Invest Cairns 2018-2019: Towers of Strength

ISSUE 5: THE RISE OF THE REGION

InvestCairns agriculture // mining // real estate // tourism // aviation // education + more

2018/2019

Towers of strength The Tropical Far North rides wave of major investment and a renewed sense of optimism

Your guide to investing in the future growth of the Cairns region

ADVANCE CAIRNS OUR REGION ONE VOICE

THE COMMITTEE FOR TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

proudly brought to you by these sponsors

ADVANCE CAIRNS OUR REGION ONE VOICE

THE COMMITTEE FOR TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

PLAY YOUR PART IN OUR REGION’S FUTURE dvocating far and wide eveloping the economy oice of business sector ligned with other business groups on-partisan approach onnecting across the region ngaged with our members

Business leaders took the region’s federal election priorities to Parliament House en masse in the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Canberra.

Join today and help shape Tropical North Queensland Invest as a member of Advance Cairns to support our advocacy of the region’s growth agenda. With federal, local and state elections in the next two years this is the ideal platform to drive for increased government investment in tropical North Queensland.

Contact: Nick Trompf e: ceo@advancecairns.com ph: 07 4080 2900

advancecairns.com

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CONTENTS

InvestCairns

12

A growing city

InvestCairns

Overview

10-11

Editors Jennifer Spilsbury and Lauren Pratt Writers Rowan Sparkes, Daniel Bateman, Chris Calcino, Peter Carruthers, Andrea Falvo, Jack Lawrie, Peter Martinelli, Alicia Nally, Danaella Wivell Designer Evolet Hill Cover image Stewart McLean

Construction

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General manager Andy Reeves Advertising sales manager Louise Montafia Advertising inquiries 4052 6912; email: keyaccounts@ cairnspost.com.au

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Agriculture

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Aviation

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Mining

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Retail

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Top 10 reasons to invest

20-21

Culture and arts

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Health

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Education

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Real estate

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Cruise ships

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InvestCairns

WELCOME

Reasons to invest here are very rich

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For a quality education in Far North Queensland, choose Catholic schools.

Attracted by the tropical lifestyle, people are moving to Cairns in droves, providing lucrative population growth. This issue of Invest Cairns details where the opportunities present

W

ELCOME to the latest edition of Invest Cairns.

In the following pages you will find a comprehensive snapshot of this region’s economic position and the investment opportunities it presents for you.

Civic leaders, major investors and economic experts will guide you through our diverse sectors and provide an update on the developments that are making Cairns and its surrounds such an attractive offering.

We’ve asked them to provide an opinion on what excites them most about now and the future and why they think this is a place worth investing in.

We have also asked them why they live here. The themes are similar: stunning beauty, laid-back feel and outdoor activities. There is so much to do here with nature as our playground. People want to live here and they’re coming in droves. We also have domestic and international terminals to jet us off to far away destinations for both business and pleasure.

Why do I love living here?

For the same reasons. I was born here and have lived my entire life in the North. I am in awe of its beauty but I am just as passionate about its people and the potential of this great region. We are innovative, hardworking and aspirational.

What more could an investor want in a region?

Jennifer Spilsbury Editor, The Cairns Post

Ph: 07 4050 9700 www.cns.catholic.edu.au

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REGIONAL OVERVIEW

InvestCairns

Bright horizons for the region The cranes have settled in, the GFC is a thing of the past and a new dawn is shining on Cairns and surrounds, writes Lauren Pratt

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ITH the Global Financial Crisis becoming just a painful memory and a line-up of investors delivering much more than talk, the Cairns region is facing a period of unprecedented growth and modernisation.

But it is essential that infrastructure keeps pace with the growing residential and visiting population. Not only that, but the region should be afforded every opportunity to flourish.

This was a key message delivered by a 49strong troupe of Far North Queensland industry leaders to Parliament House for the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Canberra in October.

The convoy met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, among a huge line-up of movers and shakers to pitch for more funds for the Far North.

Too often our southern counterpart, Townsville, collects the lion’s share of the region’s government spend.

The growth of Cairns and surrounds, the exciting line-up of projects on the horizon, the billions being invested in this community and the enviable lifestyle the region offers is reflected in this edition of Invest Cairns, the Cairns Post’s annual publication.

Following are the key points from this publication that evidence the region’s growth and supports the call for more funding.

Cairns needs to boost its population Advance Cairns CEO Nick Trompf says a population boost is essential to attract more government spend and supports proposed new visa laws allowing “international migrants to stay longer in Australia if they choose to work in agricultural jobs”.

The region is ripe for diversification Beyond agriculture and tourism, there is a world of opportunity in technology, health and education for the region, a gateway to Asia. Construction in particular is a huge area

of growth, with a predicted forecast labour shortfall of 21 per cent in Cairns next year. According to economist Bill Cummings, the region’s primary economic role is “servicing the large Peninsula Australia geographic region/ Tropical North Queensland ... an area one and a half times the size of Victoria”. Cairns is increasingly becoming known as a destination for cutting-edge medical research, with James Cook University’s plans for a biotech start-up and the Cairns Innovation Centre.

Construction is booming More than $3.5 billion of projects are on the cards for the region in the next six years.

Those include the Crystalbrook Collection, Nova City, the potential Tropical North Global Tourism Hub, the C3 trio of apartments on Sheridan St, Kuranda eco-resort Kur-World and an Eco Resort at Ellis Beach. The Cairns Convention Centre is getting a facelift and JCU is planning the Cairns Innovation Centre.

What’s changing the face of Tropical North Queensland According to Advance Cairns, these trends and projects are the reason the region is becoming a city of the future.

A trend toward large farming operations is changing the nature of agriculture with investment in technology now a key driver of growth.

Emerging international markets for agriculture and tourism due to the burgeoning middle class in China and other parts of Asia.

The emergence of a renewable energy sector will lead to green business supply chains becoming a reality.

• • •

InvestCairns

Cairns upbeat as boom gains pace Cairns is on a major upward swing, with development booming, jobs being created, house prices improving, tourists rushing to the region and upgrades to local infrastructure making a difference. And the best is yet to come, writes Cairns Mayor Bob Manning

W

e are heading into a particularly exciting era in Cairns’ evolution.

On the back of a surge in tourism sector construction the likes of which has not been seen since the 1980s; there is a heightened level of confidence across the business community.

Cairns’ unemployment rate has remained the lowest it has been in many years; median house prices across the city are continuing on a gradual but steady upward trend; and our population continues to grow at a faster rate than most regional areas of Queensland.

We anticipate further improvements to these key indicators as each of the GA Group’s Crystalbrook Collection hotels come online during the next 12 months.

GA Group’s significant investment in our city is almost unprecedented, with three hotel developments worth a combined $370 million under way.

The first of these — Riley — has opened.

This will bring with it hundreds of new hospitality jobs and additional hotel beds to cater to a growing tourist market.

In short, the benefits to flow from these projects are yet to peak and will continue for some time to come.

On tourism trends, tourist spending in Tropical North Queensland last year exceeded $3.1 billion — up 1 per cent on the previous year — and the average occupancy rate was a healthy 78.3 per cent.

In addition to our tropical climate and iconic natural attractions, events have become a major driver for tourism growth.

Cairns has continued to position itself as a hub for major sporting and cultural events.

Among these, the inaugural Targa Great Barrier Reef rally held recently exceeded all expectations and we are thrilled to lock it in for at least another two years.

We are also looking forward to the largest conference Cairns has ever had the pleasure of hosting, when 8000 Amway delegates meet early next year.

At the same time, employment-generating construction activity is likely to continue across the city in the next few years.

There is more than $1.3 billion worth of major infrastructure either under construction or expected to commence within the next

MAYOR’S COMMENT

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Cr Bob Manning Mayor of Cairns Why is it worth investing in Far North Queensland?

An established but still growing tourism sector underpins a diverse economy that thrives off innovation.

Population is growing but unemployment is low and business confidence is on the rise. Cairns currently ranks in the top four Queensland cities for foreign investment.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about?

Collectively, the Crystalbrook assets are a major value-adding investment for our city. But we are also playing at the edges of some major longterm water and energy catalytic/ nation-building projects. Also, we’re opening up the path to negotiate for a City Deal through the development of a shared vision in conjunction with the city’s business leaders.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years?

We want to be a world-leader in sustainable tourism, showcasing a passion for our pristine environment that spills into a clean and green city that has fully embraced the concept of tropical urbanism.

12 months. This includes Nova City, expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre, upgrades to the Bruce Highway to the north and, south of the city, the Cairns Airport upgrade.

Works to widen and deepen the shipping channel into the Cairns port will open up a raft of opportunities to expand the port’s operations and ability to attract large cruise ships.

In addition, we look forward to following the progress of the proposed Global Tourism Hub, which has the potential to bring another solid injection of construction activity and confidence to the region.

As a council, we are endeavouring to lead by example in stimulating local spending and job creation. In 2017-18, council directly injected $338 million into the local economy through wages and purchase of locally sourced materials and services.

The Cairns Performing Arts Centre will deliver a world-class performance venue to add to our city’s cultural identity.

Further to this, the development of a carefully designed art gallery precinct, comprising three heritage listed buildings in the heart of the city, will cement Cairns’ position at the arts and culture capital of Northern Australia.

Cr Bob Manning Mayor of Cairns

Why do you love living here?

What’s not to love? We live in paradise. We love our environment — it both defines and unifies us. It is the “architecture of the gods” and we have to treat it as such. I love the lifestyle that is on offer and the opportunities that we have. I grew up with paradise as my backyard.

Clean and flowing waterways, mangoes, climbing trees, playing team sports. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing today’s kids able to enjoy those same pursuits.

$1.3

billion

More than this amount in major infrastructure is under construction or expected to start in the next 12 months

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ADVANCE CAIRNS

InvestCairns

Moulding a growing region A wave of optimism is taking over TNQ. It is time to get on board

Advance Cairns CEO Nick Trompf, among key players in the region as part of the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Canberra.

PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

S

HAPING the future of Cairns over the next few decades requires lateral thinking, and an openness to supporting big visionary projects that go beyond an election cycle, according to Advance Cairns CEO Nick Trompf.

Cairns in Tropical North Queensland is an ideal investment location as it’s made up of a diverse range of sectors, such as construction, aviation, agriculture, education, defence and marine, healthcare, tourism, sport, renewable energy and small business.

“Having just returned from Canberra where we hosted the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Canberra, the largest ever business delegation from Cairns to Parliament House, we’ve seen first-hand that confidence across each of these sectors is growing,” Mr Trompf says.

Cairns is a city at the edge of revitalisation through public and private investment, he says. “As evidenced by James Cook University’s State of the Tropics report, tropical zones are coming into their own internationally and our aim is to capitalise on this while making sure the region grows in a sustainable and planned way.

“Our immediate focus is on major infrastructure projects to enable and facilitate the growth. Infrastructure underpins the economy, which is why we’re advocating strongly for the Cairns Convention Centre upgrade, Cairns Shipping Development Project, HMAS Cairns expansion, Nullinga Dam and the Cairns Ring Road.”

However, Mr Trompf says the elephant in the room is the need to grow the region’s population to justify government spend.

Our top 5 priorities are enabling infrastructure projects that when completed, will facilitate growth in every other sector of the economy: 1. Cairns Convention Centre 2. Cairns Shipping Development Project (dredging of the Cairns Port) 3. HMAS Cairns 4. Nullinga Dam 5. Cairns Ring Road

“It’s a topic made controversial by recent policy announcements that under proposed new visa laws, international migrants would be able to stay longer in Australia if they choose to work in agricultural jobs,” he says.

“While the details are yet to be identified by government, if the policy is sound we believe there is merit to encouraging regional migration – and here’s why.

“TNQ is a highly liveable location, and this

supports population growth in ways that may not seem obvious – open spaces, ease of movement, land availability, transport links, recreation and leisure activities. More people leads to more income flowing through the community, increasing demand for essential and discretionary services.

“Across the region, multiple industries are ripe for growth and this is reflected in the diverse investment projects already underway.

“Renewable energy, significant hotel construction, and pending significant upgrades in road infrastructure demonstrate the economy is starting to grow.”

Mr Trompf says the challenge is to manage growth in a sustainable way and “this is where Advance Cairns plays an important role”.

“Through strong collaboration with the public sector and private enterprise, our aim is to map a sustainable, planned path for growth and development in the region. The challenge lies with our current population projections.

In Cairns and surrounds our population has been routinely underestimated, and this impacts on urban planning in a negative way.

“As a key tourist destination, the transient nature of the region means that while TNQ’s population is estimated at 275,673 people, on a daily basis our real load on infrastructure is far greater when you take tourism into account.”

Across TNQ, over the five years to 2014-15, the visitor/population ratio increased from 10.7 to 11.4. Over the same period, overnight visitors increased from 2.12 million to 2.56 million people per annum.

“With infrastructure investment based on resident population, this disparity puts a strain on each of our cities, as investment to date has not been based on real user demand,” Mr Trompf says.

In Cairns alone, over the 30 years to 2016 the compound average growth rate for population was 2.52 per cent. However, the latest five-year period saw lower growth of 1.47 per cent off the back of the GFC and a highly inflated $AUD, resulting in state and federal investments being grossly under-valued when compared with actual growth in population.

“What’s interesting is our continued population growth in recent years is on the back of slow economic growth, estimated to be around 0.5 per cent per annum since 2008,” Mr Trompf says. “Why in a slow economy does the population of Cairns continue to grow?

“The answer is liveability and our attractiveness as a destination, which means with such a low base in essential infrastructure, the opportunity to invest is now significant.

“Not keeping up with demand is starting to impact on liveability with traffic congestion and water security now top of mind.

“This is why we welcome the proposal for regional migration planning as it will force a re-examination of how our population is estimated.

“Cairns is starting to experience growing pains, but it is not too late to plan ahead for sustainable growth and invest in the infrastructure to support it. We just need to be brave enough to believe in our vision for growth, to work with investors to identify and act on opportunities, and to stay true to our cause regardless of election cycles.”

InvestCairns

Why invest in Cairns?

The sun is shining brighter on Tropical North Queensland and there are many key stakeholders in varying fields invested in the growth and success of it, writes Nick Trompf

C

AIRNS Airport is now the nation’s seventh busiest in terms of combined international and domestic passenger movements, handling around 130,000 aircraft movements and more than 5.2 million passenger movements per year.

The airport is on track for continued expansion and this will have significant flow-on effects for our region’s economy.

With the largest immigration sources to Australia being China and India (previously the UK and New Zealand), our aviation links to Asia facilitate easy travel for new residents for business and leisure. Our tropical climate is similar to many of our Asian neighbours, and this means new residents are more likely to feel at home, driving demand for products and services.

For non-Australians migrating to TNQ for work or study, we have a population of skilled migrants with language capabilities, English language schools that have the potential to expand, and active community groups and cultural events that assist people to assimilate into the Australian way of life.

We have commercial space to accommodate national head offices and are well placed to decentralise jobs growth through our strong airline links across Australia and Asia.

Costs of relocation are low and we have affordable housing close to Cairns city and each of our surrounding towns.

Confidence and opportunity mean construction is returning to Cairns with three new hotels, a significant residential/commercial tower, purpose-built educational facilities and renewable energy generation projects – all of which combined are driving a change in how

we see ourselves. As a result, investment in the region is starting to flow.

These projects and others are also changing the nature of employment in our region.

More degree and trade qualified people are needed to leverage improvements in agricultural and logistics technology. And we already have jobs we can’t fill ranging from ‘white collar’ skills such as engineering, computer programming and hospitality to ‘blue collar’ trades such as electrical and construction.

Cairns Regional Council has invested in developing a premier arts and cultural precinct, our universities are addressing key shortages in aviation and healthcare skills, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine College has world-class teaching facilities that are accessed by the Australian military.

Our Super Yacht industry is on the peak of taking off, which will attract a new pool of high-end hospitality workers.

Freight routes continue to improve with the Hann Highway sealing well advanced.

When completed, the Hann Highway will enable transport from Cairns through to Melbourne, taking freight away from the coastal and tourist route of the Bruce Highway.

With our tropical location we are well placed to tap into several government programs. Together with the momentum already underway, these programs will facilitate further private investment in the region.

All of this combined shows the shadow cast from the GFC is finally starting to lift. Now is the time to join in as the sun shines again on our region.

Nick Trompf

CEO of Advance Cairns

ADVANCE CAIRNS

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Nick Trompf Advance Cairns CEO Why is it worth investing in FNQ? This region is perfectly placed for the ‘Asian century’ and all the growth it will bring in key export sectors such as tourism, agriculture and education. Our unrivalled international air access for a regional city and our liveability at a time when Australia’s major capital cities face major congestion will spur the next wave of investment.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? The obvious answer is the GA Group’s three new hotels but the more exciting thing is they are symptomatic of much wider investment across many sectors.

Think $460 million in renewable energy investment by RATCH Australia and MSF Sugar, tens of millions poured into agriculture by the Costa group and many others, and $120 million invested by Experience Co in adventure tourism.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years?

Booming exports driven by much greater alignment across tourism, agriculture and education building on the region’s natural assets and competitive advantage and accelerated through innovation. A population nearing 330,000 with a vastly improved network of roads.

Why do you love living here?

People and place. The people of this region embrace newcomers with open arms and this egalitarian way will build further on our multicultural history. Plus it’s a stunning place to live - amazing climate and scenery.

275,000 Tropical North Queensland’s estimated population. However as a key tourist destination, the transient nature of the region means that on a daily basis the real load on infrastructure is far greater when visitors to the region are taken into account

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INDUSTRIES

InvestCairns

Site supervisors Trevor Woodward and Craig Wise inspect the pool area of Riley during its construction.

Picture: JUSTIN BRIERTY

Tropical growth across the board Wherever you look – to tourism, agriculture, construction, mining or retail – business is taking heed of the push to diversify and is flourishing. And Cairns is at the centre of the action, writes Alicia Nally

D

IVERSIFICATION of industries in Tropical North Queensland has been the catchcry of business, economic and government leaders in recent times and the region is showing great promise in expanding outside of the mainstays of agriculture and tourism.

Cairns is gaining international attention for its location, infrastructure and world-class facilities and attractions. It is Australia’s closest gateway to Asia and a major service provider into Northern Australia.

As a developed city, Cairns offers expertise in technology, health and education in a politically stable environment with a geographical location that provides excellent quality of life.

The trend towards a more digitally based economy is providing an opportunity for Cairns to be at the forefront of innovation, facilitating new business models and improving regional productivity.

TOURISM The tropical north’s tourism sector is worth an estimated $3.7 billion and well on track to reach a target of $4.2 billion by 2020.

Chinese tourists are coming to the region in increasing numbers with China Southern Airlines beginning direct flights in 2017 between Guangzhou and Cairns and China Eastern Airlines returning to the Far North later this year for three months of seasonal flights during the festive period, including 2019 Chinese New Year celebrations. In Au-

gust, China Southern Airlines announced it would increase its direct flights from the Asian giant to four per week from mid-December in a show of confidence in the market.

A proposed $1 billion Global Tourism Hub on a 4.4ha waterfront site along Wharf St, on Ports North land, may include entertainment and cultural facilities, five or six-star hotels, integrated resorts including casinos, and even maritime museums.

AGRICULTURE In 2016–17, the gross value of agricultural production in the Cairns region was $1.1 billion, which was 8 per cent of the total gross value of agricultural production in Queensland ($14 billion). Sugarcane, bananas, avocado and maize are the most common crops grown through Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands and Cassowary Coast regions. Other crops including blueberries, lychees, paw paw, coffee and root vegetables are also grown.

The Cairns region has a diverse agricultural sector. The most important commodities in the region, based on the gross value of agricultural production, were bananas ($525 million), followed by sugarcane ($326 million) and cattle and calves ($66 million). These commodities together contributed 81 per cent of the total value of agricultural production in the region.

In 2016–17 the Cairns region accounted for 100 per cent of the total value of Queensland’s banana production.

“

As a developed city, Cairns offers expertise in technology, health and education in a politically stable environment with a geographical location that provides excellent quality of life. The trend towards a more digitally based economy is providing an opportunity for Cairns to be at the forefront of innovation

InvestCairns

INDUSTRIES

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ject and GA Group’s Abbott St unit developments. In the 2015-16 financial year, 131 unit approvals were recorded, a figure that jumped to 586 in 2016-17.

The construction industry is one of Tropical North Queensland’s most productive sectors, accounting for 9.1 per cent of the total regional economy and generating about $1,014 million yearly revenue.

Environmental considerations inherent to life in the tropics make the region’s construction industry a trusted authority in tropical architecture and engineering design.

$3.7 billion the estimated value of the Tropical North’s tourism sector.

It is on track to reach a target of $4.2 billion by 2020 ABS data indicates that in 2015–16 there were 1350 farms in the Cairns region with an estimated value of agricultural operations of $40,000 or more.

The region contains 8 per cent of all farm businesses in Queensland.

Sugar cane farms (578 farms) were the most common, accounting for 43 per cent of all farms in the Cairns region, and 20 per cent of all sugarcane farms in Queensland.

Estimated value of agricultural operations (EVAO) is a measure of the value of production from farms and a measure of their business size. About 29 per cent of farms in the Cairns region had an EVAO between $50,000 and $150,000. These farms accounted for only 4 per cent of the total value of agricultural operations in 2015–16. In comparison, 14 per cent of farms in the region had an EVAO of more than $1 million and accounted for an estimated 57 per cent of the total value of agricultural operations in the Cairns region in 2015–16.

MINING Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show national mineral exploration expenditure rose 28.4 per cent ($124.7m) to $563.4m in the June quarter 2018. In Queensland, exploration expenditure increased by $13m, a 24 per cent growth since the last quarter and the secondhighest in the nation after Western Australia.

Major mining projects in the Far North contributed more than $1.5 billion to the region’s economy. Rio Tinto has spent more than $1.5 billion on goods and services with Queensland suppliers, which has a massive multiplier effect through economies such as Cairns.In August last year Metro Mining’s Bauxite Hills project was granted three mining leases on Cape York and this year began exporting with contracts to one of China’s largest integrated aluminium companies, Xinfa, supporting 200 jobs.

Weipa is rich in bauxite, which is a key ingredient in aluminium used across several industries including transport and construction.

That means the fundamentals for aluminium are pretty good.

CONSTRUCTION Construction Skills Queensland has forecast a 21 per cent labour shortfall in Cairns in 2019.

Construction is booming in Far North Queensland with the growing workload outpacing growth in apprenticeships.

Far North Queensland was a standout performer in the latest building approval figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, up 27 per cent on the previous 12 months.

Across Queensland, Master Builders’ deputy chief executive Paul Bidwell said the end of the boost to the First Home Owners’ Grant was a contributing factor in the largest monthly gain in building approvals since 2015.

In Cairns, the jump could be attributed to the approvals for the Nova City Spence St pro-

RETAIL After a rocky 2016-17 financial year for Cairns’ Myer store, the retailer is adamant it will keep its doors open. The flagship anchor Cairns Central store went under review along with 18 other Myer stores across the country.

Other shopping centres across Cairns, including DFO, have experienced a steep decline in vacancies. DFO has welcomed Oakley, Catalog Clothing, Kaisercraft and Travelite, and owners Sentinel have invested more than $300 million in Central and North Queensland.

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MAJOR PROJECTS

InvestCairns

A world of growth Ralf Dutton Master Builders Queensland president Why is it worth investing in FNQ? I think it’s currently the best place for equity growth in Australia, purely because the markets that have boomed in Sydney and New South Wales are now falling.

They can’t get the returns that someone can get up here. Cairns is pretty much at the same price for new homes as it was 11 years ago, yet land has moved up some 70 per cent in price. We haven’t had a boom, we are yet to have a boom, and the equity is there.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? If Nova is real, and we’re still not sure of that, it is likely to kickstart all the smaller $2 million-type investments that are just waiting for a signal to start.

So many of them are just ready to go – little projects that people have sitting in their back pocket. I also feel that what Crystalbrook has done with its superior developments will kickstart the long overdue refurbishments of our tired hotel stock in Cairns.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? I think what we’re going through is another one of those cyclical, fundamental changes to Cairns. I would like to think it will be more of a sustained growth over a longer period than a sharp boom-and-bust cycle, which is what we appear to be heading towards – more security and fewer mistakes being made on how Cairns is going to grow.

Why do you love living here?

The food is fantastic. You would have to go to a capital city to match what we have in this town. It’s 15 minutes to work – 20 minutes on a bad day – and we have an international airport that can take you anywhere in the world.

Billions of dollars are being invested in big-scale projects for Cairns and surrounds, in a unique period of abundance, writes Chris Calcino

P

RIVATE investment is driving Cairns to new heights with more than $3.5 billion of projects on the cards for the next six years.

Combine that with $1.3 billion in public projects and Far North Queensland is truly turning a corner to a period of abundance not seen in decades.

The chief driving factor to renewed financial confidence so far has been Ghassan Aboud, whose Crystalbrook Collection is investing more than $600 million into the region across three new hotels in Cairns and the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina development at Port Douglas.

Nova City will be a catalytic project when it begins in earnest, creating a $550 million CBD metropolis across seven towers of luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and other bells and whistles.

The Tropical North Global Tourism Hub is a potential billion-dollar investment, bringing a world-class integrated casino resort to the Cityport entertainment precinct.

Interested parties including global casino giants Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and Hard Rock International are all understood to be making bids.

Developers behind the $550 million C3 trio of apartment towers on Sheridan St are pushing ahead with plans to start construction from 2020 onwards.

Kuranda eco-resort Kur-World has a similar projected start date and would inject $650 million into the economy, while Bellbird

Park Developments’ $100 million Eco Resort at Ellis Beach are expected to pick up tools in 2019-20.

Meanwhile, construction is already underway on the retirement village of the Botanica housing resort at Caravonica.

Ratch is pushing ahead with its $360 million Mt Emerald Wind Farm, MSF Sugar has a combined $245 million in investment plans proposed for its sugar refineries across the region, and $300 million has been pegged for the Kaban Green Power Hub south of Atherton.

Those are just the private projects.

The Cairns Convention Centre is getting a $176 million facelift and extension, major roadworks across the Far North — including the $152 million Smithfield bypass — add up to a combined $743 million and the $120 million Cairns shipping channel dredging project is due to begin this financial year.

The Cairns Hospital’s $70 million mental health unit upgrade is underway and James Cook University is progressing its $30 million plan to build the Cairns Innovation Centre.

None of this takes into account the Queensland Government’s declaration of an 856ha State Development Area at Wrights Creek, which is anticipated to become an intermodal hub for industries as far and wide as agriculture, shipping and energy.

It all shapes up to a bright future for major developments in the Cairns region — encouragingly, driven by private investment confidence rather than government handouts.

InvestCairns

MAJOR PROJECTS

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

Mt Emerald Wind Farm

$650

million

injected into the economy when construction of Kuranda ecoresort KUR-World gets underway.

It is pegged to start in 2020

The $360 million Mt Emerald Wind Farm is nearing full operation. The final of 53 turbines arrived in September for Queensland’s largest wind farm based on the Atherton Tableland. Developer Ratch Australia is behind the largescale renewable energy project at Walkamin. It is envisioned Mt Emerald will deliver 540,000MW hours of renewable energy, which is predicted to meet the annual needs of 75,000 northern Queensland homes over a 20-year period. Ratch said the wind farm would also boost Queensland’s wind energy output.

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ports North’s nine ports are critical to the regional economy representing $1.8 billion gross value added and 17% of the gross regional product.

These ports, located in stunning Far North Queensland, have made up the “blue highway” between our communities and national and international markets for more than a century.

Customers include those in the tourism, renewable energy, minerals, agriculture, coastal trade, marine services, naval, fishing and project and export cargo industries.

Ports North’s recent milestones and achievements include: • Expanding the Port of Cairns’ project cargo capabilities by attracting major contracts to service the Mount Emerald Wind Farm, Rio Tinto’s Amrun bauxite mine and MSF Sugar’s Green Energy Power Plant at the Tableland Mill.

• Negotiating the successful start-up opportunity for a new bauxite export operation at the Port of Skardon River.

• Working with United Petroleum to develop a proposal for a fuel terminal import facility at the Port of Mourilyan.

• Finalising an agreement with New Century Resources to reestablish trans-shipping operations through the Port of Karumba • Facilitating cruise ship industry growth at our Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal as the proponent of the Cairns Shipping Development Project.

• Entering into a commercial enterprise with Hemingway’s Breweries to enable a state-of-the-art brewery and waterfront dining venue at Wharf Shed 2.

• Supporting the growth of the Superyacht industry through our world-class Cairns Marlin Marina.

Contact Us Phone: Fax: Email:

+ 61 7 4052 3888 + 61 7 4052 3853 enquiries@portsnorth.com.au

www.portsnorth.com.au facebook.com/portsnorth instagram.com/portofcairns twitter.com/portsnorth

13

14

NOVA CITY

InvestCairns

The $550 million seven-tower Nova City project in the heart of the CBD has come along in leaps and bounds, writes Rowan Sparkes

Zak Thaker Artist’s impression.

Nova City sales director

Towering seven are leaping to life O

NE of the region’s most anticipated high-rise developments – the $550 million multi-tower Nova City project in the heart of the Cairns CBD – has made major headway in 2018.

Following the commencement of foundation works in April, apartment sales for the first 17-storey, 187-apartment Nova Light tower gathered pace.

Nova City sales director Zak Thaker said more than 50 per cent of the first-release units had already been sold, with 90 per cent of purchases by Australian buyers, including many Far North Queensland locals.

He said premium apartments on Nova Light’s higher levels were most popular among local buyers.

“All the three-bedroom sub-penthouses have been sold,” Mr Thaker said.

“The attractive rental guarantees in Cairns City have encouraged some local buyers to even purchase multiple units.”

With the arrival of machinery giving investors the impetus they needed to put hands in pockets, Cairns Regional Council’s planning and environment committee gave all seven towers the green light in July, paving the way for seven new additions to the city’s skyline.

Previously, only two towers had been approved with the remaining five having preliminary approval.

The formal approval included two new additions to the venture – a former drain bought from Cairns Regional Council to be converted to an access road and a property on Bunda St to be converted into 68 new car parks.

With the foundation works for Nova City’s

first two towers now complete, Mr Thaker said the project’s Singaporean developer Aspial was “very close” to appointing a builder and awarding the final construction contract.

“The company is going through the selection process and negotiating with the preferred builder, finetuning design aspects and cost variations,” he said.

“Upon appointment, there will be an immediate start to construction works.”

The luxury, architect-designed residential apartments start from $459,000 and are expected to be ready to move into by late 2020.

With a number of market indicators suggesting growth in the future, including a demand for residential apartments, a low vacancy rate and excellent potential returns, now is as good a time as any to invest in Nova City and the future of Cairns.

Consumer confidence in the region is being strengthened by a combination of substantial new infrastructure, along with burgeoning tourism and population growth.

These three drivers, coupled with a limited supply of new apartment products, are increasing demand for residential properties, particularly in the inner-city precinct.

Why is it worth investing in FNQ? Timing is so important. Our market is counter-cyclic to the market in the southern cities. While they’re experiencing a downturn, we are now at the cusp of a rise. There is so much starting to happen again in Cairns, the sentiment is positive.

There’s a chronic shortage of accommodation with vacancies at 1.2%, so investors are assured of ongoing above-average returns. The bell has rung, now is our time.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? Nova City, of course. This unprecedented innercity development project will inject more than half a billion dollars in the region, bringing investment, employment, a boost to local businesses and much-needed capital growth to the real estate sector.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? I would like to see our infrastructure developed to a level that can sustain a growing population. For the type of city we want in 10 years’ time, we need to be expanding our sea port to bring not just more tourists, but goods and materials to ease freight congestion on our roads, speed up supply and lower costs. My vision for Cairns is that it would be a vibrant modern twenty-first century ecofriendly city attracting visitors from around the globe and people of all ages who want to come and live, retire and contribute to the region’s prosperity.

Why do you love living here?

Cairns has been my home for the past 36 years. I love the climate, our beautiful natural surroundings, the many different cultures that make up our community and the way we embrace a relaxed lifestyle. I’ve travelled and spent time in more than 100 countries, and my conclusion is there is no better place in the world to live than right here in Far North Queensland.

InvestCairns

CRYSTALBROOK

15

The triple treat Billionaire developer Ghassan Aboud saw the potential in Far North Queensland and as a result is bringing Flynn, Riley and Bailey to life, writes Chris Calcino Mark Davie

C

RYSTALBROOK Collection’s leftfield arrival on the Cairns hospitality scene was just what the region needed at a time when unemployment was up and construction was down.

Billionaire investor Ghassan Aboud saw an enormous opportunity in Cairns and capitalised on it without asking for a red cent in government money.

He summed up the situation in February when asked why he chose Cairns to invest above any other area in the world.

“I have another question,” he told the Cairns Post. “Why, from 1998 until now, they don’t build any extra hotels? Twenty years, no extra hotels in this area. I think this is too much.”

The company now has more than $600 million in investment pegged for Far North Queensland across its triple-threat Riley, Bailey and Flynn hotels in Cairns and the extensive Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina redevelopment at Port Douglas.

Its $130 million transformation of the former Tradewinds hotel into Riley is almost complete and the five-star offering has officially been opened to the public.

The 217-room Bailey development is due to open in September next year, with a challenging but achievable building timeline set for lead contractor Prime Constructions.

The final piece in Crystalbrook’s Cairns hotels puzzle is Flynn — the $120 million development at the site of the former Bellview Hotel due to open in late-2019.

It will feature more than 300 rooms and suites, day spa and 24-hour gym, three floors of urban street eatery-style restaurants and bars and a glass-sided swimming pool over-

Crystalbrook Collection CEO

An artist’s impression of hotel Riley.

Why is it worth investing in FNQ? We like to invest in businesses and regions that have strong growth potential. There is a level of risk that accompanies investment ahead of the curve but the rewards can be significant.

Picture: CRYSTALBROOK COLLECTION

looking the Esplanade.

The trio of new hotels will add a combined 14 new restaurants and bars to the city and more than 800 new rooms.

It means existing hotels will be forced to pick up their game to compete and several, including the Shangri-La, already have extensive refurbishments on the books.

The sheer man-hours required to get each of the Crystalbrook projects completed on time is staggering — more than 850,000 personnel hours have been put in already at the Riley site alone.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the Crystalbrook story is its fourth property in Cairns, quietly bought with no fanfare late last year.

The company owns a large Grafton St site currently home to a car park.

Its future is up in the air with discussion around building a lower-budget hotel or university campus and accommodation combo.

Going on past performance it will be a transformative undertaking, whatever the final decision.

From concept to completion

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? We have committed $600 million to the hospitality industry in the region.

This investment is supported by the employment of 500-plus staff, many with families. We will be introducing a dozen new bars and restaurants which we feel will bonus both tourism and the local population.

There is a lot to be excited about.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? A diversified economy that will attract business opportunities, new families and a growing tourism industry.

Why do you love living here? I spend half my time here in Cairns and the balance of my time down south or on the road. I love the climate, the environment of happy tourists and my weekends up on our cattle station near Chillagoe.

16

AGRICULTURE

InvestCairns

The Far North is a growing region With up to 130 different fruit and vegetable crops already in the ground across Far North Queensland, the region’s growers are paving the way for a bright future for the vibrant community, writes Andrea Falvo Joe Moro

F

AR North Queensland is tipped to become an even bigger player in the Australian agriculture industry with new crops, infrastructure upgrades and investment catapulting the region to new heights.

With about 130 different crops being grown across the region, FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the local agriculture industry had significantly lifted in recent years.

He said areas such as Lakeland, which might often go unnoticed, would become “a powerhouse for the Far North” with growers taking significant steps towards planning for the future.

“We started to see the impact of that growth about five years ago and there’s still more growth to occur,” he said.

“Even up in the Lakeland area we’re seeing a lot more expansion, there’s been investment going into the area to weatherproof some of the crops.

“So it’s been very beneficial, but the infrastructure has been stretched and we need to see some significant investment.

“I think government needs to stop talking about getting private investment to make some of this infrastructure occur. They need to invest some of their own money into it and talk about nation building.”

Mr Moro said while there was a diverse range of crops being grown, there were some clear front runners putting the Far North on the map.

“In Far North Queensland as a region, bananas are still number one,” he said.

“But if you’re looking at the future, I think avocados are going to be very strong.

“Avocados have had a huge significant growth over the last five years, demand has gone up and there’s more speculation for the future.

“There’s also the sugar industry that’s been the backbone of the region for a long time.”

Mr Moro said growers were also expanding crops and experimenting with new crops to meet demand and access new markets.

“There’s a lot of citrus in the ground (in the Dimbulah region) and there’s going to be a lot more into the future, but there’s also a lot of investment in avocados,” he said.

“Also (table) grapes, there’s going to be a tripling in production of growth on the Tablelands. A lot of people might be surprised by that because they don’t associate the area with grapes, but we can grow nearly any crop on the Tablelands.”

MSF Sugar’s diversification MSF Sugar is behind a Green Energy Power Plant, which began construction in May, 2017. The $75 million project will turn 100 per cent renewable sugarcane fibre known as bagasse, into green energy.

Once the plant comes online, it will

produce 24 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 26,280 homes – which is the entire population of the Tableland region.

Economist Bill Cummings said Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed Mareeba had pipped Innisfail to become the largest district town in the Far North Queensland region, outside of Cairns.

He said the stats indicated that between 2011 and 2016, the value of agriculture production in the Mareeba Shire had jumped by 69 per cent.

Growth of employment in agriculture was also 31 per cent in the same five-year period.

“After 2016, there’s been a continuation of agricultural development,” he said.

“There’s this blueberry industry that’s started up there and the agricultural expansion has been continuing.

“That’s been rubbing off on Mareeba also as a transport centre and there has been expansion going on with the major transport companies that are involved in carting all the produce to southern markets.”

FNQ Growers president Why is it worth investing in FNQ? There’s so much potential because of the natural environment we have. Further north it’s more of a challenge because of the landclearing laws, but on the Tablelands and part of the coast, there’s a lot of land that’s cleared and there’s still enough water for good investment to occur. But over time there will be a need for more water and better infrastructure in that area.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? It’s more the potential ones that are still being talked about, which is the frustrating thing. I think that the Hann Highway improvement or the inland road connecting Mareeba to southern markets in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth will be a major catalyst. I think the other one is water – we need to improve the water infrastructure in the Far North. There are three significant projects for the modernisation of the irrigation scheme up here – Lakeland, Herbert River and Nullinga – there’s also one at the Gilbert River. And, of course, there’s still a lot of interest in talking about the Johnstone diversion. The region is so big, so it’s not just one project that will help the whole region, there needs to be a few.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? The region is definitely growing. On the Tablelands in particular there’s a lot of growth. There’s growth up in the Gulf area as well and I think the area will still be a very strong farming and agriculture area. Also tourism will continue to develop. But we need to get the infrastructure requirements right otherwise it won’t be as rapid as it could be. There’s going to be industrial development on the Tablelands and further development around the airport, so the area is going to be very diverse, but still the backbone of the region will be agriculture and tourism.

InvestCairns

AVIATION

17

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

Prof. Steven Thatcher CQUni Head of Aviation

Sky is the limit Ready, set, takeoff. Whether visitors are coming to our region or locals are flying out of it, aviation is facing a growing focus, writes Alicia Nally

W

ITH both an international and domestic terminal, Cairns Airport is unique in regional Australia’s aviation industry.

The airport handles about 130,000 aircraft movements and more than 5.2 million passenger movements per year and is widely recognised as one of the most significant economic drivers in the Tropical North region.

There are opportunities to further expand international connectivity for Cairns through Asia to markets in Europe, NZ, Asia, North America and the Middle East.

Cairns Airport aviation chief commercial officer Paul McLean said the importance of direct international flights to the city was a focus of the organisation’s future strategies.

He said 75 per cent of international travellers still arrived at Cairns Airport on domestic flights.

Chinese, European and American markets would be targeted for direct flights to stop travellers arriving through domestic networks.

“From my time here we’ve seen a decrease from 80 per cent to 75, so there is movement in the right direction,” Mr McLean said.

“There’s a lot of people out there who don’t understand (the distance from Australian capitals to Cairns). (Direct flights) open up connectivity and also open up dedication. It’s what I consider the building block to an ultimate goal. The initial strategy is building a network and you’re going to tie in a destination to other markets.

“We’re in a phase right now when we’re

261,000 the predicted number of pilots needed in the next 20 years in the Asia Pacific region, which will lead the “worldwide growth in demand for pilots”

going to get more and more dedicated flights.”

The airport is also key to getting the region’s fresh, in-demand produce to overseas markets.

A recent report by airline giant Boeing has revealed during the next 20 years the Asia Pacific region “will lead the worldwide growth in demand for pilots, with a requirement for 261,000 new pilots”.

Similarly, it records the highest demand for maintenance technicians in the same region, with 257,000 new technicians needed in Asia Pacific during the next 20 years.

In September this year CQUniversity announced it would invest $4.8 million to establish the first stage of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Education and Research Hub based at Cairns Airport. The centre will address the needs of the aviation industry, particularly the shortage of pilots, skilled maintenance workers and cabin crew.

What general comment would you make about the aviation industry in Cairns, compared to other regional centres? When you look at the aviation industry in Australia, it is generally concentrated in the mainland capitals. The next major aviation centre would logically be Cairns because it has more international and domestic air traffic than any other regional centre. As a result, CQUni has chosen Cairns for its Asia-Pacific Aviation Education and Research Hub. Cairns also has established aircraft maintenance facilities.

How do you see that changing in the future? Cairns’ aviation industry is set to grow. International and domestic flight numbers are increasing to meet passenger demand. Clearly international airlines have Cairns on their radars. CQUni has commenced its stage one development of its Asia-Pacific Aviation Education and Research Hub and will be rolling out stage two and stage three in the future. CQUni will have a growing presence, stimulating regional growth.

What are the challenges for the sector? What are the opportunities? Cairns is the fourth largest city in Queensland outside of Brisbane, but it has the largest international airport outside Brisbane. The city’s aviation growth is largely driven by tourism. This has led to some international airlines offering seasonal services when they first add Cairns as a destination. As interest in Cairns develops and passenger numbers become more consistent these airlines will gradually add services to Cairns.

The strong demand for tourismfocused aviation services presents challenges and opportunities for the aviation industry and Cairns, and provides a stimulus for the city to grow and develop infrastructure that will make it less reliant on tourism.

18

MINING

InvestCairns

Bauxite rock from Metallica Minerals' 50 per cent owned Urquhart Point project near Weipa.

Digging deep to fuel country Far North Queensland has quickly become a mining hot spot, writes Jack Lawrie

G

“

Cairns will always be an attractive city as a FIFO base because of its proximity to mine sites and its lifestyle benefits such as warm weather, affordable housing and tourist attractions.

– Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane

ROWTH in the mining sector for 2018 has been a boon for the Far North, with a number of major projects helping to promote the region as a Queensland mining hotspot.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the Far North’s advantage over the rest of Queensland was its vast and rich reserves of bauxite.

“Resources already contribute over half a billion ($543 million) to the Far North economy and pay $221 million in wages, but the demand for raw materials such as bauxite will grow as Asia’s middle class continues its urbanisation,” he said.

“Bauxite is the key ingredient for aluminium which is used in aircraft, cans, windows, cooking utensils, generators and many more essential materials and products needed for both developed and developing economies.”

Rio Tinto is nearing completion of its $2.6 billion Amrun bauxite project having already spent more than $1.5 billion with Queensland suppliers.

A Rio Tinto spokeswoman said they had spent more than $244 million with local Cape York companies.

“Rio Tinto’s investment in our $A2.6 billion Amrun bauxite project on Western Cape York has set a benchmark in supporting local and regional suppliers,” she said.

“Since the Amrun Project’s approval in 2015 we have placed a strong emphasis on providing employment and business oppor-

tunities for Queenslanders through our Local and Indigenous Participation Plan.

“First production and shipping is now expected before the end of 2018 ramping up to full production by the end of 2019.

“Once the Amrun mine is completed our contribution to the region will build on our 55year history on Cape York.

“The mine will provide jobs for Queenslanders not only for a decade but generational jobs for the next four decades.”

Other big-ticket mining projects in the region include Metro Mining’s Bauxite Hills project with contracts to one of China’s largest integrated aluminium companies Xinfa and Metallica Minerals Bauxite.

Far North mine workers were big winners from the restart of the New Century Mine at Lawn Hill with fly-in fly-out operations to be based in Cairns.

The $50 million project is set to employ 250 people and will produce high-grade zinc concentrate which can be used for corrugated zinc steel roofing on many Queensland homes or galvanised steel for our bridges and skyscrapers.

Mr McFarlane said Cairns had an important role to play as FIFO hub for Far North mining projects.

“Cairns will always be an attractive city as a FIFO base because of its proximity to mine sites and its lifestyle benefits such as warm weather, affordable housing and tourist attractions,” he said.

InvestCairns

RETAIL

19

Positive sales for shopping centres Retailers are snapping up shopping centre spaces and exciting new products are on local shelves, writes Danaella Wivell

R

ETAIL workers across Cairns are looking forward to an even better 2019 after a cracking year in sales.

National and international retailers are moving into major shopping hubs across the city, including at city centre shopping mall Cairns Central.

Cairns Central operations manager Ryan Purkiss said the centre had welcomed new retailers in the established centre.

“We have had a number of exciting new brands open at Cairns Central this year, including Billy’s Place, Warra Sushi, iPlay, Silk Laser and Swarovski opening soon,” he said.

A focus on food and entertainment this year was an added bonus for the centre’s loyal customers, Mr Purkiss said.

“We are centrally located, and have some of the best brands in the region such as Myer, Country Road, Witchery, Peter Alexander and Laser Clinics Australia. Cairns Central was also ranked first for productivity in Queensland, in the 2018 Shopping Centre News Big Guns edition,” he said.

“The centre continues to trade well with positive sales and traffic growth. We expect this to continue, with more exciting brands to join us in the coming months.”

Other shopping centres are also experienc-

$29 million invested in the six-screen cinema complex and dining precinct by DEXUS Property Group at Smithfield Shopping Centre

ing similar low vacancies.

Sentinel Property Group managing director Warren Ebert, who oversees DFO, said “several prominent retailers” including Oakley, Catalog Clothing, Kaisercraft and Travelite had chosen to open their doors at the Westcourt shopping centre this year.

“Sentinel has invested more than $300 million in Central and North Queensland and we are highly optimistic about the economic outlook for the next decade,” he said.

Retailers across Cairns have experienced all the usual sales spikes this year during New Year sales, Valentine’s Day and Easter, but have also factored in one of the city’s favourite social events.

The Cairns Amateurs after the carnival raked in more than $2 million in racewear sales in 2017, and the trend has continued into 2018.

Cairns Amateurs chief executive Graham Thornton said the event was second to none when it came to the fashion stakes.

“From suits and dresses to shoes and millinery, last year’s carnival recorded almost $2.5 million in fashion expenditure, which is a significant boost for local retailers. It is all about making hay while the sun shines,” he said.

Ryan Purkiss Cairns Central operations manager Why is it worth investing in FNQ? Walking around Cairns, you see a lot more cranes in the sky and there’s a feeling of positivity for the future of our community and economy.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? We’re excited about the developments happening around the centre, in particular Nova and Crystalbrook Collection.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? We welcome growth and development in Cairns, but we also want to maintain the atmosphere of a closeknit community.

Why do you love living here? I love the lifestyle and the community.

20

TOP 10 REASONS TO INVEST IN THE FAR NORTH

InvestCairns

TOP 10

The reasons to invest in the region A late developer, the Cairns region has all the right elements that have taken it to the forefront of Australia’s regional economies in recent decades, writes Bill Cummings

A

FTER late and uncertain beginnings, the Cairns region has been one of the leading performers among Australia’s regional economies over recent

decades.

The Cairns region has led growth across the North and in regional Queensland.

It is now the largest in population across the North and can be expected to pass the Wide Bay region within five years or so to become the largest in population in regional Queensland outside of the southeast corner.

Cairns City itself has grown more than threefold since 1976 to a residential population of more than 160,000, having overtaken seven other Australian regional cities along the way.

Projecting forward on the growth rates of the past 10, 25 and 40 years, by 2050 the Cairns region can be expected to have a population in the order of 500,000-570,000 and the city in the order of 330,000-400,000.

It is now among the largest regional cities in Australia outside of the metropolitan and fringe metropolitan centres.

The following sets out 10 points why this has happened and why continuing growth can be expected into the future.

1.

Servicing a large, resource-rich previously underdeveloped region While Cairns has a strong tourism image, its primary economic role is servicing the large Peninsula Australia geographic region/Tropical North Queensland, with an area one and a half times the size of Victoria and as deep from north to south as the rest of Queensland and as New South Wales. The region is tropical and historically posed greater challenges to a society with technology and most of its population drawn from north-western Europe. However the region is not poor in natural resources, it accounts for no less than 26 per cent of Australia’s total water run-off, making it biologically one of Australia’s richest regions.

2.

Underlying global forces favouring the region’s development Four major underlying forces have been un-

Picture: STEWART MCLEAN

“

In international holiday visitors, Cairns now stands next to Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland.

The industry has bounced back after the high-dollar period to new record levels with major new construction of rooms taking place. The massive potential of the Chinese market is opening up with new direct flights.

derpinning the region’s progress. Growing global markets have been reaching out for previously underdeveloped resources with one of the great global growth regions to the north in Eastern Asia. Transport and com-

munication developments have been breaking down old cost barriers of remoteness from major markets – bulk ore carriers, jumbo jets, improved roads and road transport vehicles, satellites, the internet. Technology suitable to the tropics has developed not just in industries such as agriculture but in tourism and fields like airconditioning and building design, health and other factors affecting everyday life. And success breeds success as a population and infrastructure builds up, reducing real costs of living and production.

3.

Continuing major expansion of earnings from the rest of Australia and the world Underpinning the growth of Cairns and the region has been a major expansion of earnings from the rest of Australia and overseas. Superior cattle breeds, mechanisation of sugar, lower transport costs to markets have been leading to the region’s agricultural industries growing. Between 2011 and 2016 the value of agricultural production grew by approximately 36 per cent and the workforce by about 15 per cent. Far North Queensland is now Australia’s third largest fruit-producing region.

Given the region’s massive water resources and sealing of roads, opening up new agricultural districts, the potential for further expansion is very large. The region’s coastline from Cardwell to Cape York and around to the Northern Territory border is about the same

InvestCairns

TOP 10 REASONS TO INVEST IN THE FAR NORTH

21

distance as from Brisbane around to Adelaide.

The Cairns region has become one of Australia’s largest fishing regions. The region is not poor in mineral resources with new bauxite, zinc and silica sand mining projects currently under construction and planned. Coming through in recent decades has been major growth in tourism, based on a world-class combination and quality of natural tourism resources. In international holiday visitors, Cairns now stands next to Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland. The industry has bounced back after the high-dollar period to new record levels with major new construction of rooms taking place. The massive potential of the Chinese market is opening up with new direct flights. The region now earns $6 billion from these sectors – tourism $3 billion, primary industries $2 billion and mining $1 billion.

4.

A strategic position in the South-West Pacific Apart from a special relationship with East Asia the location of Cairns as the northern terminus of Australia’s efficient east coast road, rail and air services network gives it a special relationship with a developing Papua New Guinea and Papua Indonesia. Along with the shipping services to the Torres Strait and Peninsula ports, Cairns is the Australian buying base and shipment supply port for the giant Freeport McMoran gold and copper mine in Papua Indonesia, with shipments of about $180 million a year. There are multiple daily flights to Papua New Guinea airports and there is substantial investment in Cairns property from the Papua New Guinea students attending education institutions and the workforce that flies in to PNG mines and cities. Australia’s north-eastern naval base in Cairns employs about 900 people and there is strong coastal surveillance and Border Force presence in the city and region.

5.

Superior global connections Population and tourism growth have given Cairns global air links that surpass all other regional cities in Australia and are on a par with the smaller Metropolitan centres.

With five million passenger movements, Cairns Airport leads Northern Australia.

Apart from direct connections with all major metropolitan centres and regions, Cairns Airport has direct international connections with 11 Asia-Pacific cities, making it Australia’s north-eastern gateway and a leading hub airport in the South-West Pacific area. Substantial airfreight is carried, especially of marine products. The Cairns region has become a major aviation maintenance hub and education centre with markets into the Asia Pacific region, again the largest outside metropolitan centres.

6.

A major marine servicing centre Cairns is one of Australia’s leading marine activity centres, with the largest number of commercial vessels registered in Queensland ports. It is home to Australia’s largest tourism fleet, a trading fleet, a large fishing fleet, Australia’s north-eastern naval base, and is one of Australia’s busiest ports for visits by cruise

Bill Cummings from Cummings Economics.

ships, super yachts and cruising yachts, as well as bulk cargo sugar, fertiliser and fuel ship movements. This provides the background to the largest marine maintenance and servicing centres in Northern Australia and the immediate South-West Pacific area with three shipyards, a marine education college and employment in the sector of the order of 4000.

The port is on track for a major upgrading of infrastructure in the near future with deepening works, naval base expansion, new shipyard investment and a proposal by Australia’s largest privately owned shipping company, Seaswift based in Cairns, for a major new freight hub.

7.

Expanding health, education and cultural services A growing economy needs and stimulates expanding community services and activities.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has been growing quickly with a budget now of more than $900 million per annum and the largest in level of patient admissions in regional Queensland outside of the southeast corner. University development was late coming but now there are three university campuses/facilities, with room for expansion to parallel the city’s growth as a leading centre for international language, vocational training and study tours. A large residential and tourist population, stimulating environment and diverse cultural backgrounds make the Cairns

Picture: Marc McCormack

region a leader in cultural and creative activities in the North and regional Queensland.

8.

A private enterprise-led region While HMAS Cairns and other borderrelated activities have given Cairns a government sector at average national proportions, one of the region’s major strengths is that its economy is predominantly private enterpriseled with registered number of businesses the largest by far in the north, including a leading number of businesses in manufacturing.

9.

A culturally inclusive community Cairns is very much an Australian city.

However over a long period of time the region has been one of Australia’s most successful in inclusiveness of people of diverse cultural backgrounds. This includes in its early history a high proportion from Asia as well as over the years from non-Anglo Australian European backgrounds and, more recently, those associated especially with tourism and new residents from a range of countries. About 16 per cent of the region’s population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

10.

A First World lifestyle city in the tropics Cairns is a leader of what will be a growing number of First World lifestyle cities in the tropics as the old technological lag in development in tropical areas fades away into history.

22

HALPIN PARTNERS

InvestCairns

proud sponsor Shaun Donaldson, Director, Halpin Partners

Reality matches positive predictions

The economic downturn in Cairns is history.

All the talk (and hope) of an economic revival in Cairns is materialising before our very eyes with deals being sealed in tourism and agricultural operations flourishing with the injection of fresh investment

F

OR the past few years, the macro economic factors have pointed to a resurgence for the Cairns economy.

A lower dollar, recovering global and domestic economies and growing Chinese visitor numbers were set to drive tourism growth.

The continued development of agriculture, particularly avocado, tropical fruit and beef was set to boost employment and the region’s GDP. Meanwhile, government infrastructure spending combined with activity in the private sector was set to drive the Cairns economy.

The good news is that it’s no longer a prediction – it’s happening.

Our assessment is not based on reported statistics and trends, it’s based on what we are seeing at Halpin Partners.

In the past two years, we have assisted three large tourism clients sell their business to ASX listed and international buyers.

In the same time, we have first-hand knowledge of another three large tourism businesses that have sold to the same investors.

In the agriculture space, we have seen our

clients over the past five to 10 years build multi-million-dollar businesses in avocados and other tropical fruits.

For avocados in particular, the ideal growing conditions and market positioning has seen strong investment from national and international partners, including a large investment from a Costa/Macquarie consortium. Cattle farmers continue to build their herds, including specialist produce such as wagyu.

When you overlay what we have seen firsthand with additional public and private investment, including the Crystalbrook Collection hotels and government investment in expansions to the Cairns Port, Cairns Convention Centre and key regional roads, it’s hard not to get excited about the future for Cairns.

We see this recent activity as just the beginning. There are many more transactions in the pipeline and significant opportunity for more investment and growth in the region.

After a post-GFC downturn, Cairns is definitely now open for business.

The good news is that Cairns has the skill sets available locally to help local, national and international investors take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

At Halpin Partners, our team has played a key role in recent large transactions in the tourism industry.

We have also assisted significant growth and sale activity in the agriculture, retail, manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

Outside of accounting and business advice, Cairns has high-class legal advisers who have assisted with many recent investment transactions.

The GA Group, who are funding the Crystalbrook Collection’s $500 million hotel build program, have also engaged a local builder in Prime Constructions to manage the project, and have also engaged local architects, media and PR advisers.

With other areas of Australia beginning to show signs of slowing growth, we see Cairns looking more exciting every day.

At Halpin Partners, we have the right team and right network to show you the best opportunities the region has to offer.

Halpin Partners 101 Sheridan St, Cairns City (07) 4052 0800 || www.halpinpartners.com.au

Helping you invest in our

thriving city halpinpartners.com.au

24

MILLER HARRIS LAWYERS

InvestCairns

proud sponsor Miller Harris Lawyers, Level 1, 14-16 McLeod St, Cairns City

Legal partners raising the bar With a reputation for high-quality service and a focus on continuous improvement, the Cairns-based firm of Miller Harris Lawyers has combined service excellence with genuine expertise and local knowledge since 1990

M

ILLER Harris Lawyers was established in 1990 and has established itself as a leader in legal services in North Queensland.

The firm has an enviable reputation for providing high-quality legal services to many of the region’s leading businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and individuals.

Miller Harris Lawyers have been operating in the Cairns and surrounding North Queensland region for 28 years.

Throughout that time they have developed not only strong relationships with local stakeholders but an in-depth knowledge of the region and its dynamics.

Their staff are locally based meaning they not only provide services to the region, but are also members of the community.

This investment in, and connection with the region, provides Miller Harris Lawyers with the unique ability to provide not only service excellence, but also tailor-made solutions to suit North Queensland, including dealing with the cultural nuances and sensitivities unique to the region.

Client service is at the heart of Miller Harris Lawyers’ business strategy.

The firm prioritises a client’s unique needs whilst refusing to compromise on outcomes.

Service excellence for the firm means not just achieving the client’s expected outcome, but exceeding expectations at every opportunity.

The firm’s local knowledge and dedication to understanding their clients’ situation enables them to provide bespoke services that result in the best possible outcomes for all involved.

Assisting this client-centric focus is the firm’s outstanding expertise.

Miller Harris Lawyers have more accredited specialists than any other firm in the Cairns region, including the only accredited business law specialist and the only accredited property law specialist.

Their expertise is attributable to a focus on

Miller Harris Lawyers partners (clockwise from back left) Tim McGrath, Sean Walsh, Nigel Hales, Melissa Nielsen and Elaine Jesurasingham.

continuous improvement and development, and a rigorous adherence to the highest of standards.

This forward-thinking and industry-leading approach enables the firm to proactively deal with not only a client’s current problems, but also manage issues as they develop in the legal and economic landscape.

Miller Harris Lawyers have worked on some of the region’s largest commercial projects and this is a testament to their reputation as leaders in their field.

Miller Harris Lawyers 14-16 McLeod St, Cairns City (07) 4036 9700 || www.millerharris.com.au

Genuine Expertise | Service Excellence | Local Knowledge Sean Walsh, Partner Cairns’ only Business Law Accredited Specialist Sean’s experience includes advising on due diligence, intellectual property, acquisition and sale of business, restructuring business ownership, farming and primary industry, tourism and accommodation, liquor licensing and risk management and compliance.

Tim McGrath, Partner Masters in Law (Commercial) Tim has experience in the fields of commercial litigation, corporation’s law, statutory compliance and corporate governance.

Elaine Jesurasingham, Partner B Comm LLB (Hons) Elaine is a civil litigator and dispute resolution lawyer with a work background in commercial, property and building disputes requiring case management expertise and the ability to discern and manage a large number of facts, witnesses and documents.

Nigel Hales, Partner Cairns’ only Property Law Accredited Specialist Nigel has experience in property law, planning and environmental law, native title and indigenous issues and general commercial transactions.

Melissa Nielsen, Partner LLB (Hons) Melissa has extensive experience in all facets of business, commercial and property law.

MILLERHARRIS.COM.AU

Level 1, 14–16 McLeod Street, Cairns Qld 4870 | 07 4036 9700 |

26

ANZ BANK

InvestCairns

proud sponsor Benjamin Murphy, Relationship Manager, ANZ Bank

The business case for investment Bringing together the right people with the right vision for now and the future – and a willingness to back their beliefs with capital expenditure – will provide Cairns with a rock-solid foundation for growth for generations to come

T

HE success of the Cairns economy is the result of several local individuals and families who have consistently demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, taken risks and genuinely cared about and contributed to the region.

Their efforts have cemented Cairns as an empowered region in Far North Queensland and there are many reasons to feel confident about its future.

Projects such as Wangetti Trail proposal and the Global Tourism Hub, have led to renewed interest from national and international investors looking to establish tourism ventures and build new infrastructure to support them.

They’ll help us to keep improving our global reputation as a world-class tourism destination and it’s pleasing to see continued investment from the likes of GA Group and China Southern Airlines.

Last year, Queensland welcomed almost 2.7 million international visitors who collectively spent $5.3 billion, both up 4 per cent on the prior year.

While it was positive to see growth, we are facing greater competition from some of the emerging tourism states, including Tasmania which grew visitor numbers and spend by 18 per cent and 32 per cent respectively.

To make certain we continue to attract our fair share of visitors, as a business community we must all looks for ways to promote our region’s uniqueness and advantages.

Pleasingly, we are seeing examples of this.

In October, a group of local business leaders travelled to Canberra supported by Advance Cairns, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, to meet with key politicians to discuss our region’s benefits and lobby for support in ensuring our region’s ongoing social and economic prosperity.

A united approach from key business leaders is essential if we are to realise the region’s potential.

There are also opportunities that extend beyond tourism.

Unprecedented investment is also occur-

ring on the Tablelands in horticulture.

The investment is leading to new highvalue produce being grown on large-scale farms that has the potential to be exported.

Wide-bodied aircraft flying directly from Cairns to Asia, the Americas and Europe to deliver our quality produce, is a vision that isn’t far from reality.

At ANZ, we are also investing in local teams to continue our support of Cairns future growth aspirations.

Given the ongoing complexity and challenges for local businesses driven by red tape,

Cairns’ economic future is shining brightly.

increasing overheads and margin compression, it has never been more important to have a team of experienced local bankers who know the region well.

Locals know too well of Cairns and Far North Queensland’s potential and what the region offers investors and visitors.

Our job now is to ensure we market Cairns not only as a premium tourism destination but as a truly liveable city underpinned by the strength of its business community.

ANZ 13 13 14 || www.anz.com.au

GETTING ACCESS TO AN ANZ MANAGER

IS EASY ANZ has provided banking services to customers in regional Australia for more than 180 years.

With access to industry specialists and an extensive range of products and services, our ANZ Managers can tailor solutions to suit the unique needs of your business.

To find out how we can help, call us today.

TIM JAMES

Health Relationship Manager T. 07 4241 0602 M. 0411 023 844 E. Tim.James@anz.com

PATRICK BROWN

MLR Relationship Manager T. 07 4241 0607 M. 0401 141 276 E. Patrick.Brown@anz.com

anz.com Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. Item No. 95545 10.2018 W600922

BEN MURPHY

Business & Private Banking Relationship Manager T. 07 4241 0609 M. 0411 023 855 E. Benjamin.Murphy@anz.com

K ATRINA WALKER

Business & Private Banking Relationship Manager T. 07 4241 0622 M. 0477 760 069 E. Katrina.Walker@anz.com

28

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL CAIRNS

InvestCairns

proud sponsor Stacey Quaid, Managing Director, Colliers International Cairns

City building on a solid foundation The Cairns real estate market is building in sophistication, bringing it into line with similar cities around Australia and the world. But it’s the diverse economy and unparalleled lifestyle within a tropical paradise that place it perfectly for its expected future surge in growth

C

AIRNS is a robust commercial property market possessing a level of sophistication ahead of its 160,000resident population, due largely to the influx of more than two million visitors each year and the services and infrastructure their spending helps fund.

Cairns’ economy, while underpinned by its tourism industry, remains diversified and includes public administration, health and defence, retail, services and education, mining, agriculture and fishing enterprises.

It has grown from the sleepy village of the early ’70s, through phases of major growth in the ’80s and again in the late ’90s, leading into the 2000s, where we saw surges in development, especially across the commercial, tourism, accommodation and housing sectors, which traditionally are the major drivers in our economy.

Icons in today’s landscape – such as the Hilton, Pullman, The Pier, Cairns Corporate Tower, the international airport and Paradise Palms – were all products of the ’80s, while the incredible Esplanade Lagoon and foreshore development, Trilogy, Convention Centre, James Cook University, Cairns Central shopping centre and Skyrail were developed at the turn of the century and early 2000s.

Like the rest of Australia, Cairns was impacted by the Global Financial Crisis and has adapted to the challenges around foreign investment and development funding that saw almost no new apartment developments over a 10-year period, leading to a lack of market choice and growing demand.

Retail has also had its challenges, with the market observed as passing through the bottom of the cycle back in 2014, but the recovery remains limited, leaving the retail property market still relatively flat and ripe for opportunity. Rents remain generally stable, showing ranges of $600 to $800 per square metre per annum for prime CBD retail space, and $1000 to $1500 per square metre per annum in primary tourist precincts, such as the Cairns Esplanade.

In recent years we have seen the CBD

Clockwise from back left: Stacey Quaid, Jay Beattie, Charlie Torrisi, Tom Quaid, Ted Baczkowski, Patsy Bucknor and Ralph Westera of Colliers International Cairns.

mostly transition from general to boutique and tourism retail and, as such, future growth is reliant on the expected increase in demand.

The retail economy remains relatively tight and the current vacancies are reflective of this, but this creates a great opportunity for new operators entering.

Within the office market, the lack of new developments has given rise to refurbishments, especially with upper level and secondary office space. The last large office building constructed in Cairns was the state government office tower completed in 2010, and there are currently no known new developments in the pipeline.

While there are vacancies through the market, it remains difficult to find A-grade space, particularly with larger floorplates, so there is an expectation of impending change that could lead to undersupply.

Within the commercial, industrial and investments markets there remains good investor and owner-occupier demand for welllocated or leased properties although there

remains a noticeable gap between demand and supply.

In terms of new developments, new Woolworths-anchored shopping centres are in the planning phase for Gordonvale and preliminary approval has been given for Trinity Beach, and construction is underway for three new hotels in the Cairns CBD, one complete.

Additionally, the Queensland Government has identified its preferred site for the development of the Tropical North Global Tourism Hub on Port North’s strategic port land within the Cityport precinct at Wharf St in the CBD. The hub is intended to bring new worldclass entertainment, recreational and cultural facilities to the region, as well as support major events and reinvigorate key locations.

When finalised the hub will potentially be a game changer for the inner city and CBD. The number of sales of residential property in Cairns remains around 4000 to 6000 per annum, which is down from the highs of 7000 to 8000 leading up to the market peak in 2007. Apartment wise, with the lack of new options in the market and very little in compliance with the rules for foreign investors, it is this sector that shows the most promise in the year ahead.

Developments like the Nova City project on Spence St should provide the impetus for the next wave of developments and investors re-entering our market.

Colliers International Cairns is a full-service commercial agency with capability across the tourism, commercial, industrial, retail, rural and residential markets.

Our team of market specialists knows and understands the regional markets and has extensive experience across all sectors of sales, leasing and investment management.

As part of the worldwide Colliers International business, we draw from our connections and expertise across the world with dedicated access to and from the Asian markets especially.

Colliers International Cairns 35 Lake St, Cairns City (07) 4031 3443 || www.colliers.com.au

InvestCairns

LIFESTYLE

29

A place to play There is a reason why so many people choose to call the Tropical North their home, writes Rowan Sparkes

Daniel Leipnik Cairns Aquarium CEO

Trinity Beach – one of the many beaches lining the Cairns coastline.

M

UCH more than a world-renowned tourist haven flanked by the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns is also a paradise for the 160,000-plus residents who call the coastal city their home.

One of those residents is Cairns Aquarium chief executive and founder Daniel Leipnik, who has resided in Far North Queensland’s biggest city for eight years.

He said the Tropical North was “truly the most amazing place in the world”.

“Magnificent weather all year round, incredible natural settings with amazing waterfalls, coastal rainforests, unique biodiversity and the Great Barrier Reef. Add to this the laid-back, casual lifestyle and easy-going, beautifully-natured people – what is not to like about living here?”

Mr Leipnik and Cairns Aquarium co-founder Andrew Preston’s first experience with the Far North came as visitors, when they explored the region on a holiday.

Spurred on by their inherent love of animals and nature, and their desire to actively contribute to the conservation of the region’s unique wildlife, the two fell in love with Cairns and had the impetus to undertake the “incredibly demanding”, six-year, $50-million Cairns Aquarium project.

“I love living in a destination that enables

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

you to have a quality lifestyle; wonderful restaurants and local produce, clean air, beautiful green surroundings,” Mr Leipnik said.

Having lived in “big cities all over the world” during his business career, Mr Leipnik said the lifestyle offered in Cairns was “second to none”.

“I have lived in Melbourne, Gothenburg, Vancouver and have travelled extensively all over the world, but Cairns really does stand out for me as the most liveable and enjoyable of any city I have lived in or visited.”

The Cairns CBD, where the Cairns Aquarium is located, is the principal centre of the region. It is centrally located along the coastal strip with sub-regions to the north, south and west consisting of quality agricultural land and areas of high ecological significance.

Framed by the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Cairns is unabashedly geared towards tourism.

However, in recent years, the city has also showcased its event-hosting capabilities, with an array of international sporting events, cultural extravaganzas and major conferences being staged in the region.

Art fairs, food festivals, horse racing carnivals, eclectic folk festivals and colourful celebrations of our tropical lifestyle also feature on the region’s calendar.

Why is it worth investing in FNQ? I see only positive growth opportunities and enormous financial prosperity ahead for the region. The global tourism industry is only showing positive signs of longterm growth and Cairns is, due to its geographical location, perfectly positioned to benefit from the increase in rising Asia-Pacific tourism, travel and commerce. All three levels of government are aligned in recognising the economic importance of the region and its capabilities for significant growth.

Additionally, the region has all the necessary elements for investment success: a growing population, access to air and road transport, expertise, industry capability and an engaged and willing workforce.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about?

I am excited for the new Crystalbrook collection hotels, which are transforming the look, feel and quality of the Cairns CBD. It has been thrilling to watch so many cranes pop up after the Cairns Aquarium project completed construction.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? I would like to see a healthy and thriving Great Barrier Reef and adjacent ecosystems brought about by a shift in Australian and international government’s policies, which make it a priority to reduce the human impacts that are causing global warming. I would also like to see the region become energy independent through the implementation of large-scale renewable energy systems. I would like to see substantial cleared areas replanted with rainforest trees so that the region retains its beautiful lush green characteristics and becomes a globally sought-after city where people can enjoy our healthy rainforest and reef environments.

30

ARTS & CULTURE

InvestCairns

CPAC is quickly matching up to this original artist’s impression of the finished product.

Albert David (below) performs in the 2018 CIAF.

Vanessa Gillen CIAF general manager Why is it worth investing in FNQ? I think FNQ is about to boom – having lived here now for eight years you can feel the bubble of expansion and opportunity in the air.

What is the big-ticket item you’re most excited about in the region? The new arts and cultural precinct in the Courthouse/ gallery space.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? I wouldn’t want it to change too much but it would be great to be a bit more cosmopolitan. We are certainly heading in the right direction with large sports tourism and cultural opportunities putting us on the world stage.

Why do you love living here? It’s the most beautiful place. I get up every day and am grateful to live in this stunning, natural beauty and have opportunities to explore one of the last untouched areas of Australia.

$7.1 million the cost of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre renovation, which is due to be officially launched on December 15

Culture capital of the North

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

The vision for the region to become the arts capital of Northern Australia could well be on the way to reality, writes Dana Wivell

A

RTS and culture in Cairns will have plenty of new places to play in 2019.

Key arts spaces, including the Centre of Contemporary Arts and Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) are scheduled to be completed next year.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair general manager Vanessa Gillen said she was excited to see the push for more accessible art across the city.

“There are so many new infrastructure projects being developed with new venues like CPAC and the Courthouse precinct offering exciting possibilities for the future,” she said.

Ms Gillen said there was more cohesion between arts organisations now than ever before.

“There seems to be more collaboration and connectivity which will ensure Cairns becomes the arts and cultural capital of the north,” she said.

But Ms Gillen is particularly excited about shining a light on next year’s big arts birthday.

“2019 is CIAF’s 10th anniversary so we are looking forward to celebrating what we have achieved so far for the indigenous artists of Queensland and setting the legacy for the next 10 years,” she said.

CPAC is set to celebrate its official opening on December 15.

The grand opening will close down Florence St so the new centre and Munro Martin Parklands can be open to pedestrians.

The festivities will include performances by the Cairns Choral Society, schools and Far Northern entertainers.

The performances will be live streamed from CPAC into the Munro Martin Parklands

for an estimated 3000 to 4000 audience members.

The Centre of Contemporary Arts, which houses JUTE Theatre and KickArts Contemporary Arts, is set for completion midway through 2019.

Cairns visual artist Brian Robinson — known for his Woven Fish at the Lagoon and the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef sculpture which was unveiled last year — has been brought onto the consultation team to help guide the transformation of the Far North Queensland arts hub.

He will be joined by Roger Mainwood from TPG Architects and renowned indigenous dancer and artistic director Pauline Lampton.

The former Department of Transport building will feature a laneway cafe, streetfront window displays, landscaped gardens and activated digital facades that will be able to be programmed by artists.

InvestCairns

ARTS & CULTURE

31

The CoCA makeover

• The Centre of Contemporary Arts, home to both KickArts and JUTE Theatre, closed recently for a $3.5 million makeover The building will be expanded, a veranda and gallery added, the shop and cafe relocated, the 240-seat theatre upgraded, the foyer improved, a roof terrace and new studio spaces created It will become the creative home of indigenous dance and performance and be part of the new Florence St arts precinct with Munro Martin Parklands and Cairns Performing Arts Centre

•

•

Cairns Convention Centre…

Friendly tropical hospitality : Industry leading technology

Cairns…

A destination with award winning infrastructure Amazing experiences and lifetime memories

www.cairnsconvention.com.au

32

HEALTH

InvestCairns

Investment in medicine growing Private and public hospitals, as well as cutting-edge medical research facilities, are striving to keep up with burgeoning demand for health services from a steadily increasing population, writes Daniel Bateman

A

S the northern-most city in eastern Australia, Cairns is a hub for healthcare for not only Far North Queenslanders, but also people from Papua New Guinea, and other neighbouring countries.

The number of patients treated at Cairns Hospital, the largest public hospital in the region, indicates the demands for healthcare.

During the 2016-17 financial year, there were 130,728 presentations to the hospital’s emergency department, a figure that rises every year.

Nearly 3000 babies were born at the hospital during the same period, and there was a total of 99,997 hospital admissions.

As a result of the increased activity at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, the Queensland Government boosted the health service’s budget by $29.9 million during 2017-18, and added the following investments: $6.8 million growth funding to meet projected increase in activity, including emergency department presentations, elective surgery, outpatients, and to open a second cardiac catheterisation laboratory; $2.2 million for gastrointestinal endoscopy services; $810,000 for community mental health treatment services; and $1 million for additional clinical staff to meet increasing demand for health services in Queensland correctional facilities, including Lotus Glen prison on the Atherton Tablelands.

The Government is also continuing planning and development of the Cairns South Health Precinct, to serve the growing population south of the city.

The southern corridor of Cairns has accounted for the majority of the population growth in the city, at 59 per cent.

Cairns Private Hospital, owned and operated by Ramsay Health Care, has also needed to expand due to demands for health care in the region.

The hospital in 2016 completed a $16 million expansion, adding 56 private patient rooms in a new tower block.

The facility has also added a new dedicated cardiac ward, a new operating theatre and upgraded rehabilitation services. This has been the largest overhaul of the hospital to occur at its Upward St site since it was founded by the Little Company of Mary back in 1951.

Cairns is increasingly becoming known as a destination for cutting-edge medical research.

JCU this year finished construction of its Cairns-based Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine.

Clare Douglas Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive

130,728 the number of presentations to Cairns Hospital emergency department during the 2016-2017 financial year

The state-of-the-art centre is designed to be a sister building to two other institute facilities in Townsville and Thursday Island.

The building includes 16 laboratories and cryogenic facilities capable of storing clinical material and research samples at temperatures as low as minus 190C. It also has large amounts of laboratory space, including a secure facility for the safe study of mosquitoes that can spread tropical diseases.

The university in August also launched its first ever biotechnology start-up company, the Cairns-based Paragen.

The $6 million company exploits the therapeutic benefits of a blood-sucking parasite known as the hookworm, which has been known to treat inflammatory diseases such as coeliac disease.

What general comment would you make about the health industry in Cairns, compared with other regional centres?

Cairns has a strong health sector with Cairns Hospital being the major referral hospital for the wider population of Far North Queensland.

We deliver an impressively high level of services for a regional centre. Data from our recent clinical services planning identified that the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has a very high selfsufficiency rate of 95 per cent, meaning only 5 per cent of hospital inpatients need to travel south to access highly specialised services in Brisbane or Townsville. Compared with other regional hospitals, we have one of the highest selfsufficiency ratings in Queensland, except for Townsville.

What’s in store for the future of Cairns health industry?

The delivery of specialist services depends on the volume of local demand, attracting the specialist doctors, as well as us having the right clinical supports in place. The Health Service has more than $200 million of major capital works projects underway or delivered. Some in the past 12 months include: opening of the new Dimbulah Primary Health Centre; commencement of robotic urology procedures in partnership with Ramsay Health; opening new BreastScreen premises in Cairns; ED upgrades at Mossman and Tully hospitals; construction of the new Youth Prevention and Recovery Centre mental health residential facility; and upgrades to operating theatres at Cairns Hospital. Detailed planning is also underway for the Atherton Hospital redevelopment; Mareeba Hospital expansion; and a new mental health inpatient unit.

InvestCairns

EDUCATION

33

Sandra Harding JCU Vice Chancellor

JCU kicks off biotech The Far North is on the cutting edge of technological innovation, and at the forefront of that is the $30 million state-of-the-art Cairns Innovation Centre, which has already secured biotech hub Paragen Bio as a tenant, writes Peter Carruthers

T

HE creation of a biotech start-up paired with the imminent commencement of work on the state-of-the-art Cairns Innovation Centre has the Far North well positioned to take advantage of a growing therapeutic medical industry.

In July, James Cook University announced plans to build a $30 million facility, which will include a three-storey building with a footprint of 4000sq m.

JCU’s vice chancellor, Professor Sandra Harding said the centre would tap into JCU and the region’s tropical knowledge and expertise to catalyse and accelerate the translation of research and new business ideas into products and services that are in high demand in the Far North and beyond.

“The CIC will nurture a new generation of students and young graduates who can engage deeply with industry and business,” she said.

“This will further diversify the Cairns economy, boost its exports and attract innovators from around the world to the city.”

Eighty jobs in the biotech sector are expected to be created by Paragen Bio who launched their business model in August.

The company is developing treatments for autoimmune diseases, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, using the secretions of hookworms.

The CIC is designed to support start-ups

such as Paragen Bio, but it’s too early to say whether Paragen Bio will be based in Cairns.

Paragen co-founder and head of research Alex Loukas said it was the first time hookworms had been used to fight autoimmune disease.

“It’s a big enough breakthrough that it’s done something very few biotechs in Australia have done,” he said. “We’re at a very early stage to have attracted investment from three big investors.”

An initial $6 million has been secured by Paragen Bio to continue clinical development stages of the hookworm project.

While JCU invests in biotech futures, CQUniversity is looking to capitalise on Far North Queensland’s appeal as an international film and television location.

Commencing in 2019, CQUniversity will be offering digital media in Cairns with a particular focus on film and television.

Film and TV is a hot topic in Cairns at the moment following Curtis Pitt’s expression of interest in seeing the region become a film and television production destination.

Deloitte estimated in 2016-17 that the screen industry supported more than 7000 jobs and contributed almost $1 billion to the Queensland economy.

Skyrocketing interest in gaming and immersion technology had combined to help provide major growth in the industry.

Why is it worth investing in FNQ? It is ripe for investment and growth. Not only is it a great place to live and work – great lifestyle, natural assets, important industry sectors like tourism, agriculture, education, and so much more – it is a great place to generate and pilot new ideas, new ways of doing business and new technologies. Why? Because, right now, more than 40 per cent of the world’s population lives in the tropics and there is a great and growing demand worldwide for what we do and what we know. We know how to operate our businesses, delivering products and services in a tropical environment, delivering construction projects, sustainable tropical urban design and planning how sensor technologies work in a tropical environment.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? There are too many to name just one. Of course, the idea of a University Hospital, right here in Cairns, is a very exciting prospect. Think about the talent we can attract, the health problems we can solve, the new health technologies that can be created – all from FNQ and delivered to the world.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years?

Energetic and entrepreneurial, featuring better access and connectivity, new industries and stronger expressions of existing industries. Bigger population-wise, with more players across a range of industry sectors. Of course, we need to ensure we don’t lose why people come to the region in the first place.

Why do you love living here?

The spirit of the community – the willingness to come together at important moments to put Cairns and the region first. The Convoy to Canberra was one expression of this.

34

REAL ESTATE

InvestCairns

Tom Quaid REIQ Far North zone chariman

Rising demand Get ready for the next phase of growth in Cairns’ real estate market, writes Alicia Nally This Trinity Park home sold for $2.65 million – the highest sale price this year for a Cairns home.

A

FFORDABLE homes, a tight rental market and a surge in million-dollar sales are the hallmarks of Cairns’ diverse real estate industry, tipped by many to be on the cusp of its next growth phase.

With population estimated to grow by more than 90,000 by 2026, housing stock is expected to increase to match the rise in newcomers.

The latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland Market Monitor revealed that the Cairns house market had been a steady performer for the past year, with the median price increasing by 1.2 per cent from $405,000 in June 2017 to $410,000 in June this year.

Property at Freshwater, Parramatta Park, Caravonica, Edge Hill and Brinsmead posted the best real estate returns over the past five years.

The report found there had been 358 houses sold within the Cairns local government area in the past quarter. While in the past 12 months 2204 houses were sold in the region.

Ray White Cairns Beaches principal Paul Stirling said Cairns compared favourably with other Australian cities.

Mr Stirling said the growth of construction was putting further pressure on the rental market with workers brought in from outside the region and new employees for the Crystalbrook Collection hotels needing accommodation.

The 2018 Affordable Housing Income Gap report also showed Cairns was the sixth most affordable regional local government area for renters.

More than a third, 36.3 per cent, of Cairns’ population rent, according to the latest Census statistics, and the city had a vacancy rate of 1.5 per cent in June.

Its reputation as being affordable was also boosted by recent finder.com.au data showing Cairns home buyers take about two years less to save for a home deposit than in other areas of the state such as Noosa and the Gold Coast.

Saving a deposit in southern regional centres can still take first-home buyers up to five years, but in Cairns, aspiring investors can be in their own home within 3.3 years.

At the other end of the market, in June, three luxurious million-dollar properties sold within a week in the Far North city with analysts hoping it marked the expected turnaround in a struggling part of the economy.

For the first time since it was built almost 30 years ago, 57-59 Fig Tree Drive, Caravonica, sold for $2.1 million.

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property on 8508sq m fetched almost twice as much as 14 Waterfall Cl, Edmonton’s $1.15 million price tag and 24 Eagleview Pl, Smithfield’s purchase price of $1.05 million.

There were 16 homes that sold for more than $1 million in Cairns so far this year, mostly on the northern beaches or at Whitfield.

Coming with a swag of awards including the Housing Industry Association’s best overall custom-built home, best use of masonry and Cairns home of the year, the sale of 22-24 Brindabella Quay for $2.65 million was the highest sale price this year for a Cairns home and the highest ever achieved in the marinabound suburb.

What general comment would you make about the real estate industry in Cairns, compared with other regional centres?

Cairns remains well positioned, with tourism moving from strength to strength, a growing population and a number of major projects both announced and underway, encouraging further investment in the region. Combined with tight supply, there is a lot to be positive about.

How do see that mix changing in the future? We have already seen a change in the property mix of Cairns as the market turned away from high-density apartments to the small lot subdivisions that have become more popular over the past decade as buyers move to smaller, more low-maintenance detached homes that maintain their privacy and autonomy. We would expect to see more of these developments as well as further small-scale in-fill projects across the CBD fringe as our older suburbs are gentrified.

What are the challenges for the sector? There remains significant uncertainty around what impact the banking royal commission will have on the availability of finance as well as caution surrounding what’s happening in capital city markets. Of local relevance is the need for new infrastructure to support our growing population, especially in the northern suburbs of Cairns.

What are the opportunities for Cairns? We have fantastic affordability across the city. Tight rental vacancies mean investors can see attractive yields. Our lifestyle and climate is the envy of much of Australia. With more international focus on Cairns as a destination we look forward to further investment in our city and more growth.

InvestCairns

SPORT

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Sport tourism has become a major area of growth in Far North Queensland, writes Rowan Sparkes Pip Close Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Why is it worth investing in FNQ? The region is set to take off — one just has to see the cranes on the horizon and excitement sets in. Cairns is on the cusp of growth in the tourism industry and this will ultimately benefit the whole community and wider region as visitors disperse throughout Tropical North Queensland.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? The opportunity to develop new aviation routes and bring more leisure and business events into the region to target high value travellers who will spend money and share their experiences via social media.

Wave of success Action from the Green Island Swim event, part of the Cairns Adventure Festival, held at Green Island off Cairns.

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years?

A vibrant region with stunning natural assets, unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, an enviable lifestyle, and a growing diverse economy. Tropical North Queensland will be recognised as being on Asia’s doorstep and the gateway to Northern Australia.

Why do you love living here? We are blessed with an amazing lifestyle and have so much on offer. Stunning natural assets and superb weather make it a fabulous place to live.

Cairns | Townsville | Mackay | Burdekin

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IX years ago, Tourism Tropical North Queensland identified sport tourism as playing a major role in aiding the region’s economic recovery.

In the years since, overwhelming support from local and state governments, alongside the hard work of sporting and tourism organisations has helped the Far North earn a reputation as an outstanding sports tourism destination.

Cairns was selected as an event city for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and has hosted numerous Cairns Adventure Festivals, the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike Championships, the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games and several AFL, NRL and Rugby League World Cup matches in recent years.

This year, the inaugural Targa Great Barrier Reef was an overwhelming success, injecting more than $2.5 million into the Cairns economy over its three days and prompting organisers to strike a three-year deal for the Cairns-based car rally.

TTNQ chief executive Pip Close said major events brought national and international publicity to Tropical North Queensland.

“Events are mostly held in the tourism shoulder seasons to give people a reason to visit the destination during what would otherwise be a quiet time,” she said. “In addition to the competitors, events bring supporters with many staying on for pre- and post-touring, helping to boost our regional economy.”

She said the region’s warm climate was ideal for many sports, while the two World Heritage areas provided spectacular backdrops for international events.

“Our region has successfully hosted prestigious events, like Ironman-Asia Pacific and the UCI World Mountain Bike Championships, which has given us a strong reputation as a professional and scenic sports tourism destination.”

Highlights on next year’s sporting calendar include the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, World Rafting Championships, IronmanAsia Pacific, Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride, Targe Great Barrier Reef and the Cairns Cup and Cairns Amateurs racing carnivals.

• Surveying • Town Planning • Mapping + GIS • Project Management Contributing to the growth of Queensland for over 60 years.

(07) 4033 2377 cairns@braziermotti.com.au www.braziermotti.com.au

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DOMESTIC TOURISM

InvestCairns

Drawn to a wonderland Warm summers perfect for swimming and temperate winters make this place paradise, drawing domestic travellers to the Far North, writes Peter Martinelli

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HE region blessed with the some of the best winter weather in the country is drawing crowds with its tropical climate and proximity to drive destinations such as Cape York and the Savannah Way. Tropical Tourism North Queensland CEO Pip Close said the northern beaches, including Palm Cove, Trinity Beach and Port Douglas, were traditional draws for domestic tourists.

“Drive holidays are popular with bucketlist trips. Cape York and the Savannah Way are highlights,” Ms Close said.

“Camp sites throughout the region are booked out over the school holidays as families take time out from technology and explored our national parks.”

Domestic travellers have plenty of reasons to also head to the Far North in spring and summer.

“The annual coral spawn during the full moon in November will be a highlight for those wanting to watch the Great Barrier Reef regenerate,” Ms Close said.

“As the weather warms up, the waterfalls and rivers of the world’s oldest rainforest beckon. When our seasonal tropical rains arrive, the Barron Falls at Kuranda is a must and activities like mountain biking and white water rafting get even more exciting.”

The Cairns tropical lifestyle is what attracts Australian visitors.

“They can swim in the ocean, dine on local seafood and enjoy adventurous outdoor activities without getting cold in winter,” Ms Close said.

“Tropical North Queensland’s tourism experience continues to innovate with exciting new products encouraging people to zip through the rainforest at 45km/h, walk the plank over crocodiles and snorkel over a reef restoration project.

“Christmas and the New Year are busy in Cairns City with people wanting to watch the fireworks. Chinese New Year is also popular with domestic travellers, especially those with Chinese heritage, looking for a festive Lunar New Year celebration and to learn more about the region’s Chinese history.”

Iconic Cairns attraction the Kuranda Skyrail offers the domestic traveller a birds-eye view of the rainforest-covered range heading into the Tablelands.

“We have a range of one-way and return (Smithfield to Kuranda or Kuranda to Smithfield) packages available,” general manager Richard Berman-Hardman said.

“Guests can self-drive (free parking) or avail themselves of our various transfers.

“One of our most popular packages is the full day Skyrail-Kuranda-Kuranda Scenic Railway package, comprising one-way on Skyrail, time to visit Kuranda and one-way on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.”

“

They can swim in the ocean, dine on local seafood and enjoy adventurous outdoor activities without getting cold in winter.

— Tropical Tourism North Queensland CEO Pip Close

InvestCairns

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

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Gateway to the world The abundance of adventures in Far North Queensland is the drawcard for international visitors to land on our sunny shores, writes Peter Martinelli

Richard Berman-Hardman Skyrail GM Why is it worth investing in FNQ? The potential of the region is enormous considering the pressures from population growth in some southern cities and states, which have made market entry prices there unobtainable for many aspiring businesses. Our tertiary institutions continue to provide a pipeline of good talent, our local population is hungry for progress and – despite perceived geographical isolation – we are well connected to the rest of the country, Asia and beyond.

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NTERNATIONAL travel deals are flying thick and fast for locals with the travel bug and/or incoming visitors.

Destinations including Japan and South China regularly attract discounts through the year for travellers taking advantage of Cairns’ position as Australia’s gateway to Asia and the high traffic of flights through the city’s domestic and international airports.

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific this year celebrated 25 years of flying into Cairns, currently scheduling four direct flights from Cairns to Hong Kong each week.

In an encouraging move for travellers’ frequent flyer balances, Cathay and Qantas have announced a codeshare agreement, renewing a partnership that fell by the wayside six years ago.

Under the deal, Qantas adds its code to Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon flights from Hong Kong to 10 cities in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Qantas will also add its code on Cathay Pacific’s long-haul services from Hong Kong to Perth and Cairns.

Southern China Airlines have also staked a claim in the Cairns travel market, opening further destinations for the Asia-bound traveller and cementing the tropics as a destination for Chinese tourists.

Direct flights from Cairns to Guangzhou, and then connections to 190 destinations in

40 countries, the city formally known a “Canton” also makes a colourful – and less expensive – stop-over alternative to nearby Hong Kong for Far Northerners on their way to Europe and elsewhere.

China Eastern Airlines returned to the Far North for peak seasonal flights during the festive period, including 2019 Chinese New Year celebrations.

The carrier operated 10 flights from Shanghai in February this year to coincide with Chinese New Year.

In an increased commitment to Cairns, this time the airline will provide about 36 flights – three flights a week over 12 weeks from December 10 through to March 2 – a significant increase on 2018.

Agents have said the rapidly growing number of independent travellers from China were intent on exploring Tropical North Queensland further by participating in more outdoor activities.

They want to explore our World Heritage areas and are keen to try diving and soft adventures such as hot air ballooning.

In particular, they are looking for new experiences that are not familiar to the Chinese market.

Attractions, including the Kuranda Skyrail and Reef cruises, have taken advantage of the Chinese and South Asian market, catering to travellers from China, Korea and Japan.

What big-ticket item are you most excited about? Projects we are undertaking at Skyrail that will add a new dimension to our product and I’m hoping other tourism operators continue to invest in their businesses to increase the region’s appeal, overall. I’m also excited about the potential to unlock FNQ’s rainforests via suitable, sustainable development, which will drive visitation to our backyard in tandem with the Reef.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? I’d like to see Cairns back on top as a compelling tourism region with contemporary accommodation, a thriving airport, expanded convention centre and flourishing cruise ship terminal. I’d also like to see the CBD transformed with an improved retail experience dovetailing with more progressive architecture and immersive streetscapes. This will require some urgency around execution of projects which have already been mooted plus doses of big thinking and courage.

Why do you love living here? I’m happy my kids are getting a great education and are growing up surrounded by a variety of cultures and world-class natural assets.

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CRUISE SHIPS

InvestCairns

$170m

the amount annual cruise visit days added to the Far North Queensland economy in 2017-2018 thanks to vessel maintenance, restocking and tourism spending in town

Russell Beer Ports North chairman Why is it worth investing in FNQ? We live and work in a great environment. We have a significant, diverse and growing economy which is delivering opportunity to those who have a go. Added to that we are surrounded by a beautiful, natural environment but have air and communications connectivity to all of Australia and beyond, and rarely have to drive more than 20 minutes to work.

What is the big-ticket item you’re most excited about in the region? I’ll cheat and name two, the delivery of the Cairns Shipping Development Project and the Global Tourism Hub. The first, which will be completed next year, will open up significant new opportunities for our port and region, and the second will deliver world-class tourism infrastructure and provide community space and facilities while providing long-term protection for the future operation of the Port of Cairns as well as further benefits for existing industry.

What would you like the region to look like in 10 years? Green, clean and prosperous. With some common sense and co-operation and planning we can achieve all three. Ideally I would like to see Cairns and the greater region as one where our business and other leaders work together in a collegiate and positive fashion, solving problems based on evidence rather than promoting negativity and “thought bubble” type debates out in the media. Too often the public statements we see are not consistent with the facts and sometimes are based on looking backwards rather than looking forward. By then, hopefully, we would have also recognised how well we are doing and be taking advantage of that at all levels for the benefit of generations to come.

Cruising expansion The cruise ship industry is a big player for its impact on the Far North Queensland economy, and with dredging of Trinity Inlet planned and a Global Tourism Hub on the cards, that growth is about to skyrocket, writes Peter Martinelli

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HE thriving Cairns economy is floating on the back of a cruise industry that delivered almost 140,000 passengers and 17,000 crew to the port last financial year.

The flow-on effects of the 201 annual cruise visit days to Far North Queensland cannot be overstated, with vessel maintenance, restocking and tourism spending in town adding almost $170 million to the economy in 2017-18 — up $11 million on the previous year.

It all ties in with the city’s flourishing reef fleet operations, which delivers more than a million passengers to the Great Barrier Reef each year.

Ports North chairman Russell Beer said in a decade cruise ship visits would increase threefold alongside considerable growth in other marine industry operations.

“We would also be enjoying world-class facilities and competing with other major cities to put on outstanding entertainment at new foreshore venues, while watching 150-plus cruise ships a year visit our port, coexisting seamlessly with a significantly boosted naval presence and coastal shipping trade,” he said.

One obstacle currently facing the precinct is how to secure a new lucrative cruise ship home-porting contract following P & O’s decision to pull Pacific Eden from its fleet.

Its stint based in Cairns was a godsend, but the company’s changing fleet meant Eden was no longer required.

No cruise lines have yet committed to a

home-porting contract in Cairns, but there is hope on the horizon with the State Government pressing ahead with plans to deepen and widen the shipping channel with the removal of about 1 million cubic metres of dredge spoil.

The project would allow cruise ships up to 300m in length to pull up right beside the CBD. The Queensland Government’s plan to attract casino investors to build a potential billion-dollar Global Tourism Hub in the Cityport entertainment, tourism and leisure precinct would add another powerful drawcard to international and domestic cruise passengers.

“The hub would bring outstanding opportunities for Cairns and the Tropical North to enhance its tourism infrastructure at the same time securing the Port of Cairns’ long-term future,” Ports North’s 2017-18 annual report stated.

It is not just cruise liners, either.

The port’s bulk cargo fleet specialises in transporting petroleum products, sugar, fertiliser and liquid petroleum gas, and is the natural supply point for communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait.

It is also a supply and service centre for the Freeport mine in Indonesia, with regular mine servicing shipping operations conducted out of Cairns. Add to that one of Australia’s largest fishing fleets and a growing superyacht industry, and the future looks bright for the Cairns marine precinct.

Make Life Matter

JCU: Be ready for the jobs of the future

CRICOS Provider Code 00117J

JCU ranks in the top 2% of universities worldwide1, and a recent Federal Government survey found employers are more satisfied with graduates from JCU than any other university in Australia2.

The impact of JCU’s graduates within the Cairns region is an important catalyst for growth, economic activity and wellbeing. JCU Cairns is a major economic driving force of the region, contributing $183.3 million to the economy3.

1

Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2017 2QILT, 2017 Employer Satisfaction Survey National Report 3Western Research Institute, 2018 Impact Report for James Cook University

jcu.edu.au

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If you are selling, buying or leasing property in the Cairns region, let the team at Colliers International help to accelerate your success.

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