Cairns Regional Council Is Calling on the Federal Government to Commit to the Following Key Priorities for the Cairns Region

DECEMBER 2019

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES

FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS OVERVIEW OF KEY PRIORITIES CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL IS CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO COMMIT TO THE FOLLOWING KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE CAIRNS REGION

CAIRNS AVIATION CAIRNS GALLERY PRECINCT CAIRNS ROAD NETWORK EXCELLENCE PRECINCT $13.3 million funding commitment towards PROJECTS $20 million funding commitment to the the estimated capital cost ($39.8 million) Extension of the National Land Transport Cairns Aviation Excellence Precinct of the Cairns Gallery Precinct as part of the Network from Draper Street (just south of development. proposed tripartite (Federal, State and Local the Cairns City Centre) to Smithfield and Governments) funding arrangement for this confirmation of the $287 million in Federal iconic cultural and tourism infrastructure funding allocated to enhancements on this project. road corridor. $21 million for a Strategic Assessment of Service Requirements, Preliminary Evaluation and Business Case development for the Kuranda Range Road corridor to address significant safety, capacity and reliability issues on this strategic road link between Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands and beyond. Confirmation of the $180 million commitment from the Federal Government towards the Cairns Southern Access CAIRNS CITY CENTRE CAIRNS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Corridor Stage 5 (Foster Road Intersection) MASTER PLAN Confirmation of the $60 million announced project. previously for James Cook University’s Cairns Advocacy support from the Federal $33 million commitment from the Federal Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC). Advocacy Government (as part of a $100 million support to help secure $100 million in funding Government to secure an investment tripartite funding pool) over the ten years to from the Queensland Government to establish the of $370 million from the Queensland 2030 for the implementation of the Cairns Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct (CHIP) and Government for the upgrade of the Cairns allocation of 80 additional places within James Western Arterial Road. City Centre Master Plan. Cook University’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programs

CAIRNS CITY DEAL CQUNIVERSITY CITY CAMPUS DRAPER ROAD WATER Federal Government commitment to sign AND IMPACT PLAN TREATMENT PLANT a statement of intent with Cairns Regional $50 million towards the establishment of Commitment from the Federal Government Council and the Queensland Government a new permanent city centre campus, $25 to join Council and the Queensland to establish a 10-year City Deal for Cairns million (with a further $20 million to be Government in a tripartite funding based on the priorities outlined in the Cairns sourced from industry) towards Asia Pacific arrangement (one third each) for the capital Region City Deal Proposal Document. Aviation Hub development and $25 million cost of the Draper Road Water Treatment toward the establishment of Queensland’s Plant. first University High School.

2 It’s time to invest in the future OVERVIEW OF KEY PRIORITIES of Cairns and the Far North CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL IS CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO COMMIT TO THE FOLLOWING KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE CAIRNS REGION

HMAS CAIRNS NULLINGA DAM PRIORITY RENEWABLE ENERGY AND CAIRNS SEAPORT Join Council in advocating to the ZONE FOR CAIRNS AND FNQ $170 million across the forward estimates for Queensland Government for the project Designation of the Cairns and FNQ region program upgrades to the HMAS Cairns naval as a Priority Renewable Energy Zone and base in readiness for the homeporting of four to proceed and a Federal Government new offshore patrol vessels. commitment for the provision of joint implementation of the policy and investment (with the Queensland Government) capital required to support regional renewable Designation of Cairns as a Regional energy development. Maintenance Centre of strategic importance funding to support project delivery. in the delivery of naval maintenance and sustainment services. Funding allocations across the forward estimates for the HMAS Cairns Mid Term Refresh and HMAS Cairns Redevelopment projects. Funding allocations to support Stages 2 and 3 of upgrades to the Cairns Marine Maintenance Precinct. Further policy change to support superyacht industry development and complement the provisions of the recently passed Special Recreational Vessels Bill. POPULATION AND MIGRATION REEF AND RAINFOREST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Commitment to undertake a detailed Completion of a detailed population and independent review of the Great Barrier migration strategy for the Cairns region to Reef (GBR) and Wet Tropics Rainforest deliver the skilled population base needed (WTR) management structures and GBR/ to unlock the region’s full potential. WTR funding (quantum and structure) requirements for long term management and preservation of these critical ecosystems.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HERITAGE CENTRE Funding to support initial concept development and business case preparation for a National Indigenous Heritage Centre located in Cairns.

PRIORITY REGIONAL RECYCLING STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA’S AND REPROCESSING HUB RELATIONSHIP WITH PNG AND Designation of Cairns as a Priority Regional THE PACIFIC Recycling and Reprocessing Hub together Support for a joint PNG/Cairns team entering with funding to support recycling and the NRL competition. Placement of Office processing infrastructure development and of the Pacific personnel in Cairns. Support NORTHERN BEACHES expansion as well as the investigation of further investigation of future potential air

LEISURE TRAIL innovative commercial opportunities for the links between Cairns and Lae. Provision of funding towards the estimated use of recycled materials. $20 million to $30 million total capital cost of delivering the remaining connectivity components of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail. 3

CAIRNS AT A GLANCE

HOUSING (JUNE 19) GROSS REGIONAL GREAT BARRIER REEF PRODUCT MEDIAN PRICE (Y/E 30 JUN 18) $418,000 House 1/7 $209,000 Unit $56B One of the seven $200,000 Residential Land natural wonders of 1.8 % Rental vacancy rate the world Economic, social and 2,300 icon value $8.8B $15.4B KILOMETRES LONG Cairns Far North Queensland Covering an area of 344,000 km2

64,000 WATER JOBS Cairns and FNQ region’s water VISITORS run off as a % of: Employment (TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION 1,625 supported Y/E 30 JUN 19) SPECIES OF FISH Queensland’s total 60% (10% of the world’s fish 26% Australia’s total species)

Average annual rainfall (Far 1,998mm North Region) $6.4B 2.1m 849,000 ANNUALLY Domestic visitors International visitors 600+ Economic TYPES OF HARD & spending $2.2B spending $1.1B SOFT CORALS Contribution

AGRICULTURE (FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND) WET TROPICS RAINFOREST $2.95B Sector value $1.81B Export value 2.0m HECTARES OVER 35% Bioregion area 2,800 CAIRNS of Australia’s Plant Species mammal species PUBLIC HOSPITAL

CAIRNS AIRPORT 82,714 Total (PASSENGER MOVEMENTS Y/E 30 JUN 2019) admissions $5.2B (y/e 30 Jun 19) ANNUALLY 40% 60% 686,000 International >6,000 Economic of Australia’s bird of Australia’s Total staff employed 4.2m Domestic Contribution species butterfly species 7th Busiest airport in Australia

CAIRNS SEAPORT RESIDENT Cargo movements POPULATION UNEMPLOYMENT (y/e 30 Jun 19) 552,000 tonnes Export 754,000 tonnes Import 306,000 2050 (projected) 4.1% 4.8% 5% 952 165,000 (JUN 2019) (SEP 2019) 9.6% Average annual Total vessel (today) (SEP 2019) growth in cargo arrivals Cairns City Cairns Region (SA4) Youth movements (y/e 30 Jun 19) Cairns City Resident Unemployment Unemployment (last 5 years) Population

286,000 467,000 (today) 2050 (projected) Far North Queensland JCU CQUniversity TAFE (FNQ) Resident Population Students enrolled 3,913 1,684 11,269 9.8% TERTIARY Persons employed 1,213 162 381 Proportion of population EDUCATION that is Indigenous (highest of Number of courses 134 127 180 (CAIRNS CAMPUS) any Australian city)

FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

Foreword A targeted plan to deliver jobs, growth and liveability in Cairns and Far North Queensland

airns is the capital of Far North Queensland (FNQ), the largest region in Northern Australia (population circa C286,000) and is a strategic gateway to the Pacific, Asia and beyond. With a resident population of 165,000 people and an average 30,000 additional visitors staying in the city on any given night, Cairns is one of the largest and most dynamic regional cities in Australia. Unique liveability and solid economic fundamentals have seen Cairns experience significant population growth (2.3% per annum in the 15 years to 2016) – well in excess of the national growth rate. Significant private investment and renewed business confidence has also seen the Cairns region unemployment rate reduce significantly in recent years. The region’s unemployment rate currently sits at 4.8% (SA4, Sep 19). A unique combination of economic potential and superior liveability means Cairns is ideally positioned as a growth centre of strategic significance in Northern Australia. But in order to realise this potential, Cairns and indeed the FNQ region, requires investment in the infrastructure, programs and policy that will provide the foundation for future growth.

STRATEGICALLY TARGETED STRATEGIC POSITIONED INVESTMENT ALIGNMENT Cairns is strategically positioned to It is recognised that in order to be effective, The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision was support the Federal Government’s regional investment and policy needs to developed in the context of policy and Northern Australia agenda and also has be developed in the context of a broader strategy settings at the Federal, State and an important role to play in alleviating the regional strategy to ensure such initiatives Regional level. From a Federal perspective, pressures being experienced in some are complementary and contribute to investment in the priorities contained within of the nation’s metropolitan cities as a the realisation of a long-term vision. With this document aligns with, and will support result of population growth and migration. this in mind, Cairns Regional Council and the implementation of, a number of key But to enable Cairns and the broader key regional stakeholders have worked Australian Government strategies, plans FNQ region’s enormous potential to be together to develop the Cairns 2050 and policies including (amongst others): realised, investment in enabling policy Shared Vision (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ • Emerging population, decentralisation and infrastructure will be critical. Federal vision2050). This vision also incorporates and migration policy Government investment in the Cairns the views and priorities of the Cairns • Indigenous Advancement Strategy region will not only support the local community as expressed through the 2016 • Northern Australia Agenda community but will deliver benefits for the Our Cairns Survey, a community survey • Pacific Step-up - Stepping up Australia’s region and nation as a whole. conducted by the Cairns Regional Council engagement with our Pacific family that attracted over 6,000 responses. • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision provides (2017) a framework that will deliver economic • Smart Cities Plan (2016) and City Deals prosperity, quality of life and liveability for Policy/Program the Cairns community both today, and for • Tourism 2020 (Strategy) the generations that follow. It sets out the projects, investment and policy required for the vision to be realised. The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision has provided the foundation for the priorities contained in this document.

5 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY AND POTENTIAL

AREA OF FOCUS FOOD TOURISM TERTIARY PRODUCTION EDUCATION

• World population expected to • Significant and rapid expansion of • Rapid expansion of global middle reach 9.7 billion by 2050 (up by 2 the global middle class population class expected to drive significant billion from today) leading to increased discretionary increases in tertiary level education • Income growth in developing expenditure attainment countries is leading to dietary • Global population age profile and • Australia’s international education TRENDS/ propensity for travel both positively CONTRIBUTING changes also driving up global sector enrolments expected to FACTORS food demand per capita impacting tourism and travel increase by 45% in the period to 2025 • Global food demand expected to • Cultural, nature based and sports/ • Significant growth in demand increase anywhere between 59% events tourism are significant domestically for tertiary level education. and 98% by 2050 growth sectors In 2016, 3.8 million Australians held • International inbound travel to a bachelor degree or post graduate Australia expected to increase by degree level qualification, an increase of 75% over the period to 2026-27 28% over the preceding 5 years

• Physical proximity and • Iconic world heritage listed natural • Two well established and growing connectivity to the Asia-Pacific assets (Great Barrier Reef and Wet universities (James Cook University and beyond Tropics Rainforest) and CQUniversity) and other tertiary • Significant water resources and • Direct connection to both institutions run off Aboriginal and Torres Strait • International and domestic air • Large tracts of underdeveloped Islander cultures connectivity CAIRNS arable land (FNQ) • Established sports and events • Multicultural and diverse population REGION’S • Established agriculture industry tourism destination • Superior quality of life and COMPETITIVE • Established and well connected • Established tourism industry and liveability ADVANTAGES airport and seaport allied sectors • Existing road networks and rail • International airport links • Seaport expansion underway to • Cairns established as the facilitate increased cruise ship regional capital and service visitation centre for FNQ • ‘Clean green’ reputation

Potential for significant growth in Capturing a share of significant Servicing significant growth in THE regional agriculture development, global tourism growth by leveraging demand for tertiary and higher level OPPORTUNITY production and export to Cairns’ competitive advantages in education both domestically and CREATED meet increasing global food cultural, nature based and sports internationally and attraction and demand and events tourism retention of human intellectual capital

• Water infrastructure (storage and • Effective management and funding • University facility development and distribution) to support the Great Barrier Reef expansion • Demand and supply chain analysis and Wet Tropics Rainforest • Innovation precinct establishment to identify specific opportunities/ • Tourism experience and attraction • Increased direct aviation markets and potential barriers to development connectivity production, transport, processing • Increased support for destination • Attainment of University Hospital WHAT’S and distribution/export marketing status for Cairns Hospital NEEDED TO • Road network investment • Increased direct aviation UNLOCK THE connectivity OPPORTUNITY • Increased direct aviation connectivity • Seaport development and • Seaport development and expansion expansion • Infrastructure, services and facilities • Integrated transport strategy that support an increased visitor population • Policy change to deliver sustainable tourism funding • Investment in Indigenous arts and cultural tourism facilities

6 UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY The Cairns region’s unique competitive advantages mean it is well positioned to prosper from a number of trends emerging at both the national and global level. Queensland Government AND POTENTIAL investment in the Cairns region is needed to ensure these opportunities can be fully realised.

TERTIARY STRATEGIC SKILLED & GROWING RENEWABLE EDUCATION LOCATION POPULATION ENERGY

• Increasing regional influence of • Significant population growth in • International commitments to emission China and other Asian countries Australia’s metropolitan capitals has reductions are driving record investment in the PNG and Pacific region resulted in an infrastructure deficit in renewable energy projects • Increased foreign policy focus of and settlement imbalance • Australian government’s 2030 Emission the Australian government on the • Delivery of the Australian Reduction Target is a 26-28 per cent PNG and Asia-Pacific region Government’s Northern Australia reduction in 2005 emission levels by 2030 policy agenda will need to be • Changing social attitudes towards climate supported by a skilled population change is raising expectations politically for base ‘on the ground’ in regions increased renewable energy investment • Direct alignment between a region’s • Commercial viability of renewable energy human intellectual capital and the alternatives is improving as technological achievement of its economic potential advances see cost reductions and life cycle improvements in equipment and infrastructure

• Physical proximity to PNG and the • Established track record for above • Significant regional natural resources Asia-Pacific region average population growth (water, sun, wind) to support renewable • Existing naval base (HMAS Cairns), • Largest region (FNQ) and second energy development marine maintenance facilities and largest city (Cairns) in Northern • Existing alignment between the expertise, and established and Australia environment and the economy (e.g. expanding seaport • Existing multicultural and diverse tourism) enhances the region’s ‘clean • International airport with direct population green’ reputation connectivity to PNG and Asia • Superior quality of life and liveability • Significant regional renewable energy • Multicultural and diverse • Well established universities and projects either planned or recently population including significant vocational institutions delivered expat PNG population • Well established business, cultural and social links between Cairns and PNG as well as many Asian and Pacific Island countries

Leverage Cairns’ strategic physical Contribute to the alleviation of Supporting Queensland and Australia’s location and connectivity to population growth constraints in energy needs through the development of support the delivery of Australia’s Australia’s metropolitan capitals a nationally significant renewable energy PNG and Asia Pacific foreign and support the delivery of economic sector policy objectives growth in Northern Australia

• Further development of the • A Cairns region population and • Designation of Cairns and FNQ as a HMAS Cairns naval base migration strategy Priority Renewable Energy Zone and commitment to ongoing • Infrastructure, services and facilities • Investment in the transmission distribution naval maintenance in Cairns that attract, retain and support network to support further renewable • Policy , investment and a skilled and growing resident energy generation project development personnel deployment to population • Appropriate incentives to encourage leverage Cairns’ strategic • Investment in the facilities required investment and establishment of location to support population growth in a renewable energy operations bases within naturally sensitive environment (e.g. the Cairns and FNQ region waste management) • Leveraging the ‘clean green’ reputation for the benefit of the region’s tourism and allied industries

7 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Cairns Aviation Excellence Precinct Growing high value jobs in the aviation services sector by leveraging Cairns’ strategic position in the Asia Pacific region

he aviation services industry will be Tworth $2.7 trillion in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by 2038. The APAC region is the single largest destination for commercial jet deliveries within the next 20 years, expecting 40% of global deliveries or 17,390 aircraft. Existing traditional Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) destinations such as Singapore are already operating at or near capacity. Airlines are already experiencing difficulty in securing MRO services for their COMMITMENT aircraft in these destinations. Availability of REQUIRED the highly skilled people required is already constrained. $20 million funding commitment to the Cairns Aviation Excellence Cairns is geographically in the centre of Precinct development. the APAC region, has a pipeline of highly skilled people, an existing reputation for excellence, and a geopolitically stable jurisdiction for aviation services operators. Cairns is perfectly positioned to capture a share of this growing market. Cairns Airport has developed the Cairns Aviation Excellence Precinct (CAEP) businesses. Consequently, partial public masterplan to meet this demand. This funding is required to make this catalytic will see the redevelopment of the existing regional development viable. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT General Aviation precinct adjacent to the Ultimately, CAEP will deliver at least This priority aligns with and supports Captain Cook highway. 28 new business locations. These are a the implementation of the following The land is at approximately 1AHD combination of different size hangars for Australian Government strategies and MRO, as well as other industry operators initiatives: (Australian Height Datum). In other words, it is in practical terms a wetlands area in avionics, training, research development • Emerging population, and subject to frequent flooding. The and advanced manufacturing businesses. decentralisation and migration policy • Northern Australia Agenda land needs to be raised to approximately Over 1,200 high value jobs will be • Pacific Step-up - Stepping up 2.65AHD before any construction of the created, with this contributing a minimum Australia’s engagement with our of $105 million into the local regional Pacific family 534,673m² of groundworks, aprons and • Region’s 2030 Unlocking roads could take place. This is a significant economy each year. This supports Opportunity (2017) cost for Cairns Airport to overcome, whilst sustainable population growth, sustainable • Tourism 2020 (Strategy) retaining competitiveness in attracting new aviation route development, the Pacific

8 Development Years 2020-2030 2030-2038 $million $million Cairns Airport investment 32 22 Recommended Federal investment 20 - Estimated total cost 52 22

Estimated benefit to local economy from new jobs $2.1billion $3.3billion (over period of development)

engagement strategy, the education and example of recent investment and success reputation for excellence that comes from research sectors, tourism growth and within the aviation services industry in being trained in Cairns. advanced manufacturing. The true impact Cairns. Cairns should be a major destination for the region is expected to be well in Cairns is perfectly positioned at the centre for aviation services in the APAC region excess of $3.3 billion over the length of the of the APAC region; equal flying distance because it can meet the needs of industry development. to Bangkok, Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong – perfectly positioned geographically, The precinct is already home to a thriving and Kuala Lumpur. Fiji and Hawaii are geopolitically and as a place that already aviation services industry, with Hawker a manageable flight time away and the has a reputation for aviation excellence with Pacific being a prominent example of an closest capital city, Port Moresby in PNG, is a pipeline of highly skilled people. MRO operator in growth mode. In 2017, less than half the distance to Sydney. Cairns Airport is seeking assistance Hawker Pacific undertook a significant The airport is home to the CQUniversity with the cost of this catalytic regional expansion of their hangar, which resulted Asia Pacific Aviation Hub and Cairns development in order to make it viable. in an additional 39 high value jobs worth Aviation Skills Centre (CASC). Since This is a partial investment, with Cairns an estimated $3.9 million. In 2019, Hawker 2003, CASC has graduated 650 aircraft Airport meeting the majority of the cost. Pacific confirmed winning $4 million worth technicians and upskilled over 7,000 Cairns Regional Council supports Cairns of new contracts for 2020. This is just one aviation professionals, all with the industry Airport’s proposal in this regard.

9 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Cairns City Centre Master Plan Guiding the ongoing evolution of public spaces within the Cairns City Centre to ensure the city remains a vibrant and liveable space for everyone

THE MASTER PLAN IS UNDERPINNED BY FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

Embrace Support Create an Celebrate Deliver a tropical economic accessible & arts, sustainable, urbanism growth & connected culture & safe & diversity city centre creativity liveable city

ourism is a significant driver for the TCairns and TNQ economy with the region attracting almost three million CAIRNS COMMITMENT CITY CENTRE REQUIRED visitors every year and annual visitor expenditure now exceeding $3.4 billion. 2019 $33 million commitment from the Whilst Cairns’ tourism reputation has Federal Government (as part of a traditionally been built on its location at

CAIRNS CITY MASTERPLAN 2019 1 $100 million tripartite funding pool) the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier over the ten years to 2030 for the implementation of the Cairns City Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, an extensive resources in developing the Centre Master Plan. opportunity exists to further develop Cairns City Centre Master Plan 2019 the city as an attraction in its own including significant public input and

right. In doing so, there is potential to consultation. Almost 2,500 people took further increase visitation, visitor length the opportunity to give feedback and of stay and visitor expenditure. Recent make suggestions on initial project ideas developments including the Cairns using innovative mediums including Aquarium, Munro Martin Parklands, Council’s interactive online ideas wall. Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Residents and visitors told Council Crystalbrook Collection suite of hotels, how they use the city’s public spaces, have all made positive contributions in this what they value most, what issues they regard as will the proposed Trinity Wharf would like to see addressed, and also Cairns (Global Tourism Hub) and Cairns generated new ideas. Reflecting on the Convention Centre expansion projects. A community’s feedback and suggestions, STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT comprehensive city centre master plan is Council developed a suite of opportunities This priority aligns with and supports critical to ensuring the future development and preliminary concept sketches. the implementation of the following Australian Government strategies and of the City Centre occurs in a coordinated Council invited feedback on these project initiatives: and guided manner. In doing so, it not only opportunities throughout July and August supports the jobs and economic benefits 2018, with over 3,300 people engaging • Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy increased visitation will deliver, but also in the process. The process culminated in • Northern Australia Agenda ensures the City Centre is a vibrant and the endorsement of the Cairns City Centre • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017) dynamic public space that can be enjoyed Master Plan 2019 by Council in early April • Smart Cities Plan (2016) and City by the local community. 2019. Funding is now required to support Deals Policy/Program Throughout 2018 and early 2019, the progressive implementation of the • Tourism 2020 (Strategy) Cairns Regional Council invested Master Plan recommendations.

10 RENEWED ESPLANADE PARKLANDS A renewal of the parklands’ key spaces, connections and facilities will build upon the Esplanade’s most valued qualities and features and distribute activity more evenly along the full length of the parklands. The Esplanade is a large and diverse space and the project will consider the discrete features and activities unique to the Esplanade’s north, centre and south.

FLORENCE STREET Council has created a new, world-class cultural hub spanning Florence Street, with the construction of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and adjacent Munro Martin Parklands. The opportunity now exists to enhance Florence Street with the creation of a pedestrian boulevard that supports walkability and connects these public places to the Esplanade Parklands. Florence Street will become an extension of Munro Martin Parklands, with an avenue of shade trees. Tropical planting will feature along revitalised footpaths, and flowering shade trees will highlight the intersections.

CITY STREETS This project recognises that all streets within the City Centre are valuable public spaces, playing an important role for movement and circulation. Vibrant and well- defined streetscapes foster walkability, encouraging people to explore, relax and gather. Drawing from feedback during consultation, this project focuses on delivering streetscapes that create a connected, tropical public place with an active street life.

ESPLANADE DINING PRECINCT This project will enhance the best features of the Esplanade Dining Precinct, expanding the dining area to provide space for additional dining and seating, improving views to the parklands and increasing pedestrian connections.

CAIRNS GALLERY PRECINCT The project will transform and connect three heritage listed buildings in the Cairns City Centre (the Cairns Art Gallery, former Cairns Court House and former Mulgrave Shire Council offices) and establish a vibrant new world-class gallery building. This project has been separately included within this City Deal proposal as a full business case for the project has been completed and the capital investment required has been quantified.

FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Cairns City Deal Unlocking the economic potential of Cairns and Far North Queensland

ity Deals are a key mechanism The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision provides Cto deliver on the opportunities a framework that will deliver economic and challenges in Australia’s cities prosperity, quality of life and liveability for by bringing together the three levels the Cairns community both today, and of government, the community and for the generations that follow. It sets private enterprise to create place-based out the projects, investment and policy partnerships. They work to align the required for the vision to be realised. planning, investment and governance Using the Cairns 2050 Shared necessary to accelerate economic Vision as a foundation, Council has growth and job creation, stimulate urban again worked with key stakeholders to renewal and drive economic reforms. develop the Cairns Region City Deal City Deals are designed to secure Proposal Document (‘the Proposal’). COMMITMENT the future prosperity and liveability for A full copy of the Proposal is available REQUIRED Australian cities. on Council’s website (https://www. In June 2018, the Joint Standing cairns.qld.gov.au/building-planning- Federal Government commitment Committee on Northern Australia business/advocacy). The Proposal to sign a statement of intent with released its report ‘Northern Horizons clearly articulates how a City Deal can Cairns Regional Council and – Unleashing Our Tourism Potential’. A unlock Cairns’ full potential and deliver the Queensland Government to significant benefits for the region, the establish a 10-year City Deal for key recommendation from that report Cairns based on the priorities was the establishment of a City Deal State of Queensland and Australia as a outlined in the Cairns Region City for Cairns. A City Deal for Cairns would whole. The Proposal identifies six key Deal Proposal Document. support the Federal Government’s areas of focus where Cairns has unique agenda for the development of Northern competitive advantages that can be Australia and would also contribute leveraged to deliver economic growth to the implementation of a variety of and quality of life outcomes: Queensland Government strategies and • Food Production policies. • Tourism It is recognised that in order to be • Tertiary Education effective, a City Deal for Cairns needs • Strategic Location to be developed in the context of a • Skilled and Growing Population STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT broader regional strategy to ensure • Renewable Energy This priority aligns with and supports such initiatives are complementary and Further details on how these areas the implementation of the following Australian Government strategies and contribute to the realisation of a long of focus align to both Cairns’ unique initiatives: term vision. With this in mind, Cairns competitive advantages and emerging Regional Council and key regional trends at both a national and global level • Emerging population, decentralisation and migration stakeholders have worked together to are set out on pages 6 and 7 of this policy develop the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision document. • Indigenous Advancement Strategy Linking directly to these areas of • Northern Australia Agenda (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/vision2050). • Pacific Step-up - Stepping up This vision also incorporates the views focus, the Proposal sets out and further Australia’s engagement with our and priorities of the Cairns community develops 19 key projects/initiatives Pacific family • Region’s 2030 Unlocking as expressed through the 2016 Our drawn from the Cairns 2050 Shared Opportunity (2017) Cairns Survey, a community survey Vision that should be incorporated in a • Smart Cities Plan (2016) and City conducted by Cairns Regional Council, City Deal for Cairns. Deals Policy/Program • Tourism 2020 (Strategy) which attracted over 6,000 responses.

A PROPOSAL BUILT ON A SHARED VISION

The City Deal proposal Throughout 2018, Council dedicated significant resources to the development of a shared vision for Cairns. The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/vision 2050) provides is underpinned by a the framework to deliver long term economic prosperity and liveability for the Cairns community. significant body of work The vision was developed with two clear objectives in mind: as a basis for direct advocacy to and consultation led by both the State and Federal governments; and as a foundation from which to negotiate and secure a City Deal for Cairns. The timeline provides an overview of the milestones achieved to Cairns Regional Council. date as well as the next steps required to secure a City Deal for Cairns.

EARLY JUNE AUG NOV FEB MAR OCT Q1 Q1/Q2 Q2 Q3 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020 2020

Cairns Regional First stakeholder Second Vision formally First meeting of Local Federal and City Deal Statement of Preparation and Signing of Implementation Council initiates workshop to stakeholder endorsed by Council’s Shared State members Proposal intent for a negotiation of the Cairns plan developed development of inform vision workshop to Council. Shared Vision Advisory of parliament developed using Cairns City Deal Cairns City Deal City Deal and endorsed 2050 vision development inform vision Vision Advisory Committee endorse/ support Shared Vision as development Committee Vision a foundation established

Desktop review of previous Finalisation of the vision Endorsement and support regional planning work and endorsement by for the vision provided by undertaken. Cairns Regional Council. the relevant Federal and Queensland members Two half day external Establishment of of parliament and key stakeholder workshops to a Shared Vision stakeholders. inform vision development with Advisory Committee (19 approximately 40 stakeholders members) comprising Initial public awareness at each workshop drawn from representatives from a and communication a diverse range of interest broad range of external activities including groups. stakeholders as well provision for the as Council’s Mayor, community to register Preparation of a draft vision Deputy Mayor and their support for the and circulation to key CEO to support vision vision. Despite only stakeholders for comment and implementation. being launched in late feedback. 2018, the vision has already received over 400 registrations of support from the Cairns community.

13 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Cairns Gallery Precinct An iconic new cultural tourism project driving increased visitation, tourism diversification and regional employment

airns is recognised as the Arts Barrier Reef region is home to Australia’s Cand Culture Capital of Northern highest proportion of Indigenous Australia. The Cairns Gallery Precinct Australians and its greatest diversity of is a project that strongly supports this Indigenous cultures. Community demand status and complements recent regional for the arts, the burgeoning local creative investment in arts and cultural facilities, sector, the opportunity to showcase more events and programs. These include the Indigenous arts, and the need to diversify Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), Cairns our tourism offering all contribute to the Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), Munro need for increased scale and diversity of Martin Parklands (MMP) and Centre of Cairns’ visual arts infrastructure. Contemporary Arts (CoCA) refurbishment Establishment of the precinct will also among others. The project will transform have significant positive impacts on and connect three heritage listed buildings jobs and economic growth. In addition COMMITMENT in the Cairns City Centre (the Cairns Art to the significant economic impact and REQUIRED Gallery, ‘Old’ Court House and former employment created during construction, Mulgrave Shire Council offices) and once operational, the project will add $13.3 million funding commitment towards the estimated capital cost establish a new world class gallery building $20.7 million per annum to the regional ($39.8 million) of the Cairns Gallery to create a dynamic and unique gallery economy (Gross Regional Product) Precinct as part of the proposed precinct with benefits for both the local and support 177 ongoing full time jobs tripartite (Federal, State and Local community and domestic and international through its direct operation and induced Governments) funding arrangement visitors. tourism expenditure. An independent for this iconic cultural and tourism The project would have a particularly and comprehensive business case for infrastructure project. strong connection to the region’s the project has been completed utilising Indigenous community and also links/ funding provided by the Queensland aligns with the National Indigenous Government. Heritage Centre proposal that is outlined The business case supports the case on page 32 of this document. The project for project investment with the preferred would also broaden the region’s tourism project option having a Benefits to Cost offer and enhance liveability within our Ratio (BCR) of 1.19 and a Net Present community. Value (NPV) of $13.3 million. Cairns A significant proportion of Cairns’ Regional Council is calling for a tripartite population identify as First Nations funding arrangement to construct and peoples. Cairns is also the principal establish the precinct with Federal, State connection point for the exchange and and Local (Council) Governments each celebration of Indigenous art and culture contributing one third of the project’s total STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT from communities throughout Cape York capital cost of $39.8 million. This priority aligns with and supports the implementation of the following and the Torres Strait. The Cairns and Great Australian Government strategies and initiatives:

• Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy • Indigenous Advancement Strategy • Northern Australia Agenda • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017) • Tourism 2020 (Strategy)

14 CAIRNS GALLERY OLD SHIRE PRECINCT OFFICES ESPLANADE SPENCE STREET COURTHOUSE

NEW GALLERY

EXISITNG GALLERY

THE LAWN ABBOTT STREET

15 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

Cairns University Hospital Investing in the infrastructure and services required to keep our community healthy

COMMITMENT REQUIRED

Confirmation of the $60 million announced previously for James Cook University’s Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC). Advocacy support to help secure $100 million in funding from the Queensland Government to establish the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct (CHIP) and allocation of 80 additional places within James Cook University’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programs. ealth and wellbeing are critical the medium term and for the hospital Hfoundations to a community’s to continue to expand the higher quality of life and are essential if level of services offered locally. For communities are to continue to this objective to be realised, facilities grow and prosper. The Cairns and need to be developed which support Hinterland Hospital and Health Service clinical research and education. (CHHHS) is the FNQ region’s largest The establishment of James Cook employer with approximately 6,000 University’s Cairns Tropical Enterprise staff delivering a wide range of hospital Centre (CTEC) is a critical step in the and health services across the region. Cairns Hospital achieving university The Cairns Hospital is a critical facility status. The CTEC project has already within the CHHHS network and caters received a federal funding commitment for approximately 100,000 patient of $60 million. The proposed Cairns admissions every year. The hospital Health and Innovation Precinct (CHIP) also deals with a diverse range of health is another piece of critical infrastructure and wellbeing needs of the regional which also supports this initiative and community including the region’s will complement the CTEC facility. A significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait $100 million commitment is actively Islander populations. being sought from the Queensland Expansion of the facilities and Government to enable the design and status of the Cairns Hospital, as well construction of the CHIP to progress. as investment in the broader regional The allocation of additional places services managed by the CHHHS, will within James Cook University’s STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT be required to meet the future needs Medicine and Dentistry school will also This priority aligns with and supports of a growing regional population. The be required to support the hospital the implementation of the following Australian Government strategies and region’s unique demographics, including achieving university status. Specifically, initiatives: significant visitor and Indigenous 80 additional places (50 Commonwealth populations, are also key considerations Supported Places and 30 International • Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy when planning for the future health Places) within James Cook University’s • Northern Australia Agenda needs of Cairns. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017) The aim is for Cairns Hospital to Surgery programs will be required. become a university hospital within

16 17 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Cairns Road Network Projects Investing in an integrated road network that will support the future economic prosperity, liveability, safety and resilience of the Cairns and FNQ community Kuranda Range Road COMMITMENT REQUIRED

Extension of the National Land Transport Network from Draper Street (just south of the Cairns City Centre) to Smithfield and confirmation of the $287 million in Federal funding allocated to enhancements on this road corridor.

$21 million for a Strategic Assessment of Service Requirements, Preliminary Evaluation and Business Case development for the Kuranda Range Road corridor to address significant safety, capacity and reliability issues on this strategic road link between Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands and beyond.

Confirmation of the $180 million commitment from the Federal Government towards the Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 5 (Foster Road Intersection) project.

Advocacy support from the Federal Government to secure an investment of $370 million from he road networks both within Cairns underway) that are critical to the delivery the Queensland Government for the upgrade of the Cairns Western Tand connecting Cairns to regions of an integrated road transport network Arterial Road. located to the north, south and west are for Cairns and to support enhanced critical enablers for the regional economy. connectivity with the surrounding An effective road transport network region. The projects all contribute to the contributes to the region’s liveability by priorities contained in the Queensland facilitating efficient travel both within Government’s Far North Regional region and to/from outside the region for Transport Plan (Draft) 2018 and a number economic, leisure and social purposes. also align with the Federal Government’s Safety for all modes of transport is Roads of Strategic Importance initiative as an important consideration as is the they facilitate efficient freight connectivity resilience of the region’s road network to to the Cairns Seaport and Cairns Airport. weather events and flooding. There are Each project is depicted in the adjacent seven key road network projects (three diagram with further commentary in the of which are already fully funded and paragraphs that follow.

18 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Smithfield Bypass

Kuranda Range Road

National Highway 1 Draper Street to Smithfield

Cairns Western Arterial Road (CWAR)

Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 4: Kate St to Aumuller St Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 5: Foster Road Intersection

Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale KEY PROJECTS *denotes road projects already funded and currently underway

19 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Cairns Road Network Priority Projects

NATIONAL HIGHWAY 1 KURANDA RANGE ROAD DRAPER STREET TO SMITHFIELD he Kuranda Range Road links Tablelands and beyond. An updated Smithfield to Kuranda and provides and comprehensive review is required he National Land Transport Network T critical connectivity between Cairns, to determine the best way to unlock (NLTN) currently terminates at the T the Atherton Tablelands (including this road corridor’s economic potential corner of Comport and Draper Streets Mareeba), Cape York and the Gulf whilst at the same time addressing the (just south of the Cairns City Centre). The of Carpentaria. The FNQ region’s current safety and reliability issues. road corridor provides key connectivity to agricultural sector is a key driver of the The Queensland Government has the Cairns Seaport, Cairns City Centre, need for an improved Kuranda Range announced $1.25 million towards Cairns Airport and Smithfield (including the Road. With a sector value of $2.95 a planning project in this regard. Cairns Campus of James Cook University). billion and export value of $1.81 billion In addition to this planning project, Significant investment in capacity and potential for significant further $21 million is required to complete enhancements to this road corridor are growth (particularly if the region’s a Strategic Assessment of Service required to ensure the efficient movement of enormous water and arable land Requirements, Preliminary Evaluation freight and people particularly to the city’s air resources are further developed), a and Business Case development to and sea ports. Population growth in Cairns’ solution to the safety, efficiency and fully investigate options to address northern suburbs has also seen increased capacity issues are needed to unlock the service requirements. The ultimate commuter congestion along this route. the sector’s full economic potential. An solution needs to be included within The Queensland Transport Minister has Impact Assessment Study of the road the National Land Transport Network made a written request to the Federal by Maunsell McIntyre (now AECOM) to ensure there is a clear partnership Transport Minister for the extension of the in 2000, identified that the road’s between the State and Federal NLTN to Smithfield as part of the Federal inadequacies contributed to poor Governments for future investment Government’s NLTN Determination Review. safety, poor economic performance in this road corridor. It is noted that Cairns Regional Council strongly supports (travel times, vehicle operating costs this road is included in the Cairns to this extension and is advocating to the and inability to accommodate freight- Darwin corridor under the Federal Federal Government for its approval. Whilst efficient vehicles) and poor reliability. Government’s Roads of Strategic the outcomes of the NLTN Determination 18 years on, these issues have Importance initiative. Review have not yet been finalised, Council not been adequately addressed with also welcomes the announcement of $287 significant investment now needed to million in funding via the 2019-20 Federal deliver increased capacity, improved Budget delivered in early April 2019 and safety and to enable the road to is seeking further confirmation of this deliver its full economic potential for funding allocation in the 2020-21 Federal the region. This road corridor has Budget. Council is also advocating to the strong alignment with the objectives Queensland Government for the $72 million of the Federal Government’s Roads funding announcement made by them in of Strategic Importance initiative given relation to this project to be confirmed in the the significant agricultural resources State Budget for 2020-21. and potential located on the Atherton

20 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Cairns Road Network Priority Projects CAIRNS SOUTHERN ACCESS CAIRNS WESTERN CORRIDOR – STAGE 5: FOS- ARTERIAL ROAD

TER ROAD INTERSECTION The Cairns Western Arterial Road provides The Cairns Southern Access - Stage an important linkage to the north, west and COMMITTED 5 project is part of the National Land south of Cairns via its connections to the ROAD PROJECTS Transport Network and involves a grade Captain Cook Highway, Kuranda Range The four projects mentioned previously separation upgrade at the Bruce Highway Road and Bruce Highway respectively. will complement the following three projects already funded and currently and Foster Road intersection in Cairns. The road corridor alleviates traffic flows underway in the Cairns region: This project will build on the existing through the Cairns City Centre by providing commitments made along the Cairns an alternate ‘bypass’ route to the National SMITHFIELD BYPASS Highway 1 route that traverses through the Southern Access Corridor (including the The 3.8-kilometre-long bypass between Stage 3 and Stage 4 projects currently Cairns City via Sheridan Street. the McGregor Road roundabout and underway). The project has an estimated Whilst elements of the Cairns Western the Cairns Western Arterial Road and capital cost of $225 million and will Arterial Road are ‘dual laned’ in each Captain Cook Highway roundabout improve capacity and traffic flow including direction, further investment is required will provide an alternative route to the movements in and out of nearby suburban to ensure this road corridor can deliver Captain Cook Highway. The project is streets. It will also improve road safety to its full potential supporting the efficient currently underway and scheduled for by reducing congestion around the and safe movement of freight and people. completion in late 2020. intersection and facilitate the efficient Cairns Regional Council has identified a flow of passenger and freight traffic. An range of upgrades on this road corridor that BRUCE HIGHWAY CAIRNS SOUTHERN ACCESS CORRIDOR announcement of $180 million in Federal would significantly enhance its capacity and STAGE 3 EDMONTON TO funding was made in the 2019-20 Federal improve connectivity and safety. Projects GORDONVALE include ‘dual laning’ of the northern Budget delivered in early April 2019 The project will deliver significant and Council is calling on this funding section of the road, through to upgrades enhancements on this road corridor announcement to be reconfirmed in the to McCoombe Street to deliver improved including the ‘dual laning’ of the Bruce 2020-21 Federal Budget. Whilst a $45 connectivity with the Bruce Highway to the Highway in both directions between million funding allocation to this project south. An estimated investment of $370 Edmonton and Gordonvale. Early has been included in the Queensland million from the Queensland Government procurement works have started and Government’s Queensland Transport and is required to deliver these enhancements construction is expected to commence Roads Investment Program 2019-20 to and unlock this road corridor’s full potential. in early 2020 with project completion 2022-23, Council is advocating for this Council is advocating directly to the scheduled for mid-2023. funding allocation to be confirmed in the Queensland Government to secure this BRUCE HIGHWAY CAIRNS State Budget for 2020-21. critical investment and would welcome SOUTHERN ACCESS CORRIDOR the advocacy support of the Federal STAGE 4 KATE STREET TO Government in this regard. AUMULLER STREET This project will deliver capacity improvements to the Southern Access Corridor between Kate Street STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT and Aumuller Street and additional This priority aligns with and supports the implementation of the following Australian improvements from Comport Street to Government strategies and initiatives: Kenny Street. The project is underway • Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy and expected to be completed in mid- • Northern Australia Agenda 2021. • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017) • Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative

21 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS CQUniversity City Campus and Impact Plan Delivering improved tertiary education access for the Cairns and FNQ community and supporting international education industry development and Cairns City Centre activation

QUniversity is undergoing rapid growth in the Cairns region. By adopting a Ccollaborative partnership approach to expansion, CQUniversity has been able to help build capacity across a range of industries and community initiatives. In 2017, CQUniversity released a community impact plan consisting of six primary projects. Most of the projects in the 2017 plan were completed (to varying degrees) by the end of 2018, requiring the development of an updated CQUniversity 2019 Cairns Community Impact Plan. Three projects identified in this impact plan are outlined over the following pages.

COMMITMENT PERMANENT NEW CITY CENTRE CAMPUS REQUIRED QUniversity seeks $50 million to to absorb further growth. The nature of establish a permanent, purpose-built CQUniversity’s current lease arrangement $50 million towards the C establishment of a new permanent CBD campus capable of accommodating doesn’t provide the stability or security city centre campus, $25 million (with 2,500+ students. The new, permanent CQUniversity needs for further investment a further $20 million to be sourced campus will deliver an expanded range of and growth in Cairns. from industry) towards Asia Pacific training, education and research offerings CQUniversity requires a permanent, Aviation Hub development and $25 that will diversify and grow the local purpose-built CBD campus capable million towards the establishment of economy and skilled workforce, while of accommodating 2,500+ students Queensland’s first University High School. stimulating greater international student to continue being an educator of numbers in the Cairns CBD. This will impact in Cairns. Community and cement CQUniversity’s presence in Cairns industry engagement will be the with a permanent CBD campus capable defining philosophy of the new campus, of absorbing forecast student growth, with an ‘open-door’ campus model while galvanising Cairns’ identity as an being employed. This will further help agile, innovative two-university city. to engage local students from low CQUniversity has witnessed socioeconomic and/or disadvantaged tremendous growth in Cairns since backgrounds – a student base of which first opening a modest study hub in CQUniversity outperforms every other 2012. Student numbers have grown Australian university in terms of enrolment STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT persistently; averaging 20% year-on- proportion and student support. But most This priority aligns with and supports year through to 2018, with a 30% leap importantly, this permanent new campus the implementation of the following in enrolments in the past 12 months will finally galvanise Cairns’ identity as an Australian Government strategies and alone. CQUniversity has approximately agile, innovative two-university city with a initiatives: 1800 students currently. CQUniversity’s highly skilled, professionalised workforce. • Emerging population, growth is having a profound impact on This permanent new campus will give decentralisation and migration policy the higher education participation rates CQUniversity the security it needs to • National Strategy for International Education 2025 of local students, narrowing the gap with invest further in education in Cairns. • Northern Australia Agenda metropolitan student participation rates. • Pacific Step-up - Stepping up CQUniversity’s current (leased) CBD Australia’s engagement with our campus is at capacity, with little flexibility Pacific family • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017)

22 23 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

STAGE 2 AND 3 CQUNIVERSITY ASIA PACIFIC AVIATION HUB QUniversity seeks $45 million in The international airport recorded over The combined second and third stages of Cfunding ($10 million government and 5.2 million passenger movements in the project seek $45 million, comprising: $35 million public private partnership) 2018 – an increase of 26% over ten years, $10 million (Government funding) for for the second and third stages of its with international passenger movements Stage 2. This includes new laboratory ambitious Asia-Pacific Aviation Hub increasing by 4% in the past year alone. facilities to provide specialist space working in partnership with Cairns Airport. At the same time, the number of airlines for human factors research, new flight This funding would allow CQUniversity operating in Australia increased by 28% simulators, and the roll-out of new to secure a second hangar at the Cairns to 55 in the five years to 2017, with the aviation courses including Bachelor of International Airport, new laboratory Asia Pacific region experiencing a similar Accident Forensics, Bachelor of Airline facilities including specialist space for boom in its aviation industries. Boeing and Airport Management, Bachelor of Aviation Accidents Forensics, new flight is predicting a shortfall of 810,000 Airworthiness, and Aviation Masters and simulators including a high-fidelity, world commercial airline pilots over the next 20 Research Programs. class flight simulator capable of attracting years, with 261,000 specifically required $35 million Stage 3 comprised of: global commercial flight training business, to service the Asia Pacific region. With • $15 million (Government funding) for a and the roll-out of new aviation courses: Australia being a preferred destination for second hangar at Cairns International Bachelor of Accident Forensics, Bachelor qualifications in aviation studies, Cairns is Airport including fit-out to deliver an of Airline and Airport Management, the perfect base for this new endeavour. Aviation Accidents Forensics Laboratory. Bachelor of Airworthiness, and Aviation CQUniversity has been investing in new This facility would enable CQUniversity Masters and Research Programs. facilities and courses to position Cairns as to introduce its Bachelor of Accident As a direct result of CQUniversity’s a leader for world-class aviation training Forensics course to Cairns for the first commitment and investment into this in the Asia Pacific region in recent years. time. emerging industry to date, Cairns is on- Stage 1 investment ($5 million) saw • $20 million (industry funding) from a track to become a leader for world-class CQUniversity transform the Tom McDonald commercial aviation partner to install a aviation training in the Asia Pacific region. Building at Cairns International Airport world-class high-fidelity flight simulator The city is a strategic gateway point to the into the CQUniversity Asia-Pacific Aviation and associated software. These Asia Pacific; a region of rapidly growing Hub. CQUniversity’s investment included facilities would not only be used to train populations and economies. The city’s a new flight simulator and associated CQUniversity aviation students, but key role in airborne freight and passenger software, and the development of two would attract pilots from the international traffic between Northern Australia and new aviation courses: Bachelor of Aviation aviation industry seeking higher-level the Asia Pacific is undeniable, with direct (Flight Operations) and Graduate Diploma commercial training opportunities. links to China, South Korea, Japan, Hong in Aviation (Flight Operations). Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia.

24 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

QUEENSLAND’S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

QUniversity and Cairns State High CSchool seek $35 million in funding ($25 million Federal and $10 million State) to establish Queensland’s first Comprehensive University High School. The funding will deliver new teaching facilities and comprehensive university educational offerings at Cairns State High School. This Cairns State High School/ CQUniversity Comprehensive University High School proposal delivers innovative education pathways and employment pipelines at fundamental levels. As a Queensland first, the Comprehensive University High School unites CQUniversity (Queensland’s only dual-sector university delivering formal training across the broader VET/Degree spectrum) with Cairns State High School’s school curriculum, courses and pedagogy. The proposed Comprehensive University High School VET/Degree core programming focuses on the Sciences, Aerospace, Engineering, and Performing Arts disciplines supporting the government’s STEAM agenda and encouraging more young people into areas of critical workforce need. By incorporating CQUniversity VET and Degree-level offerings and student support within the current school curriculum, students will commence VET/Degree qualifications at school with a continuous, seamless pathway to post-schooling study on site under an innovative Queensland first model. A breakdown of the model’s components, offerings and associated facilities include: Master plan; Trades, Engineering & Aerospace Centre of Excellence; Allied Health Laboratories; Centre of Excellence for Teaching; Arts Technologies Theatre; Centre for Cultures and Knowledges.

25 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Draper Road Water Treatment plant Supporting population and economic growth and effectively providing for the future urban water needs of the Cairns community

ecurity of supply of water for urban will be a key piece of infrastructure required Suse will be critical if the Cairns region’s to support effective SDA development. population and economic growth potential Recognising the significance of the are to be realised. The proposed project capital investment required to deliver this incorporates a new water treatment plant project and the critical nature of the region’s to be located on Council land near Draper long-term water security, Cairns Regional Road, Gordonvale and the associated water Council has recently lodged a Stage 1 intake infrastructure required to enable the (Problem Identification and Prioritisation) plant to draw water from the Mulgrave River. Application with Infrastructure Australia. This The plant will also treat water from Behana application seeks to have the Cairns Region Creek. It has been identified by Cairns Water Security added to Infrastructure Regional Council’s Water Security Advisory Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List as an COMMITMENT Group (WSAG) as a key priority to meet the initiative of national significance. In support REQUIRED short to medium term water security needs of this application, Council commissioned of the Cairns community (Cairns Region independent advisory firm Marsden Jacob Commitment from the Federal Water Security). The capital cost of the project and Associates (MJA) to quantify the Government to join Council and is estimated to be in the vicinity of $210 million costs associated with not appropriately the Queensland Government in a and is scheduled for construction in Council’s addressing Cairns’ future urban water tripartite funding arrangement (one capital works program over the four years needs. The MJA analysis assessed the third each) for the capital cost of the Draper Road Water Treatment Plant ending 30 June 2026. welfare costs associated with increased and associated intake. The Queensland Government Statistician’s water restrictions as well as the reputational Office (QGSO) has recently released impacts to the region’s tourism industry and

population projections for the period 2016 to increased operational costs to Council of a 2041. These projections indicate that over ‘do minimum’ scenario. MJA estimated the 70% of Cairns’ population growth forecast monetised cost (2019 NPV of costs incurred in the 25 years to 2041 is expected to occur over a 40 year period) to range between in the area between Gordonvale and Cairns $286.9 and $626.3 million. (Cairns South SA3 region). The Draper Road Council is continuing to progress planning Water Treatment Plant and the associated for the project with treatment process, intake will be critical pieces of infrastructure testing, concept design, procurement STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT required to effectively service this population model selection and project manager This priority aligns with and supports growth. In addition, the Queensland and team selection expected to occur in the implementation of the following Government has also recently announced 2020 and 2021. Given the critical nature Australian Government strategies and initiatives: the Cairns South State Development of this project and the significant capital Area (SDA). The 856 hectare SDA was investment required, Council is calling on • Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy established to provide land for regionally the Federal Government to join Council and • National Water Industry Development significant industrial development and to the Queensland Government in a tripartite Fund facilitate economic growth, diversification funding arrangement (one third each) for the • Northern Australia Agenda • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity and job creation within the Cairns economy. project’s capital cost. (2017) The Draper Road Water Treatment Plant

26 27 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS HMAS Cairns & Cairns Seaport Supporting the implementation of the Federal Government’s Pacific Step-up policy, the future development of the Cairns Seaport and the Cairns marine industry sector more broadly

airns Seaport is a critical enabler for the Ccity of Cairns and the broader FNQ region. The Port is also strategically located from a naval, marine logistics and marine tourism perspective with close physical proximity to Asia, PNG and the Pacific. Importantly, the Port is part of the community, and it is infrastructure of State and National importance. The Port has served as the natural consolidation and redistribution centre for supplies shipped to COMMITMENT the coastal communities north of Cairns as REQUIRED well as the Torres Strait Islands and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Cruise shipping, freight and $170 million across the forward logistics, marine maintenance, commercial estimates for the Navy Capability fishing, super yachts, navy and marine based Infrastructure Sub-program tourism are just some of the many users and upgrades to the HMAS Cairns stakeholders reliant on the Seaport. naval base in readiness for the homeporting of four new offshore Cairns Regional Council is calling on the patrol vessels. Federal Government to support the future development of the Seaport through the Designation of Cairns as a Regional Maintenance Centre of strategic strategic upgrade of the HMAS Cairns naval importance in the delivery of naval base and delivery of a number of other policy maintenance and sustainment and investment priorities. services. Funding allocations across the forward estimates for the HMAS Cairns Mid Term Refresh and HMAS Cairns Redevelopment projects. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT Funding allocations to support This priority aligns with and supports Stages 2 and 3 of upgrades to the implementation of the following the Cairns Marine Maintenance Australian Government strategies and Precinct. initiatives: Changes to the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) • Australian Defence Force Posture Review (2012) Act 2012 so the chartering of foreign • Defence White Paper (2016) superyachts in Australian waters • Emerging population, attracts GST on charter value only decentralisation and migration policy (not vessel value). • Northern Australia Agenda • Pacific Step-up - Stepping up Australia’s engagement with our Pacific family • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017)

28 29 HMAS CAIRNS

he HMAS Cairns Naval base contribution from this sector is relatively proximity to Papua New Guinea and Tis situated in Portsmith on the stable and not subject to the impact of the broader Asia Pacific region means northern shore of the Trinity Inlet. With fluctuations in economic conditions and it is strategically located to serve as a responsibility extending from Thursday other factors such as interest and foreign naval maintenance and sustainment Island to Rockhampton, the base has exchange rates. As a result, this sector base. Cairns should be designated as a approximately 900 civilian and Navy plays an important role in supporting Regional Maintenance Centre (RMC) of personnel and is the homeport for nine regional economic resilience. Cairns strategic importance and be the primary Navy vessels. HMAS Cairns’ primary Regional Council is calling for Federal sustainment and maintenance base responsibility is to provide maintenance, Government commitments in the following for appropriate naval vessels operating logistic and administrative support for areas: in the region. Such a designation and Cairns based units and to provide refit • Navy Capability Infrastructure Sub- associated investment will continue to and training support for neighbouring program – As part of this program, there ensure Cairns maintains and develops a Pacific Island nations (Pacific Class Patrol are a series of upgrades (both wharf regional workforce with the capacity and Boats). The strategic importance of the and land side) planned for the HMAS capability to maintain naval vessels. HMAS Cairns base has been underlined Cairns naval base in readiness for the • HMAS Cairns Mid Term Refresh - This by the recent announcement of a base homeporting four of the new proposed $22 million project will provide partnership between the US and Australia OPVs. Works at the HMAS Cairns base mid-life refurbishments to critical to redevelop the Lombrum naval base are expected to commence in late 2022 infrastructure at the base as part of the on Manus Island. In addition, four of the and run to 2025 with an anticipated North Queensland Mid Term Refresh Navy’s 12 new Arafura Class Offshore project value of around $170 million. Program. Subject to Government and Patrol Vessels (OPVs) are expected to be • Regional Maintenance Centre Parliamentary approvals, construction homeported at HMAS Cairns. Designation– Cairns has a well- is planned to commence in early 2021 Continued investment in the HMAS established naval and marine and be completed by early 2023. Cairns base not only strengthens maintenance sector with a broad cross • HMAS Cairns Redevelopment – A Australia’s border security and defence section of facilities and capabilities. The further (and significant) redevelopment capabilities but also has significant flow sector currently services naval vessels of the HMAS Cairns base has been on economic benefits to the Cairns region from a number of Australian bases as earmarked for the second half of the and supports skills development in the well as the United States and Pacific decade with an anticipated project value marine maintenance sector. The economic Islands. The Cairns Seaport’s physical of circa $313 million.

30 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

CAIRNS SEAPORT

Cairns Marine Superyachts Seaport Master Plan Maintenance Precinct Superyachts are defined in the Master planning is also an important As highlighted previously, Cairns has an international market as luxury vessels with initiative that will inform the long-term established track record in the delivery a master and crew, carrying 12 guests strategic direction of the Seaport and of marine maintenance and sustainment or fewer (not including crew), and with identify key priorities for future investment. services with a skilled workforce and a minimum length of 24 metres. The Ports North has commenced the Master industry base operating within the Cairns Queensland Government’s Queensland Planning 2019 project, which will look at Marine Maintenance Precinct. A Stage Superyacht Strategy 2018-23 indicates the 30-year period to 2050. The master 1 funding package of $24 million was that superyachts in Australian waters planning will inform land use and guide announced in April 2019 supporting are estimated to have a capital value infrastructure and operational decisions upgrades at three of the precinct’s key of between $4.7 billion and $10.9 in a sensible and balanced way. The facilities: BSE Cairns Slipway, Tropical billion. Cairns is a major superyacht project will consider economically feasible Reef Shipyard and Norship Marine. Stage destination and has significant capabilities future growth pathways, the protection 1 works are currently underway. Further in superyacht maintenance, refit and of environmental values, and ensure the funding of $125 million is being sought repair. In 2018, 59 superyachts visited region’s ports are growing compatibly to support Stages 2 and 3 of the Cairns Cairns with an average length of stay with the communities in which they are Marine Maintenance Precinct upgrade to of approximately 36 days (source: located. Protection of World Heritage complement the planned redevelopment Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef). values associated with the Great Barrier and expansion works at HMAS Cairns as On 5 December 2019, the Special Reef World Heritage Area will also be a well as improving the sector’s capacity and Recreational Vessels Bill passed through key consideration. This master planning competiveness more broadly. the Federal Parliament. The passage of is expected to be completed in the first the Bill will ensure that foreign superyachts half of 2020. The master planning will chartered in national waters will be guide future infrastructure investment charged GST on the value of the charter at the Cairns Seaport in the context of only. Previously, foreign superyachts broader port capabilities and capacity operating in national waters had to throughout the region. For any such be imported to be chartered resulting infrastructure investment, the wider in the imposition of GST on vessel economic benefits of future expansion of value plus duty where applicable. This the port should be considered including legislative change will be a significant investigating innovative funding and enabler for the industry increasing the finance opportunities subject to relevant sector’s international competitiveness business cases. The master plan may and supporting further economic and highlight future opportunities for the employment growth. Implementation of Federal Government to further support the other policy priorities contained in the Seaport development through investment Queensland Government’s Queensland and/or policy change. Superyacht Strategy 2018-23 would complement this recent legislative change and further support sector growth.

31 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS National Indigenous Heritage Centre Establishing a centre of national significance to preserve, showcase and celebrate Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heritage and culture

airns has the highest proportion attractions such as the Australian War Cof population that is Indigenous of Memorial and Australian Stockman’s Hall any city in Australia. Cairns is also the of Fame. only region with direct connectivity to The National Indigenous Heritage Centre both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander would aim to: culture. Protecting and preserving our • Protect, celebrate and preserve the Indigenous history, heritage and culture unique cultural heritage of Australia’s is not only an essential part of our Indigenous peoples. community’s identity, but it also provides • Embrace a ‘many cultures, one country, employment opportunities and social one world’ philosophy. benefits for the region’s First Peoples. • Create Indigenous business enterprise One of the great gaps that exists within and employment opportunities. COMMITMENT our national community has been an • Be an engaging, ‘must see’ world-class REQUIRED inability to reconcile our past and to unite, attraction for locals and tourists. accept and embrace a ‘many cultures • Be a key regional enabler supporting the Funding to support initial concept one country’ philosophy. This could be promotion and sharing of Indigenous development and business demonstrated through the establishment culture and heritage within the Far North case preparation for a National Indigenous Heritage Centre located of a National Indigenous Heritage Centre Queensland region including Cape York in Cairns. (of art, history, research, dance, language, and the Torres Strait. education, story-telling and more) that This project also links/aligns with the unites all Australians. Cairns Gallery Precinct proposal that is Cairns/TNQ provides an authentic outlined on page 14 of this document. location for the establishment of such To progress this important initiative, a National Indigenous Heritage Centre. funding will be required to support the The centre would become an iconic initial concept development and business part of Australia’s heritage and culture case preparation. and ultimately achieve similar status to

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT This priority aligns with and supports the implementation of the following Australian Government strategies and initiatives:

32 33 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Northern Beaches Leisure Trail An iconic shared-use walking and cycling link connecting Palm Cove to the Cairns City, which delivers substantial economic and liveability benefits to the Cairns community

he Northern Beaches Leisure Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach, TTrail (NBLT) has been a long- Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, term priority of Cairns Regional and Machans Beach. The connection Council for some time. The ultimate between Palm Cove and Clifton Beach aim of the project is to provide a is nearing completion. Planning is well shared-use (walking and cycling) link underway for both the Kewarra Beach between Palm Cove and the Cairns to Trinity Beach and Machans Beach City including connecting all of the to Holloways Beach connections. Northern Beaches suburbs located Planning has also commenced between those two destinations. on the section of the NBLT south The project has significant benefits from Machans Beach to link with including: the existing Aeroglen and Stratford COMMITMENT • Improved safety through the cycling and walking paths. This link REQUIRED provision of a fully off road route, will traverse across road reserve particularly between communities through Machans Beach, and zoned Provision of funding towards the and for local school student Esplanade along the northern bank estimated $20 million to $30 million movements. of the Barron River. A safe crossing of total capital cost of delivering the • Increased leisure opportunities and the Barron River is anticipated to be remaining connectivity components provided as part of the upgrade to the of the Northern Beaches Leisure attractors to foreshore facilities at Trail. the beach suburbs. Captain Cook Highway from Aeroglen • Development of inter and intra to the Caravonica roundabout. suburb pedestrian/cycling Once completed, significant connections. connectively will be provided with • Delivery of an iconic tourist route safe, mostly off-road cycling and and promotion of other local tourism pedestrian access from Palm Cove opportunities such as Cattana through to the Cairns City Centre. Wetlands, Earl Hill, Palm Cove, and The NBLT will also connect to the eventually the Wangetti trail. existing paths through Stratford and Conceptual work on the preferred Freshwater to Redlynch all the way alignment of the NBLT started in to Redlynch Valley Estate. This will STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT earnest in 2014 culminating in 2015 provide enhanced commuter routes This priority aligns with and supports the implementation of the following with a preferred alignment having a for workers and school students to a Australian Government strategies and large percentage of the path along number of schools, additional passive initiatives: the foreshore from Machans Beach to and active recreational opportunities, • Emerging population, decentralisation Palm Cove. and provide new tourist options for and migration policy A substantial part of the NBLT visitors staying in either the Cairns City • Northern Australia Agenda has been fully constructed with Centre or Northern Beaches. • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity the beachfront trail elements of all The final alignment of the NBLT (2017) Northern Beaches suburbs completed continues to evolve as staged works • Tourism 2020 (Strategy) including Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, progress and the results of further

34 Palm Cove

Trinity Beach

Machans Beach

Barron River

Barron River Cairns International Airport

Mount Whitfield Conservation Park

Cairns CBD Palm Cove Northern Beaches Leisure Trail Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

Client Preferred Route [ Cairns Regional Council Cairns Connection Job Title Northern Beaches Cycleway Feasibility Study Level 4, 108 Wickham Street CRC Bikeways Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Drawing Title Tel +61 (7)3023 6000 Fax +61 (7)3023 6023 www.arup.com Project Area Existing on road Scale at A3 Drawing Status 1:55,000 Final Kilometers Existing off road Coordinate System 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 1 27/02/2015 BD GJK LB Proposed Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 240139 001 © Arup *diagram depicts the preliminary alignment, final alignment of the NBLT is subject to further detailed design, planning, site investigations and the Trinity Beach outcomes of community consultation

Machans Beach

Barron River

Barron River Cairns International Airport

Mount Whitfield Conservation Park

Cairns CBD

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community planning, design, site investigations Trinity Beach to Yorkeys Knob, YorkeysClient works (which include a number of Preferred Route Cairns Regional Council and community consultation become Knob to Holloways Beach and Machans[ bridges, boardwalks etc.) to be in the Cairns Connection Job Title available. Whilst large elements of Beach to the existing cycle/pedestrianNorthern Beachesvicinity Cycleway of $20 million to $30 million. Feasibility Study Level 4, 108 Wickham Street CRC Bikeways Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Drawing Title Tel +61 (7)3023 6000 Fax +61 (7)3023 6023 the foreshore sections of the route network to the south of the Barron Council is advocatingwww.arup.com to both the Existing on road Project Area are either completed or in progress, River) has not yet been secured and will Queensland and FederalScale at A3 GovernmentsDrawing Status 1:55,000 Final Kilometers Existing off road Coordinate System funding to deliver significant elements be necessary to fully realise the project’s0 0.5to 1commit 1.5 capital 2 2.5 funding to support the GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 1 27/02/2015 BD GJK LB of connectivityProposed between suburbs (in significant benefits. Whilst planning and delivery of this importantJob No projectDrawing for No both Issue Date By Chkd Appd 240139 001 particular Clifton Beach to Kewarra design continues, Council estimates the Cairns community and the region’s © Arup Beach, Kewarra Beach to Trinity Beach, the cost of these remaining connectivity tourism economy.

35 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Nullinga Dam

A multigenerational infrastructure project that will unlock the full potential of the FNQ region’s agricultural sector and support the long-term urban water security of Cairns

ater security and quality are key priorities agricultural benefit of the project was Wunderpinning the future development calculated based on what users would be of the Cairns region and Northern Australia. willing to pay for water entitlements rather With 60% of Queensland’s annual water run- than quantifying the economic benefits (both off and significant tracts of underdeveloped direct and indirect) the increased agricultural arable land, the FNQ region’s agricultural production enabled by the dam would deliver. potential is enormous. To unlock this potential, • No value placed on community resilience it is imperative that there be investment in the benefits – Nullinga Dam would provide infrastructure required to harness the region’s significant risk mitigation against the potential water resources. Urban water security is also impacts of climate change and drought. No an important strategic issue that needs to be value was placed on this benefit. addressed in order to meet the challenges of • Project capital cost – The project’s estimated a Cairns population that is expected to nearly capital cost increased from $323 million in double in the next 30 years. Based on historical the preliminary business case to between COMMITMENT growth rates, the FNQ region’s population is $714 million and $1,068 million in the REQUIRED expected to reach half a million people by the detailed business case (an increase of middle of the 21st century. between 121% and 231%). This substantial Join Council in advocating to the The proposed Nullinga Dam project, located increase has contributed significantly to the Queensland Government for the on the Walsh River on the Atherton Tablelands business case conclusions and warrants project to proceed and a Federal with a capacity of 518,000 ML and an annual independent review and verification. Government commitment for yield of up to 74,000 ML, has been proposed Perhaps most importantly, the business case the provision of joint (with the as a critical piece of water supply infrastructure was premised on a full cost recovery approach Queensland Government) capital that will: where the costs of dam establishment and funding to support project delivery. • Stimulate and expand irrigated agriculture in operation are to be fully recovered from the region by supplementing existing water water users. Investment in critical long-term supplies. infrastructure projects such as Nullinga Dam • Support the long term urban water security must be part of the core role of State and necessary to cater for the Cairns region’s Federal governments. This direct investment growing population. approach is adopted for other items of • Support further expansion of the region’s economic enabling infrastructure such as export and distribution industries thereby roads where governments invest significant contributing to job growth and increased sums of money without recovery from users. economic activity across the FNQ region Governments benefit indirectly from enabling more generally. infrastructure projects such as dams and A detailed business case for the project roads through the additional economic benefits was undertaken by Building Queensland they generate which ultimately results in and released in August 2019. Whilst the additional tax revenue, increased employment business case concluded that the dam is ‘not (contributing to reduced unemployment STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT economically nor financially viable’, Council is benefits) and the benefits improved economic This priority aligns with and supports concerned that this conclusion was based on prosperity and liveability contribute to the implementation of the following flawed assumptions including: sustainable and thriving regional communities. Australian Government strategies and • The adoption of a 30-year appraisal On this basis, Council is calling on the initiatives: period for project benefits - dams are Queensland Government to commit to multigenerational projects that deliver • Emerging population, proceeding with the Nullinga Dam project. decentralisation and migration policy benefits over centuries not decades. Council is seeing advocacy support from • National Water Industry • No value placed on urban benefit – despite the Federal Government in this regard as Development Fund the dam being part of Cairns’ long-term well as a commitment to provide capital • Northern Australia Agenda water security strategy, no value was placed • Region’s 2030 Unlocking funding for the project in partnership with on the urban benefits the dam would deliver. Opportunity (2017) the Queensland Government. • Calculation of agricultural benefit – the

36 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

37 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Population and Migration Strategy Supporting the growth of a skilled population base to deliver economic outcomes in Northern Australia

n August 2018, the Australian population by virtue of the city’s well-established Ireached 25 million people. Recent international airport. population growth in Australia has • Low unemployment and a strong private significantly exceeded forecasts, which and public investment pipeline. has resulted in an infrastructure deficit • Superior quality of life and liveability. and settlement imbalance particularly in major capital cities such as Sydney and Cairns Regional Council is calling for the Melbourne where the majority of population development of a long-term population growth has been concentrated. This rapid and migration strategy for the Cairns region population growth presents significant including: challenges in major cities such as dealing • Analysing the historical and forecast with increased traffic congestion and trends in regional population growth delivering new infrastructure in already and migration. COMMITMENT heavily populated areas. Policy that • Forecasting medium to longer term REQUIRED supports population growth and migration trends in the regional economy to regional cities such as Cairns can be and the impacts of these trends on Completion of a detailed population part of a solution, which not only relieves future employment and workforce and migration strategy for the the pressure on our nation’s major capitals, requirements. Cairns region to deliver the skilled but also supports continued economic • Forecasting future workforce population base needed to unlock development in Australia’s regions and requirements for priority industries and the region’s full potential. Northern Australia in particular. identifying and quantifying potential skills Cairns already has a track record of gaps and actions to address including sustained population growth with an consultation and collaboration with the average annual growth rate of 2.3% region’s university and higher education achieved in the 15 years to 2016, above sectors. both the Queensland and national • Establishing population growth targets population growth rates over the same for the region including for priority skills period. Growth has largely been driven sectors. by net economic (employment) migration • Consideration and analysis of a wide to the region with superior quality of life range of actions and incentives that and liveability also supporting population can support migration (international, attraction and retention. Today, Cairns intrastate, interstate) to the region with an and the FNQ region have a population of emphasis on priority skills sectors. 165,000 and 286,000 respectively. But the • Assessment of the ‘liveability’ factors that continued growth of a skilled population contribute to population attraction and STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT base will be required in order for the region retention and related actions to support to achieve its full economic potential. enhanced liveability. This priority aligns with and supports the implementation of the following Australian Cairns has unique competitive • High-level consideration of the key Government strategies and initiatives: advantages when it comes to attracting infrastructure and service requirements to and retaining international and domestic support further population growth. • Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy migrants including: The strategy will ultimately inform policy • Northern Australia Agenda • An existing diverse and multicultural to support future population growth and • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity community and population. economic development for the Cairns (2017) • Strong connectivity and accessibility region.

38 Population and Migration Strategy

39 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

Priority Renewable Energy Zone for Cairns and FNQ Harnessing the region’s significant natural resources and establishing FNQ as a leader in renewable energy generation, research and innovation

COMMITMENT REQUIRED

Designation of the Cairns and FNQ region as a Priority Renewable Energy Zone and implementation of the policy and investment required to support regional renewable energy development. nternational commitments to emission hydropower, and bioenergy. Ireductions and changing social The Cairns and FNQ region has an attitudes towards climate change are abundance of natural resources (sun, driving record investment in renewable wind and water) that can be harnessed energy projects. The Australian for renewable energy generation. There Government’s own 2030 Emissions are a number of significant renewable Reduction Target provides for a 26-28 energy projects either already operating per cent reduction in 2005 emission or planned in the region including: levels by 2030. The Queensland • Stanwell’s Barron Hydro hydroelectric Government’s target is for 50% of the generator located 20 kilometres north State’s energy to come from renewables west of Cairns with a capacity of STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT by 2030. 66MW (operational). This priority aligns with and supports The International Energy Agency • Ratch Group’s Mt Emerald Wind the implementation of the following Australian Government strategies and predicts that renewables will have the Farm wind energy generation project initiatives: fastest growth in the global electricity located on the Atherton Tablelands

• Emerging population, sector, providing almost 30% of power and comprising 53 wind turbines with decentralisation and migration policy demand in 2023, up from 24% in a capacity of 180MW (operational). • Northern Australia Agenda 2017. During this period, renewables • Conergy’s Lakeland Solar and Storage • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017) are forecast to meet more than 70% Project located approximately 240 • Renewable Energy Target (RET) of global electricity generation growth, kilometres north west of Cairns with a scheme led by solar PV and followed by wind, capacity of 12.5MW (operational).

40 Priority Renewable Energy Zone for Cairns and FNQ

• MSF Sugar’s Tableland Green Energy Not only does such development support • Establishment of Cairns as a gateway Power Plant located on the Atherton delivery of the region’s and nation’s energy to and knowledge hub for the region’s Tablelands which utilises sugarcane security and emission reduction targets, renewable energy sector. fibre (known as bagasse) to produce it also aligns with the region’s ‘clean and • Investment in the National Energy renewable energy. The plant has green’ image with Cairns the gateway to Market (NEM) transmission network a production capacity of 24MW two World Heritage Listed natural assets to facilitate the efficient connection (operational). in the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics and transport of renewable energy • Genex Power’s proposed Kidston Rainforest. generated in the Priority REZ to Pumped Storage Hydro Project To unlock the region’s potential for consumers. located in the Etheridge Shire south further renewable energy development, • Support for renewable energy research, west of Cairns with an expected Cairns Regional Council is calling for the development and innovation ideally in capacity of 250MW (planned). following: conjunction with the region’s university The Australian Energy Market Operator’s • Designation of the FNQ region as a sector. This could include research (AEMO’s) Integrated System Plan (ISP) Priority Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). and analysis on potential micro grid identifies the Far North Queensland • Appropriate incentives to encourage and energy storage solutions that and North Queensland Clean Energy further investment in renewable could contribute positively to the Hub as two potential renewable energy generation projects located in the region’s energy security and resilience zones within a pool of 34 potential Priority REZ and to also encourage (particularly during natural disasters candidates. The Cairns and FNQ region renewable energy companies to such as cyclones). has significant potential to support further establish operational/’head office’ renewable energy project development. bases in region.

41 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Priority Regional Recycling and Reprocessing Hub Effectively managing the region’s waste resources and establishing Cairns as a leader in materials recycling, processing and innovation

aste management in Australia is Strategy implementation is progressing Win transition. There is a significant including the multi-million-dollar upgrade to attitudinal shift within Australian society Council’s Materials Recovery Facility, which regarding the ways in which we manage will see diversion from landfill rates increased waste. There is a growing acceptance that from 50% up to 85%. The facility already our current rate of consumption of natural recycles significant waste materials from resources in not acceptable and that we a number of neighbouring councils and need to be more efficient in managing and has the potential to further meet the waste recovering our resources in a way that recycling needs across the FNQ region minimises the environmental and public more broadly. health impacts from waste. There are Specific recycling and value added COMMITMENT also significant commercial opportunities processing opportunities exist for plastics, REQUIRED presented from the effective recovery and glass, rubber (including tyres) with innovative reprocessing of waste materials that have solutions also required for emerging waste Designation of Cairns as a the potential to contribute positively to the streams such as solar panels, lithium Priority Regional Recycling and regional economy. The recent introduction batteries and other technology equipment. Reprocessing Hub together with by the Queensland Government of the The fact that Cairns is already home to two funding to support recycling Container Refund Scheme (CRS) and well established universities and a number and processing infrastructure Waste Levy represent policy changes of secondary recycled materials processors development and expansion as well as the investigation of innovative that will also support waste recycling and means there is opportunity to undertake commercial opportunities for the reprocessing. research and investigate innovative solutions use of recycled materials. Situated at the gateway to two iconic World for the reprocessing of recycled materials. Heritage Listed natural assets in the Great Cairns Regional Council is calling for the Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, designation of Cairns as a Priority Regional Cairns has a moral obligation to be a leader Recycling and Reprocessing Hub with in the development of waste management key actions in support of this designation solutions that not only minimise including: environmental impacts but also provide • Funding to support further infrastructure commercial, economic and employment investment in materials recycling facilities opportunities from implementing innovative to support increased diversion from landfill recycling and reprocessing solutions. In and provide the necessary ‘feedstock’ for 2018, Cairns Regional Council adopted its recycled materials reprocessing. Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy • Provision of funding to support concept STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT 2018-2027. The vision within that strategy is and business case development for This priority aligns with and supports for ‘Innovative waste management providing innovative recycled materials reprocessing the implementation of the following economic, social and environmental benefits and other solutions such as biofuels. Australian Government strategies and initiatives: for the Tropical North Queensland Region’. The strategy has five core strategic • Emerging population, decentralisation objectives: and migration policy • National Waste Policy (2018) • Provide education and awareness • Northern Australia Agenda • Reduce waste • Reef 2050 Plan • Maximise resource recovery • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017) • Secure our future needs •Advocacy and collaboration

42 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

43 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Reef and Rainforest Management

Effectively managing and investing in our region’s two most important and internationally significant natural assets

airns lies at the gateway to two of Responsibility for management of Cthe world’s greatest natural wonders the WTR has been devolved to the Wet in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Wet Tropics Management Authority. The Tropics Rainforest (WTR), both of which Australian and Queensland Government’s are World Heritage Listed. As well as the respective responsibilities in cooperating GBR’s unquestionable environmental to protect and conserve the Great Barrier value, it also underpins significant Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) were incepted components of the Cairns region’s in the Emerald Agreement in 1979, and economy, in particular tourism. Recent most recently updated in the Great Barrier analysis by Deloitte Access Economics Reef Intergovernmental Agreement 2015. estimated that: The existing management structures • The asset value of the GBR is $56 for the GBR and WTR are overly billion. complex and lack clarity of purpose COMMITMENT • The GBR provides support for 64,000 and responsibility. The level of funding REQUIRED Australian jobs. to support GBR and WTR preservation • The GBR generates $6.4B in revenue and management also needs to be Commitment to undertake a annually. reset. A single, de-politicised World detailed independent review of Heritage management body (such as a the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and The WTR also provides significant Wet Tropics Rainforest (WTR) economic benefits to the regional and commission) would ensure transparency, management structures and national economies through tourism in accountability and effectiveness. A GBR/ WTR funding (quantum and particular. The international growth of review of the management structure and structure) requirements for long nature and adventure based tourism funding sends a powerful message that term management and preservation underlines the critical importance the this nation has the boldness, vision and of these critical ecosystems. GBR and WTR will continue to play in the leadership to do what it is necessary to future economic prosperity of the Cairns protect these two global icons. and broader FNQ region. The preservation and effective The condition and factors affecting reef management of these two iconic natural health need to be better understood and assets must be recognised as a strategic addressed as does adverse domestic priority of national and global importance and international perceptions of the if their significant social, community and health of the GBR. Crucially, a significant economic benefits are to be secured for proportion of the river systems flowing future generations. into the GBR have their sources within, or flowing through, the World Heritage STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT Listed WTR. The health of the Rainforest This priority aligns with and supports has a direct impact on river catchments the implementation of the following and marine ecosystems with flow-on Australian Government strategies and impacts on water quality and the health of initiatives: the GBR. • Draft Wet Tropics Strategic Plan (2018) • Northern Australia Agenda • Reef 2050 Plan • Tourism 2020 (Strategy)

44 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

45 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS Strengthening Australia’s Relationship with PNG and the Pacific Cairns is strategically located to support the delivery of the Federal Government’s Pacific Step-up policy

CAIRNS

COMMITMENT he Pacific Step-up has been identified Tradelinked Cairns-PNG-Pacific, a REQUIRED Tas one of Australia’s highest foreign regionally focussed network established policy priorities. Cairns is strategically to facilitate the engagement of businesses Support for a joint PNG/Cairns positioned to support a number of the trading between Cairns and its near team entering the NRL competition. Federal Government’s initiatives and international neighbours. In addition, Placement of Office of the Pacific personnel in Cairns. Support further activities in this regard. Cairns is the Cairns’ well established and connected investigation of future potential air closest Australian city to Port Moresby, Airport and Seaport also provide links between Cairns and Lae. less than a 90 minute flight away, with opportunity to further connect and a large expat community of Papua New strengthen Australia’s relationship with Guineans calling Cairns home. Cairns PNG and the wider Pacific. has a strong economic, cultural and A number of opportunities exist social connection with PNG including a for Cairns to play an important role long established sister city relationship in Australia’s Pacific Step-up policy, STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT with Lae, PNG’s second largest city. continuing to build on Cairns’ already well This priority aligns with and supports Cairns has also played a pivotal role in established connections within the Asia- the implementation of the following supporting the ongoing deployment of Pacific region. Australian Government strategies and initiatives: the Pacific Patrol Boat Program. Under this program, 22 Pacific Class patrol STRENGTHENING OUR • Australian Defence Force Posture boats were donated by the Australian TIES WITH PNG THROUGH Review (2012) • Defence White Paper (2016) Government to twelve South Pacific SPORT • Foreign Policy White Paper (2017) countries where they are operated by Perhaps no single act from an Australian • Northern Australia Agenda militaries, coast guards and/or police government would do more to strengthen • Pacific Step-up - Stepping up Australia’s engagement with our forces. Cairns based marine businesses the economic, social and cultural Pacific family have supported the program through connection between Australia and PNG, • Region’s 2030 Unlocking the provision of refit and maintenance than bringing a PNG rugby league team Opportunity (2017) services. The city is also home to into the National Rugby League (NRL)

46 FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS

competition. And no other city would OFFICE OF THE PACIFIC route twice per week. This enhancement be a more appropriate location for an The Office of the Pacific has been will provide a valuable airfreight link Australian home ground, than Cairns. established within the Department of between Cairns, Port Moresby, Hong The PNG Hunters and Northern Pride Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to Kong as well as a number of other (Cairns) rugby league teams are already support the delivery of the Pacific Step- destinations in Asia. In addition, and part of the Queensland Rugby League up policy and strengthen Australia’s with the support of Council, Tradelinked (QRL) competition. Rugby league is bilateral relationships with our Pacific Cairns-PNG-Pacific has been an effective way to build stronger ties neighbours. Cairns Regional Council investigating the potential opportunities between Australia and PNG at a time is calling for the Office of the Pacific to that direct air links between Cairns when other powers are jockeying for base personnel from the office ‘on the and Lae may deliver. An agreement influence. A foreign policy initiative ground’ in Cairns to leverage the city’s between the Governments of PNG and supporting NRL expansion, and giving already strong relationships with PNG Japan will see the upgrading of Lae Papua New Guinea a helping hand to and our Pacific neighbours as well as (Nadzab) Airport to international status operate within the national league, would our existing air and sea connectivity. taking place with financial support from build immense soft diplomacy power Japan. The upgrade is expected to be for Australia. The NRL says a review IMPROVED AIR completed in 2020-21. With a number is currently looking at the structure of CONNECTIVITY of significant resource and infrastructure the league, and that PNG would be Air Niugini has operated a ten times per projects occurring in the Lae region, the considered as part of any expansion week service between Port Moresby establishment of a direct air link between review. In addition to rugby league, there and Cairns utilising Fokker aircraft for Lae and Cairns would further strengthen is also opportunity to further strengthen some time. With the support of the the trade, economic and social ties sporting ties with PNG and the Pacific Queensland Government, Cairns Airport between the two sister cities. through the hosting of competition and and Council, Air Niugini has recently training camps in Cairns across a range enhanced this service by operating a of relevant sporting codes. larger Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the

47 For more information: Mayor’s Office: 07 4044 3083 [email protected]

The priorities and projects contained in this document have been drawn from the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision. The development of this vision was led by Cairns Regional Council in consultation with key regional stakeholders. The vision provides a framework to secure long term economic prosperity and liveability for the Cairns region. To find out more about the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/vision2050 and sign on to help us secure an even better future for the Cairns community.