Federally funded projects

Advance Cairns regularly applies for Federal Government grants to carry out projects that will be of benefit to TNQs diverse economy. The most current federally funded project to be carried out by the organisation is a food tourism project, which was recently given top priority by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

In December 2009, Kevin Rudd announced  $446,000 in TQUAL funding to the project, fast-tracking the application ahead of the first round announcements which were announced late last year.

The project will position North Queensland as an emerging tropical agri-food tourism destination by building an alternative tourism theme for the Cairns region, based on tropical agri-food experiences. Developed with a long-term strategic approach, the project has a clearly targeted action plan to assist existing businesses to adapt, and new enterprises to emerge.

The project will provide the framework for complimentary products, with funding to be used for research, developing action plans to implement the food strategy, building capacity, and developing and delivering a regional food brand and marketing strategy.