From the CEO
Few of us would have predicted this start to 2024 as the region emerges from the widespread and devasting flooding following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Many of you have been hit directly through impacts on your business, property, or your home as well as by falling tourism numbers and the significant dislocation caused by damage to critical road networks.
We have been heavily involved in working with all levels of government (alongside local government, particularly Cairns Regional Council) to identify immediate priorities as well as to keep a strategic long-term view on building a more climate resilient future. The past few weeks have seen the region host a number of key decisionmakers including the Prime Minister, Federal Treasurer and the Premier and many others. This has presented an opportunity to shine on the light on our important national contribution in key areas including tourism, food and water security, Pacific regional connectivity and the environment. And it has also brought into sharp relief critical issues such as the cost of insurance, the housing shortage and the vulnerability of our regional infrastructure. I am reminded of the Chinese character for crisis which means both challenge and opportunity as we head into the new Year of the Dragon.
You’ll hear a lot more about key initiatives over coming weeks – you can read more below – as we launch into what had already been shaping up to be an incredibly busy year with Local and State Government elections, and the Federal election next year. We’ll certainly be keeping these milestones within our sights as we look to position the region for the future. Much more to come.
Best regards for what is shaping up to be a milestone year.
Jacinta Reddan
Chief Executive Officer
Advance Cairns
Month in review
Economic Recovery
Economic recovery has been at the forefront of our activities this past month. 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 series of comprehensive disaster recovery priorities – this was key to informing governments and authorities in the immediate wake of the flooding and we have continued to update these programs as the scale of the economic impact becomes known. Together with regional stakeholders including Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Advance Cairns presented the first of these priorities to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Steven Miles, and senior officials in Cairns just before Christmas.
2023 Year in Review
Advocacy is always at the heart of our activities at Advance Cairns and looking back, 2023 was no exception. The year brought several material highlights for the region, notably the Regional Sitting of Queensland Parliament in May, resulting in significant funding announcements including the additional $60m for the Cairns Marine Precinct. Key projects were successfully completed, marking the culmination of years of advocacy efforts.
You can see our comprehensive wrap up online along with video highlights of the year. Please use the member portal to update your address details to ensure you receive the printed version.
Federal Budget submission
Advance Cairns seeks Commonwealth Government commitment for significant and strategically important investments required to secure essential road and transportation infrastructure networks as well as health, water and education alongside delivering on funding for one of the region’s most catalytic projects in the Cairns Marine Precinct, the Common User shiplift.
Want to read more about our ask of Federal Government in the 2024/25 budget?
Reinsurance Pool
Advance Cairns stood with fellow North Queensland advocacy bodies, Townsville Enterprise and the Greater Whitsunday Alliance to seek a better outcome for the region amid questions around the effectiveness of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool. The strength of the united North Queensland voice in advocating for more affordable insurance demonstrates the importance of this issue across the region and we were pleased to join a meeting of national insurance business leaders together with Federal Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones and Sen Nita Green in Cairns to brief industry on the reinsurance pool. At the same time, the meeting discussed the response of the industry to insurance claims in the wake of the flooding.
Advocacy in action
Tropical Dollars
Tropical North Queensland residents claim $100 off selected tours, experiences & attractions with Tropical Dollars!* Use code TNQ100 (capped at 2,500 redemptions). Minimum spend of $200, T&Cs apply.
Thanks to government relief initiatives locals can access exceptional discounts on world-class experiences in their backyard.
First China flight arrives in Cairns
The first direct flight from China for almost four years has touched down in Cairns. China Eastern Airlines Flight MU571, originating from Shanghai, landed at Cairns Airport marking the commencement of seasonal flights scheduled during the Chinese New Year period.
Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program
The Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program, amounting to $29.25 million, aims to offer assistance to eligible local government areas in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper that occurred from December 13 to December 28, 2023. This comprehensive program includes various sub-packages designed to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by the affected regions.
These were among some of the priorities we identified, together with TTNQ, in our extensive lobbying of governments post ex-TC Jasper.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) National Agriculture Day
An eye-opening look at the latest in innovation in the agriculture sector during the QFF AgTech breakfast in Brisbane. We heard extraordinary examples of how technology is revolutionising agriculture at a time when global food security is paramount.
Member spotlight
Share with us
Exciting updates on the horizon? Members are encouraged to email noteworthy information to our Marketing Manager, Namassana Holland-Beard – whether it’s an achievement, a noteworthy event, or just an interesting piece of content, let’s make sure the region knows about it. Our member community thrives on shared successes, and we’re here to amplify your voice across our digital platforms.
Email: marketing@advancecairns.com
Opportunities
Queensland DAF Agriculture Disaster Assistance Survey | Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/)
Primary producers have been urged to complete the Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey to ensure the fastest possible assessment of damage and support State Government submissions for disaster assistance
Disaster Recovery Support | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
Personal hardship financial assistance is available for Queensland communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Emergency Hardship Assistance
Essential Services Hardship Assistance
Essential Household Contents Grant
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection
Structural Assistance Grant
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
Disaster Recovery Allowance
Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants (Small businesses with less than 20 full time employees)
Tourism Recovery Assistance Grant (Medium to large businesses with more than 20 full time employees)
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