sector, with an industry wide sector analysis to understand and identify further areas of investment and growth.
Far North Queensland Agricultural Supply Chain Study
YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
Resulting in
This will be achieved through
Priority market opportunties
Summary of findings from the Export 2030 report © 2020 KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in Australia. KPMG and the KPMG logo are registered trademarks of KPMG International. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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ADVANCE CAIRNS
What lies ahead With potential for the Federal Election to be called as early as August 2021, the region begins preparation for our second Convoy to Canberra (modelled on the highly successful October 2018 delegation to the nation’s capital). Delegates will once again take to the halls of Parliament House to advocate for major infrastructure funding and policy change on behalf of the TNQ region in the lead up to the forthcoming election. In 2021 Advance Cairns also celebrates its 20th anniversary, with a celebration planned in March.
2021 Advance Cairns 20th anniversary dinner
Federal Budget
11 MAY
State Budget
15 JUNE
Convoy to Canberra mark II
AUGUST
Federal Election
Cairns TNQ Convoy to Canberra 2018
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MARCH
TBC
YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
Connect & influence Get involved and have your say To create a better future for the region, Advance Cairns uses thought leadership, vision, strategy, engagement and influence to unlock economic potential to help create a resilient and prosperous TNQ. Make the most of your membership and have your say in shaping the region’s future by joining one of our member-driven committees. Opportunities include our Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Finance, Audit & Risk Mitigation Sub-Committee and Membership & Events Sub-Committee. To join Advance Cairns call Executive Chair Nick Trompf on 07 4080 2900 or email admin@advancecairns.com
Thank you to the following who are actively engaged in building a stronger future for TNQ. patrons
Chris Boland, Advance Cairns director Ports North
George Chapman AO
Tracey Groves, Advance Cairns director Cairns Airport
Clive Skarott AM
Lt. Gen. John Grey AC (Ret’d)
life members
Richard Ireland OAM (Inaugural Life Member) Ireland’s Motor Group
board of directors
Nick Trompf, executive chair and chair of Advisory Council Michael Delaney, deputy chair Consultant, BDO Cairns Sean Adams, deputy chair (until December) Managing director, CSF Industries Chris Boland, director CEO, Ports North Jodie Duignan-George, director Associate vice chancellor, CQUniversity Tracey Groves, director Head of commercial, Cairns Airport Professor Sandra Harding, director Vice chancellor and president, James Cook University
Prof Sandra Harding, Advance Cairns director James Cook University Anuj Timblo, Advance Cairns director Fomento Resources Trent Twomey, Advance Cairns director Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Joel Gordon Crystalbrook Collection Richard Ireland Ireland’s Motor Group David Kirchner Brazier Motti Colin MacKinnon Brilliant Technologies Jo Pyne TAFE Queensland Elisha-Vi Raso NAB
Anuj Timblo, director CEO, Fomento Resources Australia and Brazil
Andy Reeves Cairns Post
Trent Twomey, director Pharmacist and partner, Alive Pharmacy Warehouse
Paul Woodhouse Grant Broadcasters
Sean Walsh, director (until October) Partner, Miller Harris Lawyers
advisory council members
Nick Trompf, Advance Cairns executive chair and chair of Advisory Council Michael Delaney, Advance Cairns deputy chair and chair of Advisory Council, BDO Sean Adams, Advance Cairns deputy chair (until December 2020), CSF Industries
Christopher Zilm Cairns State High School Jodie Duignan-George (observer) Advance Cairns director CQUniversity George Chapman AO (observer) Advance Cairns Patron
Lt. Gen. John Grey AC (observer) Advance Cairns Patron Ken Chapman (observer) TTNQ Mark Olsen (observer) TTNQ Sally Mlikota (observer) Cairns Chamber of Commerce Patricia O’Neill (observer) Cairns Chamber of Commerce David Kempton (observer) RDA Tropical North Danielle Carey (observer) RDA Tropical North
finance, audit and risk mitigation sub-committee members
Michael Delaney Committee chair (and Advance Cairns deputy chair) BDO Sean Walsh Advance Cairns director (until October) Miller Harris Lawyers David Kirchner Brazier Motti
membership and events sub-committee members Paul Woodhouse Committee chair Grant Broadcasters Jeff Schrale ANZ Sharon Dawson Dawsons Engineering Mark Quinn Northern Pride Rugby League
Clive Skarott AM (observer) Advance Cairns Patron
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ADVANCE CAIRNS
Thank you to our members Our Platinum, Executive, Premier, General and Community members make a significant contribution to our work and we are sincerely grateful for their continued support throughout a trying 2020.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
platinum members
executive members
premier members
general and community members AAB Equipment
EMBECA
Peters Bosel Lawyers
Access Community Housing
Energy Queensland
Piccones
AFL Cairns
Entrada Travel Group
Power &Data Support Services
Air Freight Handling Services
Experience Co.
Q.I.T.E.
Anglicare North Queensland
FGF Developments
Quicksilver Connections
Aurecon Australasia
Flinders Shire Council
Rattle + Hum
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)
Fowlers Group
Reef and Rainforest Research Centre
Babinda Electrics
GHD
Riley Resort
BDO
Grant Thornton
SBJ Joint Ventures
Big Cat Green Island
Haz-Elec Industries
Shangri-la Hotel
Bendigo Bank
HEH Civil
Star 102.7 & 4CA
Brazier Motti
Herron Todd White
Tablelands Regional Council
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Hilton Hotel
Tallangalook Shorthorns
Cairns Aviation Skills Centre
Holding Redlich
TBS Partner Services
Cairns Convention Centre
Jacobs Group
Telstra Business Centre
Cairns Bank
Joe Vella Insurance Brokers
Ten Years Younger / CareLynx
Cairns Private - Ramsay Health
Kleinhardt
Terrain Natural Resource Management
Cairns Show Association
LJ Hooker Edge Hill
The Reef Casino
Cairns State High School
MAC Farms
The Wallace Family
Cairns Wholesale Paint
MacDonnells Law
Tooleys Waterblasting
CaPTA Group
Maxitool
Trinity Anglican School
Catholic Education Services Cairns
McDonalds Family Restaurant
Tropic Group
CBRE
Miller Harris Lawyers
Union Jack Hotel
Chapman Group
nbn Co
Watpac Construction
Cock & Bull
Nightowl Convenience
Westpac
CPB Contractors
Northern Pride Rugby League
WGC Lawyers
Dawsons Engineering
Oaks Cairns Hotel
Destination Cairns Marketing
Pacifica Chartered Accountants
Member list current as at December 2020.
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Get involved Advance Cairns members are socially responsible businesses which have committed to securing a legacy of prosperity for the region. Through your membership, you will join these leaders in demonstrating a commitment to move beyond talk and into action. How you engage is ultimately up to you.
Connect
Influence
Prosper
As a member of Advance Cairns, you can engage with our activities and build your connections with executive business leaders and government and grow the profile of your organisation across the region. Throughout the year, we host a number of events exclusively for members which feature high profile speakers and guests and which can provide you with access to senior politicians and executive leaders of top tier Australian companies.
Each of our advocacy priorities are reviewed annually in collaboration with member representatives and with key regional partners such as the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Australia, Superyachts Great Barrier Reef and Tourism Tropical North Queensland. Have your say in these reviews by engaging with our Board members, Advisory Council members and Executive team throughout the year. You can also nominate to sit on our member committees and Board of Directors. A range of members also get to directly influence policy at a political level by participating in major advocacy initiatives and ministerial round-tables.
Through your membership, you will help us drive government support for catalytic projects and vital policy change, using your voice to shape the region to secure a prosperous economy for TNQ. You will also be supporting our economic development work.
Join Now advancecairns.com/members
4/16 Minnie Street, Cairns, QLD (07) 4080 2900 admin@advancecairns.com PO Box 3065, Cairns, QLD 4870
