2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ROBUST & RESILIENT BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Contents About us
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Executive message
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Advocacy in action
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Ongoing advocacy
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Marketing in review
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Year highlights
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What lies ahead
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Who we are
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Members
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Get involved
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Advance Cairns acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
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ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
About us Advance Cairns is the peak independent advocacy and economic development organisation for Far North Queensland. We are a not-for-profit, non-partisan body which works beyond election cycles to deliver a stronger, more prosperous future for the region. Our advocacy spans a vast and economically diverse area of 380,000km, slightly larger than the size of Japan, and impacting a population of about 280,000 people. The region stretches from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Strait in the north, and west to the Northern Territory Border. It is Queensland’s largest region, covering over 20% of the state and 26 local government areas. Operating on a membership-based model, Advance Cairns represents leading businesses and employers committed to securing a legacy of economic growth and success for the region. Under this model and as a collective voice, members have the opportunity to actively influence the strategic direction of Advance Cairns and ultimately the future of Far North Queensland.
Torres Strait Islands • • Bamaga
• Georgetown
F
• Croydon
EE
Normanton Doomadgee • • • Burketown
RR
Mornington Island •
Hope Vale • Laura Cooktown • • Wujal Wujal • Port Douglas • Cairns • • Mareeba • Atherton
RI E
Kowanyama •
AR
Pormpuraaw •
TB EA
GULF OF CARPENTARIA
CORAL SEA
GR
Mapoon • Weipa Lockhart River • • Napranum • Aurukun • Coen •
Cardwell •
ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
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Executive message In what promised to conclude as a highly successful year leaving covid recovery clearly in our wake, 2023 instead delivered a curve-ball that none of us could have foreseen. The unprecedented scale of the damage and dislocation caused by torrential rain following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper will continue to be felt for some time to come. The impact has been felt right across the far north, from flooding of homes and businesses, to critical infrastructure damage and communities isolated to the tourism sector impacted during one of our biggest periods. The full extent of the impact across the region is being assessed as I write. Yet, our perspective remains forward-looking, beyond election cycles, as we focus on securing investments that unlock economic development opportunities for the region. In fact, the recent disruptions to transportation and infrastructure have underscored Far North Queensland’s vulnerabilities. This highlights the need for thoughtful, considered and strategic planning. One of the noteworthy developments of 2023 was the launch of our campaign aimed at supporting the continued growth of the general aviation sector, particularly in the maintenance, repair and overhaul operations (MRO). Demand for this sector has seen work turned away worse, business was diverted overseas. The need for an investment in our MRO businesses who were severely impacted by the 1-in-100-year flooding, has never been more critical, and our commitment to advocating for this investment remains even greater. The year brought several material highlights for the region, notably the Regional Sitting of Queensland Parliament in May, resulting in a number of funding announcements.
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ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
State and Federal Budgets confirmed additional funding for the Common User Facility at the Cairns Marine Precinct, which contributes to the growth and diversification of our economy. We also saw the opening of the $176m Cairns Convention Centre extension, the start of work on the James Cook University Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC) at the Far North Queensland Health and Innovation Precinct, and we saw the completion of the Edmonton to Gordonvale southern access route which has significantly enhanced connectivity to the south. It is important to acknowledge these significant milestones that will shape our region’s trajectory. We remain committed to advocating for measures that unlock the significant economic potential of the region. We look forward to collaborating with you as we aim to make this future a reality.
Nick Trompf Chairman
Jacinta Reddan Chief Executive Officer
ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
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Advocacy in action Advocacy is always at the heart of our activities at Advance Cairns and 2023 was no exception. Campaign efforts were directed at federal and state governments across departments and portfolios where they matter most. These concentrated on projects spanning aviation, marine industry, road connectivity, water security, the environment, workforce, health and tourism. Delegations were conducted to Hong Kong, Brisbane, and Canberra with over 30 high level meetings secured with federal and state government ministers and key stakeholders. A major milestone for Far North Queensland was the May sitting of Regional Parliament which provided an unparalleled opportunity to reach all 93 state MPs. The commitments secured in the 2023-24 Queensland Budget are expected to generate billions of dollars for the region’s economy, create future-proofed jobs, support the delivery of critical medical services and bulid a sustainable future for the region over the coming decades. And, the year closed with high level visits from the Prime Minister and senior cabinet colleagues and officials in the wake of the flooding, which called for an immediate assessment of economic support across the region as well as a longer-term strategic focus. This economic recovery and rebuild will form a key plank in our engagement in coming months.
PROJECTS COMPLETE Regional Trade Distribution Centre $10m project funded by the Queensland Government, providing 200+ jobs during construction. Supports our vision to double high value food exports by 2032 and a lynchpin investment in expanding our regional economy through trade.
19 ADVANCE CAIRNS EVENTS HOSTED WITH MORE THAN
MOVED TO OUR NEW OFFICE LEVEL 1, PORTS NORTH BUILDING, CNR GRAFTON & HARTLEY STREETS
1,200 attendees
20 Commonwealth Supported Places secured for JCU Bachelor of Medicine in Cairns
BOOST TO FNQ SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY Special Recreational Vessels Act 2019 amended, extending sunset date from 30 June 2023 to 30 June 2025.
CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE $176M EXPANSION COMPLETED Expected to bring 35,000 + delegates to Cairns and boost economy by $100m annually. Cements the region’s business events sector and adds depth to our leisure tourism offering.
1,000+ local jobs
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ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
Completion of the Edmonton to Gordonvale duplication
$86.4M
The $535m Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3) project involved 200 million hours work by 300+ local suppliers and contractors. It brings major efficiencies to the region in the southern corridor.
ATHERTON HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT OPENS
SUPPORTED CAIRNS AIRPORT IN SECURING:
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Virgin Australia daily direct service to Tokyo
Estimated to bring 30,000 visitors annually, generate $69.5m in overnight visitor expenditure and provide 680 jobs.
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2
Jetstar’s Osaka to Cairns and Narita to Cairns services
Close to 34,700 passengers travelled on a Japan service in September. One in three Japanese visitors who travel to Australia are coming to Cairns.
Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft Cairns to Singapore four times per week
Increasing capacity to 2,424 seats per week, a 50 per cent increase. Additionally, it will provide 45 tonnes of export freight every week into Asia.
MORE ADVOCACY TO COME
Secured multimillion dollar investment in the marine sector
$16M $60M $39M
Committed by state government for the expansion of TAFE Queensland Great Barrier Reef International Marine College at the Cairns Marine Precinct (CMP). Additional commitment from state and federal governments for the Common User Facility (CUF) shiplift at the marine precinct bringing the total investment to $360m (50:50 state and federal funding). Infrastructure boost from state government ($27m for road upgrade and bridge for shipyard access to the CMP CUF, $12m Industry Partnership Program funding for local shipyards).
JCU Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre Currently under construction, the $50m project forms part of the Far North Queensland Health Innovation Precinct and will support 150+ jobs during construction.
LAUNCHED GENERAL AVIATION PRIORITY Our General Aviation paper urges the state government to invest in key infrastructure projects to support the region’s growing aviation sector, as part of a push to build a diversified, resilient economic future.
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Ongoing advocacy These priorities mark the first phase of Advance Cairns’ advocacy ahead of the 2024-25 Queensland Budget. Here, we outline priorities central to the continued diversification of our regional economy, which will forge a robust and more resilient future for Far North Queensland.
GENERAL AVIATION
ROAD CONNECTIVITY
COMMON USER HANGAR
CAIRNS WESTERN ARTERIAL ROAD DUPLICATION
Launched in 2023, Advance Cairns’ General Aviation submission highlights the ever-increasing pressure on the existing maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector, with the precinct now at capacity and turning away business due to lack of adequate infrastructure. Advance Cairns seeks an investment of $45m from the Queensland Government to develop a 10,000m² hangar under a common user principle, within Cairns Airport’s new Eastern Aviation Precinct.
CESSNA CARAVAN SIMULATOR Advance Cairns calls for an $8m investment in what would be a nationwide first, a Cessna Caravan full flight simulator. With this aircraft widely used under challenging conditions in remote locations across the region, this simulator would introduce a new and enhanced method of pilot training, creating a safer, richer, and more sustainable training program. This would position Cairns as the national and regional hub for Cessna Caravan training, benefiting commercial and humanitarian services, Indigenous communities, and the wider Pacific region.
SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION Advance Cairns seeks a $10m investment from the Queensland Government towards development of quality short-term accommodation within the Cairns Airport precinct to address critical demand, specifically for students, as part of a broader accommodation development project.
EXPLORE CURRENT PRIORITIES
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ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
The Cairns Western Arterial Road is central to freight, commuter and tourism traffic and supports resilience and connectivity when the alternative northern route, the Captain Cook Highway, floods. Construction of the $300m (80:20 funding split) Cairns Western Arterial Road has been delayed following the Infrastructure Investment Program review. One of the few major roads to remain open throughout the flooding and the only link for motorists between Cairns and the northern suburbs due to the closure of the Captain Cook Highway, accelerating the upgrades to the Cairns Western Arterial Road is vital.
CAPTAIN COOK HIGHWAY, CAIRNS CBD TO SMITHFIELD UPGRADE An integrated and efficient road transport network is critical for economic stability and growth. Population growth in FNQ and the Cairns northern beaches in particular, calls for an immediate response with this corridor plagued by accidents, lengthy delays and bottlenecks. Advance Cairns recommends the master planning for the Captain Cook Highway (Cairns CBD to Smithfield upgrade) be finalised as a matter of urgency.
TABLELANDS ACCESS Access between Cairns and the Tablelands remains a key barrier to growth. Together with key regional stakeholders including the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, we continued to push for $20m of allocated funds to be directed to a comprehensive study to find an alternative access.
SAVANNAH WAY (GULF SECTION) Advance Cairns will continue to seek bilateral government support to support the sealing and improved flood resilience of the Gulf section of the Savannah Way by investing $106m.
FOOD AND WATER SECURITY
CAIRNS MARINE PRECINCT
CAIRNS WATER SECURITY
COMMON USER FACILITY
The importance of this project has been highlighted during the recent floods when the city came within two hours of running out of treated water. While Stage 1 of this project has received $215m (split 50:50) from the state and federal governments, construction and material costs have increased significantly since the project was initially costed. An additional $257m (50:50) is now sought from state and federal governments to cover the total project capital cost of $472m.
Advocacy for the Cairns Marine Precinct secured an additional funding commitment this year, with the federal and state governments each pledging a further $30m ($60m total) towards major port infrastructure upgrades, including a Common User Facility at the precinct. The announcement followed the original commitment of $300m in 2022, bringing the total funding to $360m.
FNQ HEALTH & INNOVATION
TAFE QUEENSLAND GREAT BARRIER REEF INTERNATIONAL MARINE COLLEGE
CAIRNS HEALTH AND INNOVATION CENTRE
The TAFE Queensland Great Barrier Reef International Marine College continues to expand its range of industry leading marine training capabilities, offering domestic and international students specialised maritime training, including the delivery of Defence’s Pacific Maritime Training Services. Advocacy initiatives paid off, with the Queensland Government committed $16m to deliver an extra 2,675m2 for a new workshop, additional classrooms, staff facilities and a boat shed as well as increased training opportunities. Advance Cairns now seeks delivery of the $16m investment to expand the GBRIMC, with construction to commence early 2024 and completion of project by mid-2025.
Expanded health services, clinical research and education are critical to meeting the needs of FNQ’s large and growing population. The Palaszczuk Government provided $4.65m for the preparation of a detailed business case. Advance Cairns will seek full capital funding for the design and construction of the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre as per the detailed business case findings.
PACIFIC ENGAGEMENT
Advance Cairns now seeks the expedited delivery of the $360m in funding for the CUF and commitment to have an operational shiplift by 2027.
Advance Cairns continues our push to build greater awareness of the critical role the region plays in the nation’s increasing engagement with our near neighbours. The strong cultural, business, sporting and personal ties between the Pacific and Cairns run deep. Throughout the year we engaged in a number of defence and strategic discussions with key stakeholders. We will continue to advocate for the Canberra-based Office of the Pacific to have operational staff based in Cairns.
ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
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1.08M 162.6K
27.1K
MEMBER ENGAGEMENTS
MEDIA REACH
DIGITAL REACH
Year highlights MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS Advance Cairns capitalised on the first full year of business activity with a renewed focus on giving members access to decision makers. From events with then Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, QLD Treasurer Cameron Dick and State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, to roundtable briefings with the Chair and CEO of Trade and Investment Queensland and Director-General for the Department of Energy, members had access to leaders across a wide range of sectors and portfolios. And of course, the wake of the flooding saw the Prime Minister and senior cabinet colleagues and officials visit the region, the start of many such visits as the clean-up and recovery continues. We also brought members insight from business leaders including the CEO of the Brisbane Lions, Greg Swann, leading businesswoman Elizabeth Proust, and the CEO of the Regional Australia Institute Liz Ritchie. Our events continue to feature high-calibre speakers and experts in their fields enabling our members to make connections and create partnerships to drive prosperity for the region. Our economic analysis sessions, federal and state budget insights and focused sector roundtables ranging from aviation to telecommunications provided members with a broad perspective.
Access to top industry leaders provides invaluable insights for members.
WATCH OUR 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW VIDEO
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ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
RESILIENCE & COLLABORATION Far North Queensland’s response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and subsequent record flooding saw an extraordinary level of cooperation across all levels of government. We produced a comprehensive disaster recovery priorities paper, providing immediate insight to governments and authorities in the immediate wake of the flooding and have continued to update these programs as the scale of the economic impact becomes known. Together with regional stakeholders, Advance Cairns presented these priorities to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Steven Miles, and senior officials in Cairns on December 22. Advance Cairns members played a key role in informing governments of the impacts and the level of support required through direct engagement with us and our survey. This data and information was key to helping shape the response – with much more to unfold – and we will continue to engage through a variety of direct activities with federal and state ministers and through the Cairns Regional Council’s Economic Recovery Committee as well as other regional programs. Advance Cairns remains committed to advocating for an approach that unlocks the region’s economic potential and supports the development of a more climate resilient future.
Uniting in the face of adversity to rebuild and unlock the economic potential of the region.
DELEGATIONS Advance Cairns took our budget submissions directly to decision makers in Brisbane and Canberra. These efforts resulted in more than 30 meetings with ministers and advisors and members of the Opposition to build understanding of and support for our proposed initiatives. CEO Jacinta Reddan travelled to her former home, Hong Kong with the then Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Member for Cairns Michael Healy, Cairns Airport CEO and Advance Cairns deputy chair Richard Barker and other key regional business leaders in August, the first international trade delegation since the COVID-19 border reopening. The delegation centred around meetings with Australian trade and diplomatic officials, particularly Cathay Pacific, and potential investors as part of a wider push to raise the profile of the region including reopening important North Asia markets for Far North Queensland’s premium agricultural and seafood produce. The year also saw us join key national events including the Regional Australia Institute’s annual summit with Advance Cairns playing a major role in a national campaign to attract people to move to regional Australia, the Developing Northern Australia conference in Darwin, as well as participation at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition.
Amplifying Far North Queensland’s profile on the world stage.
REGIONAL SITTING OF PARLIAMENT Cairns and the Far North was the focal point as the Queensland Parliament convened for its sixth regional sitting. As part of a broader program of events, Advance Cairns together with partners TTNQ and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce hosted a business luncheon addressed by then Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and then Deputy Premier Steven Miles, providing industry leaders and members with exclusive access – as well as a number of funding commitments for the region.
Empowering the region through leadership dialogue as 280 industry leaders gather for regional sitting.
What lies ahead IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES January Federal Budget submission Disaster Recovery advocacy (ongoing)
May
November
Federal Budget
Launch Roadmap 2034: A Framework to Strengthen FNQ
March Queensland Parliament delegation
June
October
Queensland Budget
Queensland State election
Local Government election Queensland Budget resubmission
LONG-TERM STRATEGIC GROWTH ADVANCE CAIRNS ROADMAP 2034: A FRAMEWORK TO STRENGTHEN FNQ Roadmap 2034: A Framework to Strengthen FNQ is a 10-year vision for Far North Queensland. Informed by stakeholders, the framework will provide Advance Cairns and our members with a high-level roadmap to pursue a collective vision to achieve the region’s ambition and build a sustainable and bright future for Tropical North Queensland. The Framework will focus on key integrated themes of: • • • • •
Liveability Our Place in the Region Sustainability Diversification and Innovation Jobs and Skills
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Who we are BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nick Trompf Chair
Richard Barker Deputy Chair
Simon Biggs Director
Chris Boland Director
Sharon Dawson Director
Principal, Tallangalook Shorthorns & Santa Gertrudis
CEO, North Queensland Airports
Vice Chancellor & President, James Cook University
CEO, Ports North (until June)
CEO, Dawsons Engineering
Jodie DuignanGeorge Director
Phil Growden Director
Mica Martin Director
Richard Stevenson Director
Trent Twomey Director
Associate Vice President FNQ, CQUniversity
GM, Queensland, Austal Australia
CEO, Cairns Regional Council
CEO, Ports North
Partner & Pharmacist, Alive Pharmacy Warehouse
Namassana Holland-Beard
EXECUTIVE TEAM
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Jacinta Reddan
Trish Travers
Taylor Moy
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Assistant Business Operations
Government Relations & Policy Manager
ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
Marketing & Communications Manager
ADVISORY COUNCIL Nick Trompf Council Chair Tallangalook Shorthorns & Santa Gertrudis Richard Barker North Queensland Airports Prof Simon Biggs James Cook University Stephanie Campbell Cairns Post Coen Heslop NAB Eva Grabner Elite Executive Phil Growden Austal Australia Richard Ireland OAM Advance Cairns Life Member Susan Kinobe TAFE Queensland Colin MacKinnon Brilliant Technologies Mica Martin Cairns Regional Council James Mort MiHaven Anne Pleash Mission Consulting Solutions Rhiannon Saunders WGC Lawyers
OBSERVERS Ken Chapman Tourism Tropical North Queensland George Chapman AO Advance Cairns Patron Jodie Duignan-George CQUniversity Sonja Johnson RDA Tropical North Lt. Gen. John Grey AC (Ret’d) Advance Cairns Patron Mark Olsen Tourism Tropical North Queensland Patricia O’Neill Cairns Chamber of Commerce Jacinta Reddan Advance Cairns CEO Enver Selita Cairns Chamber of Commerce Clive Skarott AM Advance Cairns Patron Trent Twomey Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Group
LIFE MEMBERS Russell Beer
Richard Stevenson Ports North
Richard Ireland OAM
Matthew Stuchbery Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
PATRONS
Robert Tindall Silica Resources Australia
George Chapman AO
Andrew Wagner Tropical Reef Shipyard
Jodie Duignan-George Committee Chair CQUniversity Prof Simon Biggs James Cook University Todd Kelly BDO Sean Walsh Miller Harris Lawyers
MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS SUBCOMMITTEE Leah Horstmann Committee Chair Tropic Studio Rhiannon Saunders WGC Lawyers
Lt. Gen. John Grey AC (Ret’d) Clive Skarott AM
FINANCE, AUDIT & RISK MITIGATION COMMITTEE
Jeffery Schrale ANZ
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Members The insights, expertise and network of our members is what goes to the heart of Advance Cairns. The commitment of you, our members across the board to contributing to a prosperous future for the region has been unwavering and your involvement across our various initiatives has been invaluable in advancing our mission.
PLATINUM MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
PREMIER MEMBERS
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ADVANCE CAIRNS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
GENERAL & COMMUNITY MEMBERS AAB Equipment Access Community Housing Company AFL Cairns AFL Cape York House Foundation Air Freight Handling Services Anglicare North Queensland ANZ Aurecon Australasia Babinda Electrics BDO Big Cat Green Island Brazier Motti Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cairns Aviation Skills Centre Cairns Bank Cairns Convention Centre Cairns Private – Ramsay Health Cairns Wholesale Paint CaPTA Group Catholic Education Services Cairns CBRE Chapman Group Cook Shire Council Crystalbrook Collection CSF Industries Dawsons Engineering Destination Cairns Marketing Elite Executive EMBECA
Energy Queensland Entrada Travel Group Experience Co. Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation FGF Developments Flinders Shire Council Fomento Resources Australia Fowler’s Group GHD Grant Thornton Haz-Elec Industries HEH Civil Herron Todd White Cairns Hilton Hotel Holding Redlich Jet Zero Australia Pty Ltd Launch Y(E)P MacDonnells Law Mac Farms MAF International Maxitool MiHaven Miller Harris Lawyers Mission Consulting Solutions nbn Co Pacifica Chartered Accountants Peters Bosel Lawyers Power & Data Support Services PVW Partners
PwC Cairns Queensland X-Ray Rattle + Hum Reef & Rainforest Research Centre Richard Ireland SAFEgroup Automation SBJ Joint Venture Selectability Cairns Shangri-La Hotel Skill360 Skytrans SMC Marine Tablelands Regional Council Tallangalook Shorthorns & Santa Gertrudis Ten Years Younger/ Carelynx Terrain NRM The Benson Hotel The Chambers The Reef Hotel Casino The Wallace Family Trinity Anglican School Tropic Studio Ventia Watpac Construction Westpac WGC Lawyers
Member list current as at January 2024.
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Get involved Advance Cairns members share a commitment of working together to secure prosperity for the region. The wider our reach, the broader our representation, the more influential our voice. We have built a range of valuable partnerships with a clear objective: the sustainable economic prosperity of the region. If you’re not part of this important conversation and would like to contribute, please talk to us.
Connect As an Advance Cairns member, you can participate in exclusive events with prominent leaders, speakers and fellow guests, and foster connections with business leaders and government officials.
Influence Each of our advocacy priorities are reviewed annually in collaboration with member representatives, key regional partners and economic development bodies. Engage with our leadership team, Advisory Council, and Board members to have your say, nominate for committees, and influence policy at a political level through participation in advocacy initiatives and ministerial roundtables.
Prosper Your membership empowers us to advocate for government support, catalytic projects, and essential policy changes, allowing your voice to shape the region for a prosperous economy in Far North Queensland, while also supporting our economic development initiatives.
Jacinta Reddan ceo@advancecairns.com +61 7 4080 2900 www.advancecairns.com
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY