Roadmap 2035

A bold, ambitious future for the Far North – that is the vision of Advance Cairns, the leading independent economic development and advocacy member organisation for Far North Queensland which today officially launches its ten-year regional strategy, Roadmap 2035: A Framework to Strengthen Far North Queensland.

Developed over two years with extensive input from Advance Cairns members, stakeholders, regional communities and all levels of government, the Roadmap 2035 sets out clear goals underpinned by measurable objectives, all aimed at unlocking opportunity for the region’s future.

“There are clear advantages which are unique to the region such as our proximity to Asia-Pacific, our natural assets and our international airport which set us apart,” said Advance Cairns Chair Nick Trompf.

“This Roadmap identifies these advantage – and others – and acts to harness the opportunity, ambition and future markets to set ourselves clear goals over the next decade to ensure a prosperous future for the region.”

The strategy outlines Advance Cairns’ role in driving key initiatives while also supporting stakeholder-led projects that contribute to the broader vision for Far North Queensland. The strategic framework consolidates the organisation’s ambitions into a single document, ensuring alignment around key areas of focus and opportunity.

The Roadmap is structured around five interconnected pillars, adapted from the Regional Australia Institute, that reflect the essential drivers of Far North Queensland’s economy. Each pillar complements the others, reinforcing the integrated approach required for sustained regional prosperity. These pillars are:

1. Our Place in the Region – Strengthening our strategic position within Northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
2. Diversification and Innovation – Fostering new industries, emerging technologies, and expanding existing sectors.
3. Liveability – Ensuring our communities continue to be attractive, vibrant places to live and work.
4. Sustainability – Balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
5.  Jobs and Skills – Addressing workforce needs to meet the demands of a growing and changing economy.

The official launch of Roadmap 2035 was marked by a sold-out event attended by more than 150 business leaders and representatives from across the FNQ region. Delegates at the launch heard from industry leaders in mining, critical minerals and sustainable aviation fuel, who shared insights into how their businesses are leveraging the region’s unique strengths to drive growth, foster emerging industries, build jobs and skills of the future, and diversify the economy.

Among the speakers was Peter Lansom, chair of Silica Resources Australia, who highlighted the potential for FNQ to play a crucial role in the global supply chain for critical minerals. Other key discussions centred on the opportunities presented by sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and global demand for critical minerals.

Advance Cairns CEO Jacinta Reddan said the Roadmap 2035 would help to shaping the region’s economic trajectory: “Far North Queensland is at a pivotal moment. Our geographic location which offers opportunity also comes with challenges, and this plan takes a very clear focus on addressing supply chain issues and road connectivity.”

“We want to revisit this plan in a decade to see:
· a more resilient and robust Bruce Highway
· a fully-sealed Kennedy development Road (alternative inland route)
· completion of the 5000 tonne Common User Facility shiplift in the Cairns marine precinct
· a thriving sustainable aviation fuel industry across the North and Far North
· and many other goals which are set out in the roadmap,” Ms Reddan said.

As the region prepares for significant economic and infrastructure developments, Roadmap 2035 will serve as a guiding document to align efforts across government, industry, and community sectors.

Quotes attributed to Advance Cairns Chair Nick Trompf

“While Advance Cairns has led its development, the success of this Roadmap will be determined by how it is adopted and adapted by a far broader church of influential leaders of business, industry and government – throughout the region. And we want to extend our gratitude to all of you who have engaged with us over this two-year process.”

“This Roadmap is not a social pact nor is it a comprehensive, multi-decade, strategic plan: instead, it is designed to be a flexible framework, time-bound with defined targets and with the inherent ability to be readily updated in a volatile environment.”

“Let’s picture ourselves in ten years’ time looking back through this Roadmap and marking off our milestones on the path towards a thriving region. The time is now.”

Quotes attributed to Advance Cairns Chief Executive Officer Jacinta Reddan

“Importantly, this plan draws from the rich vein of plans, strategies and insight drawn from across the public and private sector in the Far North.  It involved numerous workshops, strategy sessions, and widespread engagement and consultation with many members, stakeholders and local, state and federal governments.

“Roadmap 2035 provides a clear, actionable framework to guide our region’s growth, ensuring we capitalise on our strengths while addressing challenges.”

“The value of collaboration in a region such as ours cannot be under-estimated and comes through strongly in the framework as part of our secret sauce.”

Quotes attributed to Silica Resources Australia Executive Chairman Peter Lansom

“The ambitions of Silica Resources Australia are brought to life in the Roadmap through our vision to mine and manufacture Australian critical minerals to power the global energy transition right here in Far North Queensland.

“We look at the jobs created and the skills that will be needed to achieve this and we are pleased to see this reflected in the Advance Cairns Roadmap to 2035.”

“We welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the thinking and the bold ambition that we have for our silica mine that is highlighted in the Roadmap.  Our ambitions for Silica Resources Australia reflect the wider ambitions for Far North Queensland.”

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