tropical futures 2016

Pillars for a sustainable Cassowary Coast

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 1 Cassowary Coast Regional Council PO Box 887 Innisfail Qld 4860 Tel (07) 4030 2222 Fax (07) 4061 4258 Email [email protected] Web www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Publication produced August 2011

Disclaimer: ‘While every effort has been made to ensure information in this Plan is current and factual, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council makes no representation to any person or organisation with regard to the completeness or accuracy of the data or information contained in this document and, to the extent permitted by law, disclaiming all liability for any loss or damage (including indirect, special or consequential loss or damage) incurred by any person or organisation arising from the use of, or reliance upon, the data or information contained herein’.

Publication Design: design.it • inspire.create.advertise - Tully (07) 4068 3311 Images indicated by location supplied courtesy of Tourism Queensland Table of Contents

Foreword...... 6

A Message from the Mayor...... 7

Purpose...... 8 Cassowary Coast Regional Council Corporate Framework...... 10

Region Profile – Dynamic Cassowary Coast ...... 11 Urban Centres & Localities...... 12 Demographics...... 12 Knowledge, skills and training...... 13 The Labour Force...... 14 Lifestyle - Working and living in the region...... 16 Power...... 17 Telecommunications...... 17 Economic contribution of the region...... 18

Context...... 20 An Eco-Economy...... 20 Liveable Cassowary Coast Plan...... 21 Towards Q2: Tomorrows Queensland...... 22 ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland...... 23 Queensland Research & Development Investment Strategy 2010 - 2020...... 24 Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009 – 2031...... 25 Far North Queensland Infrastructure Plan 2009 - 2031...... 25 Centres of Enterprise Initiative...... 26 Keep Australia Working Cairns and Far North Queensland Regional Plan...... 26 Indigenous Economic Development Strategy Action Plan 2010 – 2012...... 27 Tropical North Queensland Regional Economic Plan...... 28 Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait Regional Roadmap...... 28

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 3 Pillars of Economic Development...... 29 Pillar 1 – Marketing the Cassowary Coast Region...... 30 Regional Significance...... 30 Far North Queensland ‘GreenBiz’ Friendly Capital...... 31 Laboratory for Innovation...... 31 Centre of Education Excellence...... 31 Centre of Excellence in Health Services...... 31 Mobile Knowledge Workers...... 31 Transport Connectivity...... 32 Local Industry Recognition...... 32 Town, Rural and Coastal Communities...... 32 Landmark Events...... 32 Strategies for achieving above...... 33 a) Creating a business brand b) Promotional activities c) Effective communications d) Business events Priority actions for above...... 33

Pillar 2 – Building Partnerships, Fostering Innovation...... 34 Strategies for achieving above...... 36 a) Local, regional, global partnerships b) Fostering sustainable business practices c) Economic development partnership programs d) Linking business e) Research and development f) Regional innovation zones Priority actions for above...... 37

Pillar 3 – Workforce Development...... 38 Strategies for achieving above...... 40 a) Clustering around magnet infrastructure b) Supporting disadvantaged and minority groups c) Linking education and training providers d) Networking for jobs, skills and training e) Understanding employment trends f) Modernising education delivery g) Promoting best practice in skills and knowledge transfer h) Promoting sustainability education Priority actions for above...... 41

4 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Pillar 4 – Enabling Infrastructure...... 42 Strategies for achieving above...... 44 a) Establishing a long term infrastructure plan b) Establish a proactive planning approval process c) Integrating disaster mitigation and sustainability principles d) Creating a balanced environment for public private partnership e) Promoting key transport infrastructure hubs f) Improving energy generation infrastructure g) Improving communications infrastructure h) Improving waste and water management infrastructure i) Influencing whole of Government infrastructure planning Priority actions for above...... 45

Pillar 5 – Planning for the Future...... 46 Strategies for achieving above...... 48 a) Influencing the far north Queensland regional planning framework b) Integrated planning for social, natural and economic benefit c) Commercial and industrial land availability d) Establish economic growth corridors around major infrastructure e) Fostering external partnerships f) Responsive planning assessment Priority actions for above...... 48

Monitoring Outcomes & Success...... 49

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 5 Foreword

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council Economic Development Plan ‘Tropical Futures 2016’ is a culmination of extensive research and consultation with our local business community, Government and Non Government partners providing a dynamic framework for Council to guide the sustainable economic growth of the Cassowary Coast region.

Focusing on five economic pillars: 1. Marketing the Cassowary Coast Region 2. Building Partnerships 3. Workforce Development 4. Enabling Infrastructure 5. Planning for the future

The Plan outlines a set of strategies and priority actions for the region to 2016. The Plan is the first in an ongoing series of five year plans. The Plan focuses on laying a foundation that raises the profile of the region and building the capacity of the regions individual industry groups and business networks.

The local economy is characterised by a range of business activities supported by a resilient agricultural and tourism base that provides for local employment growth in our region. Ongoing investment is characterised by large scale developments such as the Sea Haven project and several other proposed developments. Supported by public private partnerships, the region will be transformed into a vibrant centre for business and residents in the 21st Century.

Council and its partners are committed to playing an active role to achieve economic wellbeing and quality of life for the communities and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Economic Development Plan will guide Council in shaping that future.

The Cassowary Coast region provides for more than just a lifestyle, it aims to be an innovative region where people want to live, work and grow their business.

Much of the statistical information was gathered online through the Queensland Treasury - Office of Economic & Statistical Research and the Australian Bureau of Statistics and is based off the 2006 census data, unless otherwise noted. Numerous Queensland and Commonwealth Government, Non Governmental and International agency reports were also consulted throughout the development of this plan.

‘Before everything Shenal Basnayake Economic Development Officer else, getting ready Cassowary Coast Regional Council is the secret of success’ Henry Ford

6 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 A message from the Mayor

The Cassowary Coast region is unique for very many reasons. It is very unusual to be part of the developed world yet exist in a tropic environment.

There are abundant natural resources and an enormous range of biodiversity. Our people are a significant resource recognised for our resilience, but to fully utilise our resources we need to further increase educational opportunities.

Our resources enable the region to typically have the highest value of agricultural production of all local government regions in Australia.

Economic development is the life blood of our community. We all know that the world’s resources are limited and that there are pressures on some community’s particularly large cities and their liveability. Growth at all costs is not acceptable.

Our liveability is highly regarded and we welcome appropriate development that does not put at risk our lifestyle or natural beauty. We want the economies of scale benefits that come from growth and targeted opportunities for our children.

I encourage our community to grasp the initiatives highlighted in the economic plan for the betterment of all in our region.

Cr. Bill Shannon Mayor - Cassowary Coast Regional Council

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 7 Purpose

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council Economic Development Plan will provide increased coherence and coordination with other Council plans delivering actions and outcomes that act on strategies defined in the five pillars as set out below: pillar 2 pillar 1 pillar 3 pillar 4 pillar 5

Marketing the Building Workforce Enabling Planning for Cassowary Coast Partnerships, Development Infrastructure the Future Region Fostering Innovation

It will provide a positive framework to guide, support as having some of the greatest potential for future jobs and and give greater recognition to sustainable economic regional resilience. To secure this ambitious goal, all the development. The delivery of this Plan is the instruments at the regions disposal, including the natural implementation of a series of priority actions. The actions environment, need to be harnessed effectively. will be progressively updated and reviewed, to allow this Plan to remain dynamic and future-oriented to 2016. Council will ensure that the Cassowary Coast region Understanding that Council alone cannot deliver on all the is part of the global ‘efficiency revolution’ required for priority actions, Council will be working very closely with all achieving sustainability. This can be through changes in levels of Government, Non-Government agencies, regional technology development and design, changes in governance industry and business networks to facilitate the delivery of and changes in consumption decisions. Ensuring broader outcomes. awareness and championing change by expounding the benefits of ‘biomimicry’ for example are ways in which Tackling the challenge of resource efficiency and climate positive changes can occur in the daily lives of the regions change whilst delivering job growth is the core objective citizens and the industries we rely on. of the Plan. This not only means gearing up the economy to deliver the agreed goals, but also kick-starting investment in greener industries, technologies and services recognised

8 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 The plan encourages businesses and individuals alike The region needs to define where it wants to be over to: the coming decade. To this end, the Plan proposes: • Recognise that the world and the region is • A reduction in unemployment levels to be on par going to continue experiencing change at an or better than the national level within the next exponential rate over the next 20 years, and they ten years; have limited time to prepare for those changes; • Creation of new employment opportunities • Shift many of their business as usual practices; at a consistent rate with the regions expected • Understand and tackle the issue of sustainable population growth; development, especially through bringing in • Creation of new green industries through resource efficiencies and integrating indigenous marketing, promotion and branding of the region, knowledge. as well as the introduction of green business friendly policies, incentives and reward; • Increasing the capacity of the regions industry To achieve the above, a set of goals has been outlined groups and business networks to undertake to provide the region with: projects and action themselves; • A unique and outstanding environment that • Achieve the Queensland Governments promotes a more resource efficient, greener and climate/energy targets through introduction competitive economy; of sustainability initiatives and a reduction in • A fair and connected society that fosters a high emissions; employment economy delivering social cohesion; • Increasing the number of tertiary degree • Effective, collaborative leadership through recipients within the region; enhanced direct linkages with other relevant • Increasing the viability of the regions indigenous local, regional and state plans that facilitate corporations through assistance establishing new collaborative economic development; industries and employment outcomes; • Prosperity through knowledge and innovation; • Increasing the regions resilience to natural • Quality planning outcomes; disasters and external impacts. • Resilient infrastructure; • Self sustaining indigenous communities. These targets are interrelated and critical to the plans overall success and tailored to meet the economic needs of the region.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 9 Cassowary Coast Regional Council Corporate Framework

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council through its The delivery of this Plan falls Economic Development Plan has created a vision for the within the regions corporate future – a dynamic region with an enhanced quality of life framework, the Cassowary for its citizens and one which engages communities through Coast Regional Council cultural, social and economic activities. Corporate Plan 2009 – 2019.

Council’s vision is to retain our unique tropical lifestyle The key outcome areas of the Corporate Plan that relate to whilst valuing our exceptional natural environment and the Economic Development Plan are: create a balanced, sustainable economy. • Outcome 3.1 – Encourage development of new business and emerging industries • Outcome 3.2 – Foster development and expansion The regions vision influence’s a number of key factors and of existing business and industry issues in implementing the plan including: • Outcome 3.3 – A recognised tourism destination • Acknowledging the contribution of existing local • Outcome 3.4 – Development of the region as a businesses and encouraging new business investment; transport hub • Understanding the strain put on traditional industries • Outcome 3.5 – Cassowary Coast has appropriate land in the agricultural and tourism sectors through both use planning to support a sustainable economy the global financial crisis and natural occurrences; • Supporting new technologies and growth in the Other key strategic documents that guide activities in the electronic commerce and services; region include: Cassowary Coast Regional Council Operational Plan, • Expanding the levels of professionally qualified people Liveable Cassowary Coast Plan, Cassowary Coast Regional in the region, including skilled trades and other Council Capital Works and Asset Management Plans, technical people in the region; Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Scheme • Recognising the opportunities from innovative and and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Disaster newly emerging industry sectors; Management Plan. • Supporting local businesses to achieve ‘world’s best practice’ and engagement beyond the region; An amalgamated region wide local planning scheme is being • Ensuring equal opportunity and high levels of service prepared and due for completion by 2014. This scheme will for the community; address the requirements proposed by the ‘Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009 – 2031’ • Encouraging and facilitating collaboration between prepared by the Queensland Department of Infrastructure all levels government, business and other relevant and Planning. A regional Tourism Plan is also being prepared stakeholders. at the moment to address the specific needs of the tourism. industry.

10 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Region Profile Dynamic Cassowary Coast

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The Cassowary Coast Regional Council was established the north, through Tully and Mission Beach, to Cardwell in on 15 March 2008. The new Regional Council was created the south with all major essential services readily accessible. through the amalgamation of the former Cardwell Shire The high rainfall and humidity means its one of the wettest Council and former Johnstone Shire Council. and greenest in Australia. As at 30 June 2009, the estimated resident population of region was 30,992 persons. The Cassowary Coast region is named after the tall, flightless bird which inhabits parts of the region. The region covers an The Cassowary Coast is well connected to other parts of area of approximately 4,700 square kilometres. The region the nation via the major arterial road network system the is a mix of town, rural and coastal communities. There are Bruce Highway, connecting the major regional cities of Cairns over 3,500 businesses operating in the region with potential to the north and Townsville to the south. The Palmerston Highway provides connectivity with the Tablelands region and for new business growth and development in all of the towns is the major goods transport route. The region can also be and communities. The most recognizable industries linked to accessed by sea through the commercial port at Mourilyan the region are the tourism and primary industries. Harbour, by air at one of three aerodromes and by rail which The region comprises of the main townships of Innisfail in provides an additional level of connectivity.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 11 Urban Centres & Localities

Estimated resident population by urban centres/localities Cassowary Coast Region 30 June 2009 ———————————————————————————— Urban centre Estimated Locality Population The region contains a mix or locality Population Area Density of town, rural and coastal Number km2 Persons / km2 ———————————————————————————— communities. The urban Innisfail 8,837 22.9 385.9 centre with the largest Tully 2,578 7.1 363.1 population was the urban Cardwell 1,486 9.4 158.1 centre of Innisfail, with a Wongaling Beach 1,143 7.9 144.7 population of above 8,500 South Mission Beach 848 12.7 66.8 Flying Fish Point 811 2.8 289.6 persons. Of the urban Kurrimine 632 1.7 371.8 centres, the locality of Wangan 621 0.5 1,242.0 Wangan had the highest Mission Beach 614 3.3 186.1 population density, with Bingil Bay 491 3.2 153.4 approximately 1,242 persons Tully Heads 489 6.0 81.5 South Johnstone 488 3.3 147.9 per square kilometre. Mourilyan 469 1.5 312.7 Silkwood 349 6.9 50.6 El Arish 291 0.7 415.7 ———————————————————————————— Cassowary Coast Region 30,992 4,701.3 6.6 ———————————————————————————— Queensland 4,425,103 1,734,173.9 2.6 Region as % of Qld. 0.7 0.3 2.3

Based on ASGC 2006 • Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Population Growth (Cat# 3218.0) & unpublished data.

Demographics

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2031 the population for Cassowary Coast Regional Council Local Government Area (LGA) is projected to be 36,568 persons. This will account for an average annual population growth of 0.8 per cent. In comparison, Queensland is projected to have an average annual growth rate of 2.2 per cent over the same period. The median age of persons was 40 with an average household size of 2.7 persons.

The estimated Indigenous resident population at the time of the 2006 Census was 2,311 persons or 9.1 per cent of the total population in Cassowary Coast Regional Council Local Government Area.

12 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Knowledge, Skills & Training

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in the 12 months ending 31 December 2008, 75.3 per cent of students attending a school in Cassowary Coast Regional Council Local Government Area (LGA) attended a government school and 24.7 per cent attended a non-government school.

There were 2,126 students attending a government primary school (years 1 to 7) in Cassowary Coast Regional Council LGA and 615 students attending a non-government primary school. In secondary school (years 8 to 12) there were 1,375 government students and 566 non-government students.

At the time of the 2006 Census, there were 8,216 persons aged 15 years and over with year 11 or 12 (or equivalent) stated as their highest level of schooling (37.6 per cent of all persons aged 15 years and over).

At the time of the 2006 Census, there were 9,803 persons aged 15 years and over with a qualification which was 44.9 per cent of the population in this age group.

Of persons aged 15 years and over with a qualification, 14.2 per cent had bachelor degree or higher, 9.5 per cent had an advanced diploma or diploma, and 42.8 per cent had a certificate.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 13 The Labour Force Employment by Industry Of the regions total 12,188 employed persons in 2006, employment was dominated by four popular industry sectors:

1. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (2,140 persons or 17.5%) 2. Retail Trade (1,364 persons or 11.1%) 3. Manufacturing (1,310 persons or 10.7%) 4. Construction (1,019 persons or 8.3%)

Employment by Industry (%) Queensland v’s Cassowary Coast Region ——————————————————————————————————————————————— 3.4% Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 17.6% 11.6% Retail Trade 11.2% 9.9% Manufacturing 10.7% 9.0% Construction 8.4% 10.2% Health Care and Social Assistance 7.7% 7.0% Accommodation & Food Services 7.2% 7.6% Education and Training 6.9% 6.7% Public Administration & Safety 5.9% 5.1% Transport, Postal and Warehousing 4.2% 3.7% Other Services 3.5% 3.1% Administrative and Support Services 2.6% 5.6% Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 2.5% 3.9% Wholesale Trade 2.3% 2.1% Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 1.4% 1% Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 1.4% 2.9% Financial and Insurance Services 1.1% 1.7% Mining 1.1% 1.3% Arts and Recreational Services 1% 1.4% Queensland Information Media and Telecommunications 0.5% Cassowary Coast Region

0% 5% 10% 15% ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Based on ASGC 2006 • Data for reformed local government areas are derived from concorder population-based statistical local area data (ASGC 2006) • Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2006, Basic Community Profile - B42

14 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Occupation The occupations held by the resident population in the region for 2006 shows the three most popular occupations were:

1. Labourers (2,444 persons or 20%) 2. Managers (2,092 persons or 17.2%) 3. Technical and Trades Workers (1,896 persons or 15.6%)

Combined, these three occupations accounted for 6,432 people in total or 52.8 per cent of the employed resident population. By comparison, Queensland employed 11.9 per cent as Labourers; 12.4 per cent as Managers; and 15.4 per cent as Technical and Trades Workers.

Labourers 20.0% Community & personal service workers 7.8% (Queensland 11.9%) (Queensland 9.1%)

Sales workers 8.0% (Queensland 10.4%)

Machinery operators & drivers 9.1% (Queensland 7.2%)

Managers 17.2% Professionals 9.7% (Queensland 12.4%) (Queensland 17.1%)

Technicians & trade workers 15.6% Clerical & administrative workers 10.5% (Queensland 15.4%) (Queensland 14.8%)

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 15 Lifestyle - Natures Playground

The Cassowary Coast Region boasts a unique tropical environment that offers a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle with essential services readily available. With more than 70 percent of the region protected by National Parks and World Heritage conservation areas the region abounds in natural beauty and is home to two world heritage areas – the Wet Tropic Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Mission Beach, Qld

The region enjoys an average daily temperature range of 18.5C to 27.2C and on average receives approximately 3,056 mm of rainfall each year creating a lush green environment. The abundant water and nutrient rich soils create the perfect growing environment for the plentiful tropical fruits available. With the closest mainland access to the Great Barrier Reef and numerous offshore islands, the region provides the perfect area to raise a family, enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle or retire amongst beautiful surroundings.

The region is proud of its cultural heritage and promotes active interaction between the various communities. The country of birth of the population in the region in 2006 shows that the region has a significant proportion of people born overseas, as well as a sizeable proportion of people from a non-English speaking background.

The estimated resident population of persons born The Commission for Architecture and Build Environment, overseas at the time of the 2006 Census was 3,318 persons UK defines livability as the degree to which a place, be or 13.1 per cent of the total population in Cassowary Coast it a neighborhood, town or city, supports quality of life, Regional Council Local Government Area. health and wellbeing for the people who live, work or visit. Regions considered to have a high degree of livability Over 30 different languages are spoken and all major forms tend to have a high level of, and widespread accessibility to, of religion are practiced. The dominant non-English speaking amenity. Amenity includes features such as open and green country of birth in the region was Italy. space; educational, social, cultural and recreational facilities. High-amenity places have not only higher financial value Volunteers (property prices and rents) but also social, environmental, Volunteering is at the heart of many of the regions residents public health and cultural value; livable cities are widely and at the time of the 2006 Census 19.8 per cent of the perceived to be healthy, attractive and enjoyable places for total persons aged 15 years and over was volunteers, in people of all ages, physical abilities and backgrounds. comparison with Queensland at 18.3 per cent.

16 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Power

Access to energy is essential for the functioning of generation stations all over Queensland, though Powerlink’s modern economies. The distribution of energy is thus transmission grid, into Ergon Energy’s and Energex’s a critical element of ensuring security and supply of distributions grids, to supply customers. energy. The electricity supply to the region is provided by Both Powerlink and Ergon Energy plan the development Powerlink Queensland’s 132kV network and 132/22kV of their networks to ensure adequate present and future substations, and by Ergon Energy’s 22kV network supplied capacity is available to connect new customer loads as from those substations. The electric power flows from required.

9131 INNISFAIL 146.0 GWh 29.9 MW

4503 TULLY 78.4 GWh 17.6 MW Customers by Sub Station 1389 CARDWELL 29.3 GWh Energy Consumed 5.2 MW Peak Demand

2071 EL ARISH 25.7 GWh Source: Network Development Engineer 4.5 MW Ergon Energy, Cairns, January 2011

Telecommunications buildings also contain transmission access points that are used to interconnect not only the exchanges but data Increasingly, connectivity in and between regions and nodes, mobile base stations and other communications accessibility to goods and services for businesses and infrastructure. individuals is related to access to telecommunications and digital technologies. Access to high-speed broadband is Broadband internet access is an essential requirement to now an essential part of the way communities communicate participate in the so-called ‘new economy’. Increasingly socially as well as to do business. Increasingly employment fast internet access is required for accessing essential patterns are changing with the ability to work remotely information and undertaking domestic and non- via the internet creating terms such as mobile knowledge domestic business as both government and the private workers. Concepts such as E-Learning and E-Health are sector conduct their business, or aspects of it, on-line. becoming progressively more important to the delivery of E-Government initiatives for example are increasing the essential services, in particular the access it provides regional interaction between Government and Community playing communities with. an important role in promoting engagement at all levels. The CCRC area is well serviced by Telstra optical fiber The availability and coverage of affordable and reliable cable and has plenty of reserve capacity. The region also has communications is critical to the future of the region extensive ADSL internet connectivity and Telstra Next G reducing the tyranny of distance in relation to work mobile connectivity. and education and providing greater equity of access to employment and leisure opportunities. It also offers greater At the time of the 2006 Census, 50.9 per cent of flexibility to manage family and work life. In the Cassowary households in the region were connected to the internet, Coast region, Telstra has a total of 25 exchanges. These with around 20.4 per cent broadband connectivity.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 17 which accounts for around 60% of total businesses within the Economic contribution of the region, followed by the Construction, Property and Business region Services. The region produced over 10 per cent of the total value of crops in Queensland on an annual basis. As of the last census conducted in 2006, the Cassowary Coast region had approximately 280 businesses with a Value of Agricultural Production turnover of $1 million or more per annum. The total number The total value of agricultural production in the region in of businesses registered for the period 2006 - 2007 was 2008 – 2009 was $591.7 million, encompassing a total land approximately 3,525. Of these 3,300 were small businesses area of 268.2 thousand hectares. The four largest contributors accounting for 94.5 per cent of the total. 159 were medium were: businesses and 36 were large businesses. 1. Bananas: $388.4 million 2. Sugar: $157.2 million The largest number of businesses by industry sector is 3. Fishing: $12.5 million comprised within the Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry sector 4. Cattle: $10.3 million

Cassowary Coast Region Agriculture Revenue 2008 - 2009 Cassowary Coast Region Agriculture total area of 268,239 hectares with a gross revenue of $591,741,226 (Data sourced from Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries - January 2011)

BANANAS $388,432,433 287,648 ton 9,090 hectare SUGAR $157,219,348 10,161,227 ton 122,497 hectare (data includes Babinda Mill region) CATTLE INDUSTRY $10,356,060 15,932 head 135,437 hectare FISHING $12,508,880 1,190 ton (data for Cooktown to Innisfail region) OTHER TROPICAL FRUITS $8,406,548 2,458 ton 690 hectare

PAPAYA $8,950,500 6,845 ton 130 hectare

OTHER CROPS $3,017,021 3,758 ton 160 hectare AQUACULTURE $2,850,435 1,638 ton 235 hectare

18 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Value of Tourism Cassowary Coast is part of Tropical North Queensland tourism region which hosts an industry valued at $2.35 billion, approximately 24 per cent of the Gross Regional Product for far north Queensland. It is estimated to generate over 40% of the regions export earnings therefore is a critical part of the far north Queensland regions economy. The estimated expenditure created by Tourism in the Cassowary Coast region is approximately $100 million per annum which accounts for 4% of the far north Queensland region.

Average annual visitor numbers from 2005 to 2010 indicate that the region hosts around 170,000 domestic visitors and 67,000 international visitors. This accounts for over 10% of domestic and international visitors to the far north Queensland region.

Most domestic visitors, a result of the drive tourism market are intrastate visitors from within Queensland, followed by New South Wales and Victoria. The largest proportions of travelers are Hinchinbrook Island, Qld aged between 45 and 64 years.

The Cassowary Coast is host to some notable attractions in the form of Paronella Park, Dunk and Bedarra Island Resorts and Hinchinbrook Island.

Value of Manufacturing

Manufacturing accounts for approximately $3.2 billion per annum in sale of goods and services to the far north Queensland region. Of this the Cassowary Coast region accounts for approximately $150 million.

Building Approvals

Over the period 01/07/2005 to 31/12/2010 there have been a total of 4898 approvals. These approvals were valued at $474,277,877. The total number of building approvals in 2010 was 454 with a total value of $48,684,095.50.

Source: Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Department January 2011.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 19 Context An Eco-Economy

In 1997 a team of researchers from the United States, Argentina, and the Netherlands put an average price tag of US$33 trillion a year on fundamental ecosystem services. At that time, this equated to nearly twice the value of the global gross national product (GNP) of US$18 trillion. (Robert Costanza et al., “The Value of the World’s Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital,” Nature, Vol. 387, 1997).

In 2010, the Australian Conservation Foundation using the methodology created by Robert Costanza and team, created a model to provide an approximate value of the national economy aptly named ‘The Whole Economy’. Four major interlinked shifts in the business as usual The results indicate that the annual gross domestic model need to be considered, these being: product of the national economy in 2009 was $1223 billion and the annual value of environmental production 1. Dramatically increasing the productivity of natural (sum total of items such as nutrient cycling and waste resources by reducing the wasteful and destructive treatment, raw materials, water management, etc…) flow of resources. Through fundamental changes in was a staggering $1164 billion. both production design and technology organisations have the opportunity to make major resource savings The Cassowary Coast Regional Council which operates yielding higher profits. between two world heritage listed areas is tackling the 2. Shift to biologically inspired production models by issue of economic development by taking account of the introducing closed loop productions systems where need to assist the regions businesses and industry be every output either is returned harmlessly to the driven by sustainable development practices. Through ecosystem or becomes an input for manufacturing the combination of leadership and policy, the region aims another product. to be the green business capital for the far north 3. Move to a solutions based business model where a Queensland region. new model for value is delivered as a flow of services. The perceptions move from the acquisition of goods To accomplish this, Council will assist business and as a measure of affluence to one where well being is industry consider some very simple changes to the way measured by the continuous satisfaction of changing they run their businesses, emphasising on advanced expectations for quality, utility and performance. The techniques for making resources more efficient. The new relationship aligns the interest of providers and approach is referred to as ‘Natural Capitalism’ where the customers in ways that reward them for implementing economy values the natural resources and ecosystem resource productivity and closed loop manufacturing services that nature provides. Natural capitalism systems. recognises the critical interdependency between the production and use of human-made capital and the 4. Reinvesting in natural capital by restoring, sustaining maintenance and supply of natural capital. and expanding the planet’s ecosystems so that they can produce their vital services and biological resources even more abundantly. (Amory B. Lovins, L. Hunter Lovins, Paul Hawken, “A Road Map for tural Capitalism,” Harvard Business Review, May – June 1999).

20 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Sustainable business practices for the Cassowary Coast Liveable Cassowary Coast Plan region is not an end goal, it is a journey that the region takes to improve the social equity, environmental and economic The Liveable Cassowary Coast Whole of Community Plan conditions within the region. 2020 is a long term plan that will help guide all sections of the community in achieving its goals and aspirations. The “Business cannot function if ecosystems and the Plan incorporates the World Health Organisations Healthy services they deliver - like water, biodiversity, fibre, Cities Healthy Communities framework. The Plan is built food, and climate - are degraded or out of balance.” on the assumption that the decisions and actions of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. community today can shape its future and that individuals can make a difference. The Plan aims to involve all Each of the five Pillars within the plan contains a set of members of the community in the decision-making strategies and priority actions. The strategies provide a process while guiding the prioritisation of actions. link between each pillar and the prior mentioned goals, while the priority actions identify the actions that need The visions outcomes identified are: to commence within a set timeframe for the goals to be • Strong Economic Development; realised. The strategies and priority actions within each pillar • Green and Sustainable; will be implemented over the next 5 years to • Social and Cultural Wellbeing; support and help advance a local economy that is • Community Leadership. vibrant and continues to grow sustainably. Source: Liveable Cassowary Coast Plan 2020 Cassowary Coast Regional Council, 2010. The Plan gives significant recognition to partnerships and cooperation with State and Federal Government agencies with regard to the following key plans, policies and strategies:

• Livable Cassowary Coast Plan 2020

• Towards Q2: Tomorrows Queensland

• ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland

• Queensland Research & Development Investment Strategy 2010 - 2020

• Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009 – 2031

• Far North Queensland Infrastructure Plan 2009 - 2031

• Centres of Enterprise Initiative

• Keep Australia Working Cairns and Far North Queensland Regional Plan

• Indigenous Economic Development Strategy Action Plan 2010 – 2012

• Tropical North Queensland Regional Economic Plan

• Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait Regional Roadmap

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 21 Hinchinbrook Island, Qld

Towards Q2: Tomorrows Queensland

The Towards Q2: Tomorrows Queensland State Plan recognises that the Government’s role is to provide policy and infrastructure that offer an attractive and competitive business environment.

Launched in 2008, the plan has the platform that Queensland is one of the best places in the world to work, raise a family, enjoy life, as well as making Queensland an even better place.

The government has framed its 2020 vision for Queensland around five ambitions. They are ambitions for the whole State and for communities in every Queensland region.

The plan wants a Queensland that is: Strong: We want to create a diverse economy powered by bright ideas.

Green: We want to protect our lifestyle and environment.

Smart: We want to deliver world-class education and training.

Healthy: We want to make Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people.

Fair: We want to support a safe and caring community.

Source: Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland, The State of Queensland – Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2008.

The Cassowary Coast Council strongly supports the plan by acknowledging it as the principle plan around which the regions own economic development plan is framed.

22 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland

ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland sets out the Government’s response to tackling the issues of climate change and the steps required for Queensland’s transition 4. Community – householders reducing their carbon to a lower carbon future. As noted by the Premier and footprint Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability ‘It extends Collective ClimateSmart choices by Queensland and strengthens our climate change response to help households making a real difference to climate change. everyone to take action today for tomorrow’. 5. Primary Industries – growth in a changing landscape Maintaining and enhancing sustainable, livable and This strategy includes eight sectoral strategies to reset and prosperous rural communities. expand Queensland’s policy approach for managing future 6. Transport – moving towards a low carbon future greenhouse gas impacts and safeguarding tomorrow’s Transitioning transport to a carbon-constrained world Queensland. and adapting to a changing climate. 1. Energy – generating a new future 7. Ecosystems - protecting our lifestyle and Overcoming challenges to transition Queensland to a environment low emissions future. Minimising future climate change impacts on our State’s 2. Queensland business – a new operating climate natural environment. Exploring and adopting sustainable practices. 8. Government – leading by example 3. Planning and building – tools to minimise climate Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from government change impacts operations and ensuring infrastructure resilience in a Integrating climate change considerations into land use changing climate. planning and building design to reduce emissions and Source: Climate Q: toward a greener Queensland, The State of Queensland, Department of Environment and Resource Management, impacts of climate change. 2009.

ClimateQ Queensland Research & Development Investment Strategy 2010 - 2020

This strategy details the research and development objectives behind the Queensland Government’s investment of $3.6 Billion in research, development and innovation made since 1998, aimed at the delivery of long-term economic, social and environmental outcomes for the people of Queensland. As noted by the Premier ‘It provides a clear framework to align research and development activities with the government’s Toward Q2 targets for a strong, green, smart, healthy and fair Queensland in 2020’.

To this end, it identifies five important areas for action and coordination across government: • Focus on needs and strengths • Build critical mass • Skill the workforce • Connect researchers, end users and investors • Engage the community

It also profiles fourteen research and development objectives within six research and development priority areas that support the Government’s state plan Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland.

Source: Queensland Research & Development Investment Strategy 2010 - 2020, The State of Queensland, Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2010.

24 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Far North Queensland Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009 – 2031 Infrastructure Plan 2009 - 2031

The Far North Queensland Regional Plan launched in 2009 The Far North Queensland Infrastructure Plan launched in recognises Government’s role in properly managing the 2009 recognises the vital role played by the Queensland influx of residents over the next twenty year time frame by Government to manage regional growth. As noted by the providing a suitable framework that will support the region’s Minister for Infrastructure and Planning ‘The plan identifies needs for employment and housing affordability. As noted current and future needs of the region, infrastructure by the Premier and the Minister for Infrastructure and required to support desired growth in an efficient manner, Planning, ‘The plan seeks to provide the necessary planning and build resilience to the impacts of climate change and frameworks that afford continued growth for the region, peak oil’. ensuring that industries such as the tourism and agricultural industries will continue to stimulate the regions economy’. In addition to spending on maintenance of existing infrastructure, the plan identifies an initial outlay of The plan is the pre-eminent plan for the region and $2 Billion over a four year time frame to be spent on: therefore takes precedence over all other planning • $570 million in road, rail and public transport projects instruments. The plan guides State agencies on future • $1 billion in social and community infrastructure infrastructure and service provision and plays a vital role in ensuring alignment of Local Government planning schemes. • $230 million in water infrastructure • $170 million in energy infrastructure.

Source: Far North Queensland Infrastructure Plan, The State of Queensland, Department of Infrastructure and Planning, 2009.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 25 Keep Australia Working Plan Cairns Regional Plan

The Keep Australia Working Cairns Regional Plan released in 2009 by the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace relations describes initiatives to address challenges of the future as the economy recovers from the effects of the global financial crisis.

The regional employment plan has a two‑pronged approach to:

• Identify goals and strategies to maximise job opportunities, ensuring job seekers are best positioned to access these opportunities and addresses skill shortages Centres of Enterprise Initiative • Build on the response of the Queensland As the Queensland Government’s main tool for developing Government and Australian Government to the the regional economies, the Centres of Enterprise initiative Advance Cairns ‘New Deal’ proposal provides the Cassowary Coast region with a definitive list of The four key goals are: priority areas for developing key opportunities selected for Tropical North Queensland. 1. Ensuring that local businesses, local job seekers, apprentices and trainees access jobs resulting from the Centres of Enterprise Action Plans have been developed Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan and other that target the following areas for Tropical North job creation and retention programs Queensland: 2. Ensuring that indigenous job seekers access local • Tropical Expertise – Secure more of a global employment opportunities market, build tropical expertise capability, research and innovate. 3. Increasing the recruitment of apprentices and trainees and ensuring that youth employment opportunities are • Marine Services – Secure more of the global maximised market, drive local industry competitiveness, lay the foundation for industry growth. 4. Ensuring that the Cairns priority employment area has • Aviation – Raise industry profile to win new a skilled workforce to meet growth industry needs business, strengthen the sector, increase industry Source: Keep Australia Working, Cairns Regional Plan, Department of competitiveness. Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 2009.

26 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Indigenous Economic Development Strategy Action Plan 2010 - 2012

The Indigenous Economic Development Strategy Action Plan summarises the progress to date and planned future actions towards delivering the Australian Government’s commitment to investing in Indigenous economic development and working on establishing a solid base to launch the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy 2010 - 2018.

The draft strategy which was released for comment in late 3. Business and Enterprise - Access to capital, Business 2010 focuses on five key strategic areas of action: support, Private sector engagement and partnerships, 1. Education and Individual Capabilities - Early childhood Procurement, Role models and leadership, Better development and readiness for school, School information. attendance and engagement, Retention and attainment, 4. Financial Security and Independence - Home Tertiary education, From school to work, Vocational ownership, Savings and superannuation, Financial training, Adult skills and capabilities, Healthy Individuals management skills, Leadership and capacity building, and communities. Indigenous assets. 2. Jobs - Welfare incentives, Employment services, Public 5. Strengthening Foundations - Infrastructure and housing, sector employment, Private sector employment and Land and property rights, Governance, Tax and welfare, retention, Government procurement, Recognise Mainstream access, Safe and secure communities. achievement and best practice. Source: Indigenous Economic Development Strategy Action Plan 2010 - 2012, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, 2010.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 27 12345

Tropical North Queensland Regional Development Australia Regional Economic Plan Far North Queensland and

The Tropical North Queensland Regional Economic Plan Torres Strait Regional Roadmap (TNQ REP) outlines a twenty year economic vision based The principal role of RDA FNQ&TS is to provide a upon widespread consultation and research. It has been conduit between all three levels of government and the contributed to and endorsed by all major stakeholders in community to promote a better understanding of regional the regional economy and it provides the region with a requirements. To enable this, RDA FNQ & TS developed considered, realistic, agreed and appropriately ambitious a Regional Roadmap which focuses six pillars: way forward. 1. Economic Vitality Together with the five year action plans which will follow 2. Sustainable Resource Management from it, the TNQ REP provides a means of co-ordinating 3. Visionary Infrastructure the regions economic efforts for the regions mutual, 4. Inclusive Services and Planning long-term benefit. 5. Empowered People Through Knowledge and Skill The purpose of the TNQ REP is to provide: 6. Reconstructing Regionalism 1. A high level blueprint that articulates a shared eco- The above pillars will enable RDA to deliver on: nomic vision and identifies diverse strategies to achieve that vision; Regional business growth plans and strategies, which help support economic development, the creation of new jobs, 2. A tool for understanding the regional economy, attract- skills development and business investment; ing investment and with ‘one voice’ driving government policy; and Environmental solutions which support ongoing 3. Clear roles and responsibilities for implementation. sustainability and the management of climate change including the impact of natural disasters; and The TNQ REP is primarily focused on the four local government areas of the Cairns Region, the Cassowary Social inclusion strategies which will bring together and Coast Region, the Cook Shire and the Tablelands Region support all members of the community. but it also acknowledges and integrates the economic links Source: Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland that extend beyond these localities. These economic links and Torres Strait, Regional Road Map, 2010. include the Cape, the Gulf, Hinchinbrook, Townsville and neighboring indigenous communities.

Source: Tropical North Queensland Regional Economic Plan, Advance Cairns, 2011.

28 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Pillars of Economic Development

The five pillars of, Marketing the Cassowary Coast, Building Partnerships and Fostering Innovation, Workforce Development, Enabling Infrastructure and Planning for the Future are the basis of the regions first economic development plan. They have been chosen because they lay the foundation for future plans by identifying the need to focus on leadership and capacity building whilst promoting the regions existing industries, natural assets and capabilities over the next five years.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 29 Marketing the Cassowary Coast region pillar 1

Marketing the region is about supporting and creating positive perceptions and awareness of the regions attributes. The region will reinvigorate business, attract new jobs, investment and more visitors through targeted marketing and branding of the region, its towns, rural and coastal communities. Branding must be a collaborative effort between local business and Council, and be promoted in select market segments to showcase the regions outstanding environment, economic capabilities, competitive and comparable advantages and opportunities.

It is vital for Council and business, through the range of identified actions to market the regions unique advantages, to retain strong existing businesses and encourage their expansion and attract new business investment.

Some of the key Marketing attributes of the region are: • Lifestyle • Culture and heritage • Natural environment • Local industries • Infrastructure and connectivity • Learning centres • Towns and village centres • Landmark events

Regional significance The Council will continue to provide significant economic contribution to the region through acknowledgement and better understanding of key business sectors and stakeholders and their impact on the region. The Council’s investment prospectus and regular updates via the Council web site for example will promote support services, initiatives and achievements.

30 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Marketing themes Promoting the region as the far north Queensland ‘GreenBiz’ friendly capital Council through its Economic Development section is committed to making the Cassowary Coast region the centre of all eco friendly business activities in far north Queensland. Maintaining the highly prized lifestyle attributes is advocated by every resident within the region, therefore attracting industries that have the least impact on the regions environment are encouraged. Plans to create specialist industrial parks that support the establishment and growth of businesses that develop green technologies and green industrial solutions are high on the list of priorities along with attracting businesses that value sustainability as a core principle. In addition to the establishment of such facilities, a range of partnerships and incentives for attracting and retaining green industries and the creation of green jobs will be pursued.

Promoting the region as a ‘Laboratory for Innovation’ Creating greater awareness of the regions potential for establishing centres of innovation focused on the key natural attributes such as the abundance of water, biodiversity, Promoting the region as a sunlight, etc… Research in areas such as tropical medicine, ‘Centre of Excellence in Health Services’ indigenous health and education, pharmaceuticals and Creating greater awareness of the health services sector alternative energies are an example within the region by promoting the presence of Innisfail of possible centres. Promotion of existing research facilities and Tully Hospitals, other health care services, aged care such as the Queensland Primary Industries Centre for Wet and disability support services, other community outreach Tropics Agriculture and the Defense Science and Technology services and specialist services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Organisations Environmental Exposure Studies Centre. Island residents. Promotion of special projects within the region such as the ‘Healthier Great Greenways and Liveable Promoting the Cassowary Coast as a Cassowary Coast’. ‘Centre of Education Excellence’ Creating greater awareness of the education sector within Promoting the region towards the the region – especially the presence of institutions such as mobile knowledge workers the Innisfail State College, TAFE Queensland, the network of Create greater awareness of the regions livability aspects to public and private primary and secondary schools and the ‘mobile knowledge workers’, people who are not restricted network of private training providers. In addition promotion by office space and capable of therefore living in a location of the region towards the establishment of specialist of their choosing. This would encourage a range of skilled education centre in areas such as indigenous and multicultural professionals to relocate to the region thereby positively studies, tropical sciences and medicines, agriculture, impacting on a range of demographic factors. fisheries and livestock, alternative energies and emergency management.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 31 Cardwell, Qld

“local industries such as, bananas, sugar, tropical fruits, tourism and manufacturing, as well as creative industries will contribute significantly to the local and regional economies”

Promoting the regions transport activity investment and develop as economically sustainable connectivity centres that are vibrant, pedestrian friendly, well serviced by convenient multi-modal public transport and have Identification of the regions potential for transport and logistics connectivity and access to all modes of transport housing choice, retail diversity and localised employment (sea, road, rail, air). opportunities whilst embracing the regions indigenous and multicultural heritage.

Promoting the region through The high level of amenity offered by the local foreshore local industry recognition parks, cycle ways, and street infrastructure and community The identification and recognition of local industries such as, facilities, as part of existing or planned developments within bananas, sugar, tropical fruits, tourism and manufacturing, as the town centre and neighborhoods, are a positive impact well as creative industries will contribute significantly to the on the area’s economic growth and prosperity. local and regional economies, supporting the regions quality Enhancing the existing commercial and mixed use centres lifestyle identity, branding and marketing. by streetscape improvements, lighting, greening, public art and other urban design-related treatments that will improve Promoting the regions town, rural their attractiveness for residents, shoppers, visitors and and coastal communities enhance business returns. The major town centres – Innisfail, Mission Beach, Tully, Cardwell, and other small community centres such as Promoting the regions landmark events El Arish - are community focal points that provide an Existing regional landmark events, business and community important sense of place. A process of continual physical events - such as: Feast of the Senses, Feast of the Three enhancement adds to their attractiveness for business Saints, Mission Beach Film Festival, etc… - as well as new investment, visitors and community enjoyment. cultural and arts festivals, film, sporting, heritage educational The major town centres also present marketing and and children’s events present the opportunity for branding opportunities to attract greater levels of business coordinated City-wide Marketing and Branding.

32 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Priority Actions Strategies a) Establish a business brand for the region 1 Develop a regional investment strategy and associated materials focusing on the marketing attributes linked to the natural assets and the eco- of the region as defined above. Incorporate the‘Liveable economy concept to be used for economic Cassowary Coast’ as the brand. To be created in conjunction development and market positioning. Seek with Trade Investment Queensland and other relevant the support of key business and government stakeholder organisations; stakeholder networks to assist. Relevant Strategy – a, c Timeframe: Immediate b) Undertake relevant marketing and business promotion activities to raise local and 2 Council and other stakeholders to establish a comprehensive online business database and provide regional profile as a centre for green business, resources to regularly update contact information and sustainable practices, innovative research and industry capabilities; education, cultural diversity. Relevant Strategy – a Timeframe: Immediate c) Engage in effective communication with local businesses and other stakeholders to 3 Create a set of annual business events in partnership promote and encourage sustainable local with public and private regional stakeholders to promote business practices and the creation of local the knowledge and skills of local businesses while employment opportunities specifically around showcasing the regions investment potential; sustainable business opportunities. Relevant Strategy – b, c, d Timeframe: Immediate d) Co-ordinate profile raising co-badged 4 Prepare a sponsorship strategy in conjunction business events, seminars and media with the regions Chambers of Commerce and Business opportunities with key business stakeholders, Networks; and other agencies. Relevant Strategy – d Timeframe: Medium

5 Establish and promote the revitalized Council website for Business and Investment with links to other key business websites such as the Chambers of Commerce, business networks, Government departments and Non-Governmental organisations; Relevant Strategy - c Timeframe: Immediate 9 Identify suitable locations for film sites including 6 Branding and Marketing for the various industrial promotion of the regions involvement as a current film estates and promotion of available land; location for programs such as ‘Sea Patrol’ and link to Relevant Strategies - a Timeframe: Medium investment strategy; Relevant Strategy – b, c Timeframe: Long 7 Promotion of the regional businesses involvement in key sustainability initiatives such as the Department 10 Establish additional ventures at the MaMu canopy walk of Environment and Resource Managements ‘ecoBiz and with Girringun Indigenous Corporation for promotion program’. Establish a regional ‘Sustainable Business Award’ of regions indigenous heritage. in collaboration with local business stakeholders and other Relevant Strategy – b, c Timeframe: Medium relevant stakeholder organisations; 11 Work with Campervan & Motorhome Club of Relevant Strategy – d Timeframe: Medium Australia to establish RV friendly facilities inc. parking and 8 Develop a dynamic regional economic impact tool signage to grow tourism spend in the region by lengthening and hardship to be made available via Council’s website; visitor stays; Relevant Strategy – c Timeframe: Medium Relevant Strategy – b, c Timeframe: Medium

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 33 Building

Partnerships

pillar 2 Fostering Innovation

Much of the work needed to drive future competitiveness and create tomorrow’s jobs requires a collaborative approach towards development. Therefore at the core of plan is the need to support the transformation of the region’s economy towards an economy based on harnessing knowledge and innovation of those within and outside the community. Concerted efforts to boost research and innovation, upgrade education and remove barriers to entrepreneurship are central requirements of the region’s partnership initiatives.

Collaborative initiatives and partnerships with key stakeholders open up exciting opportunities to attract new investment, grow existing business, entice more visitors and improve the economic climate for existing industry and business networks. The Cassowary Coast Regional Council has recently established an Economic Development Reference Group made up of a range of internal and external stakeholders. This group will continue providing a voice for action on specific projects identified as creating economic benefit for the region.

Partnerships with industry peak bodies, professional associations, business advisors, education and research institutions and other public and private sector organisations are also central to this pillar. As Council cannot drive economic development on its own, it is local support and encouragement that is needed to create collaborative new partnerships that can lead to increased employment opportunities, as well as enhanced, long term economic performance of the region. Building partnerships with local business chambers and networks, State Government agencies (such as DEEDI and DERM), Commonwealth agencies (such as RDA, Austrade and AusIndustry) is important for Council to pursue as it can assist in attracting new business as well as expanding and retaining existing business.

34 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Working collaboratively in partnership enables Council to: • Capture and apply sustainability and innovation across a range of business sectors • Co-ordinate and leverage government and sponsorship funding • Share learning and exchange information • Work with business and related agencies to strengthen the area’s competitiveness and build business capability. environmental Facilitating commercial partnerships between Council and protection and biodiversity, health and business (Public Private Partnerships – PPP) can result competitiveness, as well as food security. Sustainable in public domain improvements which in turn support regional development in the Cassowary Coast will aim at new business opportunities and enable stakeholders to fostering a competitive agricultural sector and innovation in build stronger commercial relationships leading to greater areas like production processes and technological progress, business growth. Metricon’s Sea Haven development is economic diversification in agriculture based industries, an example of such a partnership and opportunities and preserving the environment and natural resources, benefits include: addressing climate change, both mitigation and adaptation, helping water management and resource efficiency and • New and enhanced housing and facilities offering specific support to the most disadvantaged in the • Potential for existing and new small business expansion region. and jobs generation within the Innisfail town centre.

In times of fiscal constraint, research and innovation are Exploring community Council partnerships such as Business the most sustainable engines of economic and productivity Improvement Districts (BIDs), which are now common growth. The Council will improve its support towards local throughout North America, Canada, New Zealand and businesses that are involved in R&D, and innovation. The the United Kingdom, can bring substantial benefits through Council will also ensure that barriers for local entrepreneurs working with property owners and business tenants to to bring ideas to market are reduced by providing assistance achieve improvements and undertake activities such as, identifying better access to finance, affordable intellectual public art, infrastructure, marketing and centre maintenance. property advice and access to markets.

A sustainable Cassowary Coast economy needs a This Plan will help to encourage and facilitate constructive partnership approach to continue developing a thriving partnerships between local businesses as well networking agricultural sector, making its contribution to a wide variety through regular collaborative forums, seminars, awards and of regional objectives including cohesion, climate change, events.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 35 Strategies a) Establish partnerships between local business and out e) Focus on innovation by working in partnership with of region private and public agencies eg. James Cook State and Federal Government agencies to ensure that University, Queensland Manufacturing Institute, Economic future research and innovation funding contributes Development Australia, Environment Business Australia to directly to the achievement of the Plans strategies, in attract investment, increase visitors, support local business particular, improving and supporting the growth of an innovation and diversification whilst providing enhanced innovation region. It should build on the work currently networking opportunities. carried out by the various research bodies already established within the region and support innovative b) Facilitate the development of sustainable business projects, notably involving small to medium sized practices to reduce environmental impact, increase enterprises, with clear economic potential, to help enlarge community engagement and improve business the regions industrial base. performance. f) Develop the Cassowary Coast research, development c) Undertake economic development and resilience and innovation zone to support and maximise the related programs as part of the strategic alliance between efficiency of the States research and innovation systems, Council, Advance Cairns and the Far North Region a place in which all actors, both public and private, can Organisation of Councils (FNQROC). operate freely, forge alliances and gather critical mass in order to compete and cooperate on a global scale. d) Facilitate and enhance existing local and regional Better coordination at the Local Government level of business links to support new Council and regional State and Federal Government objectives and funding economic development information and other business can do more to prevent overlaps and encourage best initiatives. practice while reinforcing joint programming.

36 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Priority Actions Prepare a feasibility study and business plan in 1 8 Work closely with State and Federal Government partnership with regional development bodies, for the and financial institutions to leverage funding and maximise establishment of research, development and innovation the use of existing financial instruments, as appropriate, infrastructure across the region. Lobby State and Federal including by possibly establishing a region wide funding Government to exploit the development of the next framework to provide risk finance and guarantees to generation of research infrastructures, based on regional stimulate innovation in small and medium sized enterprises specialization. Possible DPI tropical cropping facility to and technology based start ups; as well as by examining ways identify suitable crops for growing in local region that can be of extending the scope of existing financial instruments to exported internationally and nationally; new research, development and innovation activities; Relevant Strategy – a, e, f Timeframe: Medium Relevant Strategy – d Timeframe: Medium

Develop a town beautification strategy by involving 2 9 Identify, promote and develop a suite of E-Government business chambers and other stakeholder networks in public tools utilizing the Council’s website and other technology domain improvements that will enhance local amenity, attract such as mobile phone applications to increase interaction more customers and improve local economic viability in the between Council and the community major town centres, whilst integrating public art; it serves; Relevant Strategy – a, b Timeframe: Immediate Relevant Strategy – a, b, c, d Timeframe: Long

Provide ongoing support for the regions business 3 10 Develop a business disaster mitigation strategy, chambers, business networks and industry groups by including business continuity training in partnership with local engaging relevant out of region organisations such as CPA Chambers, Business Networks, Industry Groups, State Australia and Green Building Council of Australia in building and Federal Government agencies. partnership activities such as seminar presentations, awards, Relevant Strategy – b, c, d Timeframe: Immediate event sponsorship, community expos and consultation, 11 Action key opportunities identified in the that have direct relevance to generating local business ‘Natural Resource Asset Valuation’ study. development innovation; Relevant Strategy – a, c, e Timeframe: Medium Relevant Strategies – a, c, d Timeframe: Immediate 12 Attract microfinance providers to the region, including 4 Build strong partnerships across local business, education and promotion of microfinance opportunities. government and stakeholder agencies to leverage intellectual Relevant Strategy – a, c, d Timeframe: Immediate knowledge and joint project resourcing; Relevant Strategies – a, c Timeframe: Immediate A workforce with more and better skills is central to the regions 5 Distribute information via the Council website on business related incentive programs and assistance packages economy. that support employment generation, especially for small to medium businesses; Relevant Strategy – b Timeframe: Immediate

6 Leverage business sponsorship to facilitate, host and support business oriented growth forums, seminars, events, speakers and networks, in partnership with the business chambers, networks and industry groups; Relevant Strategy – a Timeframe: Medium

7 Initiate and facilitate a program of eco friendly business- related initiatives throughout the region; Relevant Strategy – b Timeframe: Medium

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 37 Workforce

pillar 3 Development

Sustainability based economic initiatives that make the region an attractive destination for employees and employers and help grow business are essential. The Cassowary Coast region is characterised by a lower than State average level of professional and white collar workers, however more and more jobs in the new economy will rely on higher skills, especially technology based skills. The region will take action therefore that is focused on securing the training for the needs of tomorrow’s economy. Targeted investment can offer significant added value in encouraging adaptability and lifelong learning, in particular by leveraging off State and Federal Government strategies for reforming education and training systems and for improving institutional capacity.

A comprehensive regional employment initiative could improve skills, mobility, adaptability and participation in society through joint initiatives in the area of education, employment and integration. Local skills development also minimises or reduces outward flows of capabilities and monies. It is important to ensure that people who choose to, are able to both live and work locally. The benefits of home and work proximity are reduced travel costs, reduced environmental impact, absenteeism, travelling time and greater leisure time. All of these factors contribute to increased productivity and local opportunities. Integration of minorities and marginalized is another strand of direct importance to the region, where action to ensure social inclusion for both indigenous and migrant populations is closely linked to the regions approach to education and training. Incentives to offer entry to the labour market for those furthest away from it are essential.

38 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 The region will extend and broaden learning opportunities right conditions to deploy key enabling technologies, essential for young people as a whole, including supporting the in harnessing the full potential of the new acquisition of skills through non-formal educational activities. economy. Exciting emerging industry sectors relating to Smart and inclusive growth depends on actions throughout future economic growth areas are often associated with the lifelong learning system, to develop key competences and green and global business. Such sectors are not only relevant quality learning outcomes, in line with labour market needs. and vital to the region but best fit. The region needs to raise the percentage of young people participating in higher education or equivalent, to keep up Entrepreneurship should become a more widespread means with competitors in the knowledge based economy and to of creating jobs, as well as fighting social exclusion. The foster innovation. It also needs to make locally based higher accent must be put on training to ensure that education education more attractive and open to the rest of the world, systems truly provide the basis to stimulate the appearance notably by promoting the regions capability as a host to of new entrepreneurs, and that those willing to start students, researches and associated facilities. and manage their own enterprise acquire the right skills to do so. Entrepreneurship should be encouraged at a In order to strengthen the framework conditions for job young age and pursued through the school curricula and creation and economic growth, administrative obstacles supported by Council initiatives. Establishing Universities and to business establishment within the region should be non research centres educating in the areas of innovation and existent. The region should aim to increase the number of entrepreneurship are further critical elements to encouraging graduates in professional services fields so as to create the job creation.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 39 Strategies a) Encourage and promote the clustering of a range of existing and new business activities around existing and proposed magnate infrastructure such as Mourilyan Harbour, aerodromes and railway stations. e) Increased understanding of local, regional and state-wide employment trends and supply and b) Provide support for disadvantaged and other minority demand issues. groups within the community (youth, indigenous, new migrants, disabled and unemployed) through training and f) Modernise education systems at all levels by enhancing mentoring. existing education infrastructure and integrating technology to enable modern modes of education and training delivery c) Develop effective and collaborative links with local, whilst integrating the region with the rest of the world. Train- regional and national education and training providers to EducationTrainingBusinessSeminars expand business and employment. Generate opportunities g) Increase the knowledge and skills transfer and diffusion to meet existing and future demands for youth, of best practice by providing access to technology based MentoringHomeBusinessNetworking entrepreneurial and other skilled labour groups to attract solutions and networks. Networking EducationTrainingBusinessHome- diverse employment opportunities to the region. Graduates EducationTrainingBusi- h) Develop effective and collaborative links with local, Employment d) Facilitate local business-related networking opportunities regional and national education and training providers to ing Employment targeting home-based business, exporters, women in provide sustainability education and training and promote business and young entrepreneurs. existing State and Federal Government initiatives. BusinessNetworkingMentoring NetworkingTrainingMentoringEmploymentMentoringEmploymentEduca - nessSeminars Education EducationTrainingBusinessSeminarsMentoring 40 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 tionTrainingBusinessSeminars Priority Actions Hold forums, seminars and events on mechanisms 1 6 Explore opportunities and develop plans to establish and ways to promote employment opportunities and to education hubs through the regions network of libraries by engage with disadvantaged groups within the region, (youth, partnering up with private and public sector education and ethnicity, disabled, unemployed and indigenous); training providers; Relevant Strategy – b, c, e Timeframe: Immediate Relevant Strategies – d, g, h Timeframe: Medium

Regularly disseminate information via Council’s 2 7 Work with the State, Federal Government and website on Government incentive program and assistance stakeholder organisations to increase the uptake of internet packages to support local employment generation and connectivity at home and in businesses; business growth, especially for small to medium businesses; Relevant Strategies – g Timeframe: Medium Relevant Strategy – c, g Timeframe: Immediate 8 Promote already established education and 3 Establish a local ‘Home Based Business Network’ training programs for individuals and corporations in and ‘Exporters Network’ in collaboration with local environmentally sustainable business practices, as well stakeholders; as promotion of a range of information on sustainable Relevant Strategy – a, e Timeframe: Long corporate practices using the Council’s website; Relevant Strategies – h Timeframe: Immediate 4 Utilise Council’s website to publish information on the state of the economy, demand and supply of National and 9 Promote the Australian Sustainable Schools initiative State business trends; to all public and private sector schools within the region and Relevant Strategies - e Timeframe: Medium support the sustainability education through promotion of initiatives through Council’s website and publications; 5 Develop mentoring and work placement programs Relevant Strategies – h, g Timeframe: Immediate for youth, indigenous and tertiary graduates to grow local demands for business and entrepreneurial skills in collaboration with regions business chambers, network and industry organisations; Relevant Strategy – a, b, d Timeframe: Medium

Train- EducationTrainingBusinessSeminars MentoringHomeBusinessNetworking Networking EducationTrainingBusinessHome- Graduates EducationTrainingBusi- ingEmployment Employment BusinessNetworkingMentoring NetworkingTrainingMentoringEmploymentMentoringEmploymentEduca - nessSeminars Education EducationTrainingBusinessSeminarsMentoring tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 41 tionTrainingBusinessSeminars Enabling Infrastructure pillar 4

Infrastructure underpins the competitiveness of the regions economy and contributes significantly to the community achieving a high quality of life. Effective transport, roads and logistics chains, as well as affordable and sustainable water, energy and telecommunications networks, which are planned with disaster mitigation in mind, are the key to sustaining the regions prosperity in the decades ahead.

To guarantee world class social and economic infrastructure for the region, Council is undertaking extensive research and planning to ensure that the region is well placed to inform public debate and influence State and Federal Government policy makers.

As noted by Infrastructure Australia, ‘World-class infrastructure networks are essential to driving sustainable economic development and growth, lifting levels of productivity and boosting employment. ‘National Infrastructure Priorities - Infrastructure for an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable future’.

Council needs to offer the right policy mix to stimulate the modernisation required, as well as maintaining the standards of existing infrastructure. This means a credible long-term policy framework incorporating existing State and Federal Government initiatives and directions, which will convince public and private sector investors to release the considerable long-term capital finance required. Links must be clearly established between infrastructure planning and land use planning to enable the best policy outcomes.

42 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Council will continue to lobby other levels of Government for a supportive regulatory framework and carefully directed financial support through appropriate finance vehicles to help get projects off the ground. The result would be a core transport network shifting freight and passenger flows towards more sustainable transport modes, high-speed broadband and communication available in every part of the region, appropriate water and waste management infrastructure and an energy network capable of accessing new locally sourced renewable energy sources and exploiting new smart technologies.

Consideration should also be given to how support could include projects stretching beyond the borders of the Cassowary Coast, to the mutual benefit of our neighbouring regions. Whilst for some infrastructure, like rail transport or bringing communications networks to sparsely populated communities, public investment will always be needed, for other areas the ability of projects to attract private financing could also be an important criterion.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 43 Strategies

a) Establish a long term infrastructure plan for at least f) Positively influence improvements to existing energy the next twenty years that integrates with Council’s generation infrastructure within the region as well planning scheme and is defined by a timeline for as identifying opportunities for sustainable power delivery of key infrastructure. generation within the region. b) Establish a proactive planning approval process g) Positively influence improvements to existing for infrastructure projects to ensure they are fit for communications infrastructure within the region, in purpose. particular improvements that impact upon the regions c) Continue to ensure disaster mitigation and high speed digital data connectivity. sustainability principles are applied across all levels and h) Positively influence improvements to existing water types of infrastructure. management and waste management infrastructure d) Enable investments by creating a balanced within the region. environment for public private partnership, as well as i) Positively influence existing local, State and supporting incentives, policies and enforcement of laws Federal Government links to support new regional and legal systems to protect investments and improve infrastructure development initiatives. revenue.

e) Positively influence the development of key transport infrastructure within the region eg. Mourilyan Harbour, Multi Modal Logistic Hubs and Aerodromes.

44 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Priority Actions Identify opportunities to work with regional 1 6 Contribute to the development of the Innisfail businesses to invest in sustainable energy, water and Transport Hub and integrate Council owned logistics and waste management retrofits and supplies by using transport assets towards strengthening and adding value to collective buying power, possibly through Council; the concept; Relevant Strategy – d, i Timeframe: Immediate Relevant Strategy – a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i Timeframe: Immediate 2 Promote sustainability tools and rating schemes developed by organisations such as the Australian Green 7 Lobby State and Federal Government to develop Infrastructure Council and Green Building Council an integrated supply chain and distribution hub strategy of Australia to all existing and new infrastructure that links regional local producers with major logistics and developments within the region and incorporate these transport assets such as Mourilyan Harbour, Aerodromes, into existing infrastructure assessment policies controlled Rail Yards, Road Network; by Council; Relevant Strategy – a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i Relevant Strategy – b, c, e, f, g, h Timeframe: Immediate Timeframe: Immediate

Develop a regional public transport strategy 3 8 Continue to work with regional partners to develop in partnership with external Government and Non- a digital economy strategy that will identify the far north Government agencies based on global best practice that Queensland region as a priority delivery area for the delivers opportunities to maximize mobility, accessibility, National Broadband Network; quality, efficiency, safety and affordability; Relevant Strategy – a, b, d, i Timeframe: Immediate Relevant Strategy – a, c, d, i Timeframe: Medium 9 Action the key opportunities identified in the 4 Develop a list of all major infrastructure located ‘Cassowary Coast Regional Council Aerodrome Demand’ study; within Council boundaries in partnership with external Relevant Strategy – a, b, c, d, e, i Timeframe: Medium Government and Non-Government agencies that can be 10 Undertake a scoping study that will lead to the used during disaster management and recovery processes, development of a food precinct and agricultural produce as well as for monitoring ongoing development plans; diversification incubator; Relevant Strategy – a, c, e, f, g, h Timeframe: Immediate Relevant Strategy – a, c, d, i Timeframe: Immediate 5 Contribute to the ongoing review of existing Council owned assets to ensure adherence to financial, sustainability and disaster mitigation principles; Relevant Strategy – c, d, i Timeframe: Immediate

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 45 Planning

pillar 5 for the future

A planning scheme that responds to ecological and economic viability whilst being mindful of indigenous cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining the livable aspects of the Cassowary Coast region. The regions various localities provide many opportunities for showcasing best practice and a more sustainable future. The way the region is planned, built and functions can promote more efficient use of resources, including water, energy and land, minimise the production of waste and encourage more reuse and recycling, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support biodiversity through better management of open and green space.

The regions main town centres which provide for economic, social and cultural activity will need to respond to long-term challenges to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by our communities and secure the regions productivity in a more sustainable way by using less to realise the same level of value.

46 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 The Eco2Cities: Ecological Cities as Economic Cities and land policies can help integrate the marginalised into program developed by the World Bank, which studied the economic, social, and physical fabric of a region which best practice models in integrating ecological systems with prove economically beneficial to the region, national urban planning from cities throughout the world note the governments, and the poor. following principles as keys to success: Efficient, streamlined and standardised land use planning • Innovative Land Use Planning integrated with and assessment processes are essential in reducing the Transport Planning – Formulation of a Master Plan economic and social costs of delays in community service that integrates land use and transport planning provision and development. Providing information upfront • Integrated Public Transport System regarding the Council’s growth plans will assist people • Green Area Enhancement, Flood Control to understand why things are happening around them, and Disaster Mitigation which may in turn help in the prevention of objections and • Solid Waste Management promotion of further development. • Creation of Industrial Parks • Social Considerations The importance of integrating infrastructure and land • Culture and Heritage Preservation use planning cannot be overstated. The development of land, regardless of classification and type, has an inevitable impact on the way Council is able to provide services to Use of best practice models such as those defined by the the community. Integrating Council’s planning scheme above program is quite relevant to the Cassowary Coast with infrastructure planning should incorporate a project region. The program notes that well coordinated urban pipeline that encompasses transport (including freight and planning, land policies and appropriate spatial layouts public transport), health, water, waste management, energy, provide strong and sustained long term and compounding education, information and communication technology, economic, social, and ecological returns. Effective planning community facilities and sport and recreation.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 47 Strategies a) Positively influence the development of a region wide planning scheme by facilitating interaction between Council, existing and new local and regional business and industry links. b) Positively influence the development of a planning scheme that integrates infrastructure, sustainability principles, increased mobility, culture and heritage preservation. c) Ensure the availability of sufficient commercial and industrial land linked to existing and future industry needs. d) Establish economic growth corridors around major infrastructure. e) Work with Government and Non-Government partners to establish specialist industrial and innovation parks connected by effective, efficient transport and Priority Actions service corridors. 1 Establish a series of quarterly updates from the planning department to members of the Economic f) Positively influence ongoing activities which develop Development Reference Group; responsive planning assessment processes that integrate Relevant Strategy – a Timeframe: Immediate economic, environmental and social benefit criteria. 1 Develop a comprehensive list of vacant commercial and industrial land within the region and promote these through Council’s website and Council’s investment strategy in order to increase revenue and uptake of sites; Relevant Strategy – d, e Timeframe: Immediate

1 Identify opportunities to develop specialist innovation and industrial parks centered around tropical expertise, smart technologies and green industries (ie: hydrogen batteries, electric cars; tropical medicines, tropical building solutions, etc…); Relevant Strategy – c, d, e, f Timeframe: Long

1 Influence planning by identifying best practice models of fully integrated land use, infrastructure and trans- port plans tied regional economic, environmental and social drivers; Relevant Strategy – b Timeframe: Medium

48 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 Monitoring Outcomes and Success

The A List The Cassowary Coast Regional Council Economic Development Plan provides a framework of economic development actions for the next five years. Aspirational: Tropical Futures 2016 is to a vision for the kind of region For the Plan to remain relevant in an environment of we want to become and to bequeath that to the next national socio demographic change, growth cycles, as generation. well as continually changing local business sector and Council perspectives, it is important to build into the Ambitious: Plan an ongoing monitoring and review system that It is the responsibility of Council and the community to enables flexibility and assures continuity. take on the tough challenges today.

The A List is indicative of the monitoring and review Achievable: systems guiding principles. Everything that is proposed in the plan has to be entirely achievable. The Plans is to be a living document that will begin implementing things right after they’re announced. Accessible: Tropical Futures 2016 is a document produced by Council in support of the community. It is a document that is built on the platform of inclusive community engagement.

Accountable: Individual actions and projects within the plan will be publicly tracked and reports provided to the community through the economic development reference group.

tropical futures 2016 ■ ■ ■ cassowary coast 49 Five Mile Creek, Qld Murray Falls, Qld

Mission Beach, Qld

The Priority Action areas supporting each Pillar will be • Employment (jobless rates, job creation, wage reviewed and adjusted to strengthen the effectiveness increases); of strategic outcomes and initiatives annually. Ongoing • New Business creation, in particular the growth of assistance and advice necessary for this monitoring will be the SME sector; drawn from the Economic Development Reference Group • Measure of local consumer confidence; and other regional bodies such as Advance Cairns. The • Housing statistics (new development permits issued, Plan will be supported further by a list of priority projects vacancy rates, sales). selected by the Economic Development Reference Group • The improvement in competitiveness, comparing both and reviewed annually. the regions productivity and cost developments with Timing for the commencement and delivery of the Plans those of the State and Nation; priority actions has been categorised as immediate (within 2 • The rate at which manufacturing output, value added years), medium (2 to 3 years) and long term (3 to 5 years). employment rises, particularly output in the eco- Timing may vary depending on the availability of resources, industries and technology manufacturing sectors; funding for projects and support from external agencies. • Livability and lifestyle choice of the region; • Disaster management resilience and business The Plans success can be measured by monitoring: community adoption of practices; • Business health and confidence through closures • The introduction of new information programs, and openings (ie: data supplied by Ergon and Telstra incentives and other initiatives, as well as the uptake regarding new phone connections and phone of these; disconnections, new electricity connections and • Capacity building of lead commercial organisations disconnections, data through the Australian Tax such as the Chambers of Commerce; Office and Australian Securities and Investments • Meeting financial return on investment criteria. Commission); • Business output utilising Council’s dynamic economic impact tool;

50 cassowary coast ■ ■ ■ tropical futures 2016 ‘Do not wait; the time will never be “just right”. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along’.

Napoleon Hill Cassowary Coast Regional Council PO Box 887 Innisfail Qld 4860 Tel (07) 4030 2222 Fax (07) 4061 4258 Email [email protected] Web www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au