2024 TNQ Priorities: Canberra Delegation

Led by Advance Cairns, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tropical North Queensland a delegation of more than 25 business leaders from Tropical North Queensland will head to Parliament House in Canberra 18-21 November 2024 to advocating for key priorities essential to unlocking Far North Queensland’s potential. The focus areas include infrastructure investment, health, defence, water security, and regional connectivity.

The delegation will be joined by Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden and other regional local government representatives. Together, they will meet with senior representatives from the Australian Government, Opposition, and crossbench members to highlight the need for funding to support Australia’s most internationally connected region.

Explore 2024 TNQ Priorities: Canberra Delegation paper here.
View delegate information here.

Tropical North Queensland, the most populous region in Northern Australia and boasting one of the most diverse regional economies nationwide, continues to play an out-sized role in contributing to the prosperity of Queensland.

With the Australian federal election to take place within the next six months, Advance Cairns, Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tropical North Queensland have come together with our members and regional stakeholders to highlight key regional priorities which we believe will collectively build a more sustainable and robust future for the region.

No region in Australia is more internationally connected than Cairns and Tropical North Queensland; our geographic proximity and unique connections to the Asia Pacific and beyond are what truly makes Cairns Australia’s most global regional city1. We are the northern gateway to Australia and the bridge to the Asia Pacific.

It is this proximity which provides the opportunity to capitalise on our world-class produce and exports, our deep cultural and business ties with the West Pacific, particularly Papua New Guinea, as well as thriving marine and general aviation precincts which further deepen and strengthen these international connections.

Tropical North Queensland’s unique advantages make it one of Australia’s most desirable places to live and bring with it increasing population pressures requiring strategic investments into health, regional connectivity and food, water, and housing security that will sustain us to 2034 and beyond.

The priorities outlined in this document will inform engagements during the delegation and enable the region to enhance our liveability, sustain a growing population and foster economic growth while continuing to play host to millions of domestic and international tourists. By 2032, it estimated the region will require an additional 65,000 beds to provide for tourists alone. And tourists and residents alike depend on secure and safe water supply, reliable road and transport connectivity and access to health services and so on.

The record-breaking flooding of almost a year ago highlighted the vulnerability of the region from an infrastructure and transport perspective. How we invest and plan for our future is critical to ensure a prosperous, climate resilient future. As Australia’s globally recognised green brand, we also want to play our part in the energy transition.

These priorities will be fundamental in delivering a prosperous future for the Tropical North Queensland region.