Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Snapshot of local economic development activity in the Cairns region.
Citation preview
economic development update
P: 07 4044 3347 | E: [email protected] | W: www.investcairns.com.au
APRIL 2011
Welcome to this second update from Cairns Regional Council’s Economic Development and Innovation Unit, offering a snapshot of local economic development activity.
The unit drives Council’s economic development agenda through programs such as the Tropical Innovation Awards, supporting high speed broadband and NBN, collecting data on business issues, building economic information resources, supporting diversification and working on local area initiatives such as business
expansion and retention in Babinda.
These programs can only work with input from and in partnership with businesses. Please take 10 minutes this month to complete the Cairns Business Survey – your responses matter. And if you have a bright idea, be sure to enter the 2011 Innovation Awards to showcase our region’s creativity to a national and international audience.
Fiona Wilson Manager, ED&I
the recent department of Foreign Affairs and trade diplomatic corps visit to the region was a resounding success according to feedback received from delegates involved in the whirlwind tour of the region.
diplomats from more than 70 countries including indonesia, Sweden, mexico and new Zealand, joined Foreign minister Kevin Rudd in cairns to focus on our tropical expertise, innovation and economic potential.
delegates visited the new Great Barrier Reef international marine college (imc), JcU and Kuranda as part of the trip, which
revived a past tradition that saw corps undertake eight such visits to all Australian states and the northern territory.
Foreign minister Rudd also used the tour to launch the 2011 tropical innovation Awards alongside mayor val Schier during a civic reception held on the esplanade. cr Schier said to launch the awards during the high profile visit highlighted its significance both to the region and on the international stage. this year, applicants from the tropical Zone can apply for the Awards, drawing on countries such as Singapore, indonesia, and malaysia.
FRom the economic development & innovation team…
cAiRnS wowS foreign diplomats
Council has started the year with two high profile promotional opportunities for the region: the visit from HRH Prince William in March and more recently the regional tour by 70 diplomats who accompanied the Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.
Both of these visits sent out a message to the world that we are open for business and we need tourists and investment. The significant international and national media contingents for these events have provided an immediate impact in destination promotion and are working on more in-depth stories that showcase innovative ideas and opportunities for investment.
I know a lot of businesses are doing it tough and council wants to hear from you and have your input into the Cairns Business Survey, the Regional Economic Development Plan and the draft Community Plan: Imagine Tomorrow. Your feedback will help Council to develop policies and prioritise projects which will help your business to grow.
Val Schier Mayor, Cairns Regional Council
meSSAGe FRom the mayor
economy idLooking for data about the region’s economy? Council’s Economic Profile Tool (Economy ID) is available free of charge and provides extensive data on local industry and economic performance, industry sectors, employment characteristics, infrastructure and assets.
Explore economy id today.
P: 07 4044 3347 | E: [email protected] | W: www.investcairns.com.au
economic development update
APRIL 2011
the inaugural cairns Business survey is under way, with more than 10,000 ABn holders receiving the survey by email. over coming weeks, a further 10,000 will be contacted and invited to have their say.
with questions covering issues including industry support needs, barriers to innovation, home-based enterprises, broadband needs, business growth support needs and business confidence, the results will inform and direct council’s economic development planning and resource allocation over the next 2-3 years. the results will also be sent to organisations such as nBnco, State Government and education and training providers to give evidence-based information about the needs of local businesses.
complete the survey online. All responses are confidential and anonymous.
cairns Business survey – hAve yoUR SAy And help GUide coUncil’S economic plAnninG
Are you the tropical north’s brightest star? does your clever idea have what it takes to be crowned tropical innovation of the year 2011?
entries are now open for the tropical innovation awards which recognise, reward and support innovation and invention across the region.
categories include: emerging innovation, tropical Zone innovation, eco innovation, Business innovation, with cash prizes of up to $10,000 on offer.
free workshops for applicants:
12 may: tropical innovation awards Workshop 1 for applicants: 9am-2pm @ civic Reception Room, cairns Regional council, 119-145 Spence St, cairns
16 June: tropical innovation awards Workshop 2 for applicants: 9am-2pm @ civic Reception Room, cairns Regional council, 119-145 Spence St, cairns
Find out more and enter online at www.tropicalinnovationawards.com
Cairns Regional Council is offering financial incentives to developers as a means of kick-starting the struggling local construction industry.
Headworks discounts on developer infrastructure contribution charges are now available to “shovel-ready” projects that can be completed within 12 months. The discount is capped at $4 million and is available to both residential and
commercial development that meet Council’s planning guidelines and discount eligibility criteria.
This initiative by Council is in addition to a review of infrastructure charges by the State Government, with recommendations such as capping the maximum charges for trunk infrastructure in a bid to further encourage development throughout the state.
developer fees Waived To STImUlATE CoNSTRUCTIoN
friday, august 12, 2011 | cairns convention centre
2010 Winners for the eco splash system
cAllinG tRopicAl innovAtoRS – 2011 tropical innovation aWards noW open
P: 07 4044 3347 | E: [email protected] | W: www.investcairns.com.au
economic development update
APRIL 2011
cRc is committeed to securing high speed, ubiquitous and cost competitive high speed broadband in this region. this includes a commitment to support and facilitate the national Broadband network in the region.
discussions have begun with nBnco ltd to identify practical ways far north Queensland councils will support nBn, through planning support, information on business needs and community information to maximise adoption of high-speed broadband services.
cRc was recently one of only 37 councils across the country to make a submission to the new inquiry into the national Broadband network, citing practical examples provided by local business on the needs and opportunities for high-speed broadband in cairns.
case studies wanted: We are seeking local case studies of smart broadband applications to profile to NBNCo. If you can help, contact Fiona Wilson via email at [email protected].
new development guidelines:nBn co has just issued revised guidelines for pit and conduit infrastructure in new real estate developments (also known as greenfields developments). new development site designers and developers can access the guidelines online.
For all the latest on the nBn roll-out and tips on using Broadband in your business, visit www.broadbandtoday.com.au
BroadBand today
cairns entertainment precinct – plAnninG And conSUltAtion UpdAteAfter an exhaustive, four-month competitive selection process that attracted submissions from around the world, council has approved Brisbane-based cA/cox Rayner as the architectural team to design the cairns entertainment precinct.
cox Rayner designed the cairns convention centre – among other cairns projects – and has been responsible for many award-winning projects in south-east Queensland. this appointment is an
important milestone for the project and will soon provide solid concept designs for community comment.
Brazier motti pty ltd has been appointed to undertake the full site survey, including a levels survey.
the project’s working title was last week changed to the cairns entertainment precinct, to more accurately reflect the inclusive nature of the project which will embrace all types of culture and popular entertainment. read more...
Now one big step closer following the appointment of architects Cox Rayner with CA Architects, the community is invited to a consultation about the early Masterplan for the region’s vibrant new social heart, the Cairns Entertainment Precinct.
Be a part of history-in-the-making, talk to the architects, and tell us about the issues you think are important in the masterplanning of the Precinct.
When? tuesday 3 may 2011 at either 3.00pm - 5.00pm, or 6.00pm - 8.00pm in the civic reception rooms, ground floor, cairns regional council offices, 119-145 spence street, cairns
For further information visit www.cairnsep.com.au or telephone 4044 3322.
cairns entertainment precinct –A Place for You… And we’Re liSteninG!
Entertainment PrecinctCAIRNS
A Place for You…
economic development update
APRIL 2011
contact usEconomic Development & Innovation Unit, Cairns Regional Council
PO Box 359, Cairns Qld 4870P: 07 4044 3347 | E: [email protected] | W: www.investcairns.com.au
With the announcement of the Babinda Sugar Mill closure, Council’s Economic Development and Innovation team are working with the Babinda community as it plans for the future. A workshop with leading regional development advocate, Peter Kenyon, generated a raft of ideas for future main street development, mill land planning, business retention and expansion, and opportunities for youth.
Council, the Babinda Taskforce and Chamber of Commerce are working to help bring these ideas to life and explore ways to grow industries and attractions in the area. To get involved, contact the Babinda Taskforce on 4067 2900.
the strong working relationship between cairns Regional council and James cook University has been formalised with the signing of a memorandum of Understanding.
the moU outlines how cRc and JcU can work together to solve issues and develop innovative ways to to create lasting educational, intellectual, cultural, social, health, environmental and economic benefits for the region.
cRc is required by state law to prepare a new, consolidated suite of local laws for the merged local Government Area. work on the review began in early 2010 and is expected to be completed in July 2011.
cRc is using the model local law framework, which will reduce the 72 current local laws in effect in both the former douglas Shire and cairns city council areas to just six model local laws and six Subordinate local laws.
public consultation will run from 18 April to 25 may 2011. Residents are encouraged to lodge a submission. See more information on council’s website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au.
Review oF local laWs
woRKShop GeneRAteS ideAS for BaBinda’s future
inveStinG With confidence
$35 million investment by Melbourne property developer David Marriner and unnamed Chinese investor for purchase of Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas.
$25.8 million investment by Australian Government for new Reef and Rainforest Research Centre research hub.
$5 million capital upgrade to key factory stations at Mulgrave Mill, Gordonvale, in readiness for 2011 crushing season.
want to showcase your enterprise and discuss business issues first-hand with elected officials? As part of a monthly business visitation program, councillors recently visited placid pools, cairns Airport and norship marine.
To get involved, register with Council’s ED&I Unit by emailing [email protected]
mAyoR’S Business Breakfastsmayor val Schier meets small groups of local businesses on a monthly basis for an informal and open discussion about current issues affecting business. issues raised at the meetings are referred to the relevant areas of council for attention, with six-monthly reports compiled for council.
the breakfast dialogues rotate between council’s ten divisions and are held either at council’s Spence Street chambers or in outlying towns for the southern (division 1) and far northern (division 10) regions. you can register your interest in attending a future business meeting with the mayor by emailing [email protected].
coUncil, JcU formalise relationship
coUncilloR BUSineSS visitations
