Cairns Is the Capital of Far North Queensland

CAIRNS REGION CITY DEAL PROPOSAL

OCTOBER 2019 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 1 RESIDENT UNEMPLOYMENT GREAT BARRIER REEF VISITORS POPULATION (TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION Y/E 31 MAR 19) 4.7% 4.4% 1/7 (MAR 2019) (JUL 2019) 9.0% (JUL 2019) $56B Cairns City Cairns 306,000 Youth One of the seven 2050 (projected) Unemployment Region (SA4) natural wonders of Unemployment the world 165,000 Economic, social and (today) icon value 2,300 2.0m 849,000 Cairns City Resident GROSS REGIONAL KILOMETRES LONG Domestic visitors International visitors Population spending $2.3B spending $1.1B PRODUCT Covering an area of (Y/E 30 JUN 18) 2 286,000 344,000 km 467,000 (today) 64,000 JOBS 2050 (projected) Far North Queensland (FNQ) Resident Employment Population 1,625 supported CAIRNS HOSPITAL 8.9% SPECIES OF FISH Proportion of population $8.8B $15.4B (10% of the world’s fish 82,714 Total that is Indigenous (highest of species) admissions any Australian city) Cairns Far North Queensland (y/e 30 Jun 19) >6,000 Total staff employed $6.4B ANNUALLY HOUSING (JUNE 19) CAIRNS AIRPORT 600+ Economic TYPES OF HARD & (PASSENGER MOVEMENTS Y/E 30 JUN 2019) Contribution MEDIAN PRICE SOFT CORALS WET TROPICS RAINFOREST $418,000 House 686,000 International $209,000 Unit 4.2m Domestic $200,000 Residential Land 2.0m 1.8 % Rental vacancy rate 7th Busiest airport in Australia HECTARES OVER WATER Bioregion area 2,800 Cairns and FNQ region’s water Plant Species run off as a % of: AGRICULTURE 60% Queensland’s total CAIRNS SEAPORT (FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND) 26% Australia’s total 35% Cargo movements $2.95B Sector value of Australia’s 60% (y/e 30 Jun 19) Average annual rainfall (Far mammal species of Australia’s $1.81B Export value 1,998mm North Region) 552,000 tonnes Export butterfly species 754,000 tonnes Import

5% JCU CQUniversity TAFE 952 Average annual Students enrolled 3,913 1,684 11,269 $5.2B growth in cargo Total vessel TERTIARY ANNUALLY 40% arrivals Persons employed movements 1,213 162 381 Economic of Australia’s bird (last 5 years) (y/e 30 Jun 19) EDUCATION (CAIRNS CAMPUS) Number of courses 134 127 180 Contribution species CAIRNS AT A GLANCE CAIRNS AT

2 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL TRIPARTITE SUPPORT FOR A CITY DEAL FOR CAIRNS

he Cairns City Deal is the roadmap for our future. It will airns is an economic powerhouse in the north, we are also hen I look ahead, I’m genuinely excited by the Tdeliver confidence for industry and investors, create Cone of the largest cities in Northern Australia and a gateway to Wpossibilities for Cairns. Continued population local jobs and deliver a more diverse economy. the Asia Pacific Region. It has a unique combination of economic growth, a strong and diversified economy and an enviable It will significantly build on our strengths in sectors potential, geographic location and liveability which means the city quality of life mean Cairns is a city ‘on the up’. But we such as tourism, education, health, agriculture and is strategically positioned as a growth centre for both Northern can’t rest on our laurels. To make the most of these manufacturing. But more importantly, it will unlock an Australia and the State of Queensland. opportunities, we need to effectively plan for the future unprecedented level of investment across three levels of and maintain our focus on delivering the projects, policy And so, it is with pleasure that I write to support the Cairns government. and investment our community both needs and deserves. Regional Council’s proposed City Deal which has the potential to Throughout 2018, Council led the development of the accelerate the delivery of a number of key projects that have been One key aspect of the deal will be the establishment of Cairns 2050 Shared Vision. With input from all levels of identified as being instrumental in improving our economy and the a new and innovative industry in our region to help with government and a diverse range of stakeholders from quality of life for those living in our region. the collection and recycling of plastics recovered from across our city and our region, this vision provides a our oceans and coastlines. The implementation of a City Deal will ensure that infrastructure roadmap to deliver economic prosperity and liveability for The Cairns City Deal is about working together to improve projects are linked with urban governance and ensure sustainable our community. funding into the future. It will improve the lives of residents through the liveability for thousands of people who call Cairns Next Step – A City Deal. Our shared vision provides the job creation, economic growth, investment in local infrastructure, a home. When we work together amazing things are platform to secure a City Deal for Cairns. A tripartite revitalised urban centre and a more vibrant and liveable city. achieved. In negotiating this deal, we want to make agreement between all three tiers of government, a City sure we capitalise on the city’s advantages in a way we Cairns has an enviable reputation as a world class tourism Deal for Cairns would fast track many of the priorities haven’t before. destination founded on our natural resources and unique in our vision and secure an even brighter future for our Whether that is in education, health or continuing to protect natural environment. A City Deal will contribute to the ongoing community. Using the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision as its and preserve our natural wonders such as the Great Barrier development of our important tourism industry, in addition to foundation, this document sets out the projects and Reef. It will also include major infrastructure projects other important industries, whilst accommodating our growing initiatives that should be packaged within a City Deal for including addressing concerns surrounding the Kuranda population and ensuring our environment’s protection. Cairns. Range. The City Deal will be a collective program ensuring measured I welcome of the support of Federal Member for A Cairns City Deal will be a game-changer for our region and it and calculated planning, as our city continues to grow in both Leichhardt, Warren Entsch and State Member for Cairns, will ensure continued prosperity for generations to come. population and economically. Michael Healy. Working together, we’re committed to delivering a City Deal for Cairns and to making life even I sincerely look forward to working with Cairns Regional I fully support this concept better for our community. Council Mayor Bob Manning and the State Member for Cairns Michael Healy to ensure the City Deal becomes a reality.

Warren Entsch MP Michael Healy MP Cr Bob Manning Federal Member for Leichhardt State Member for Cairns Mayor of Cairns

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 3 BACKGROUND Making Cairns an even better place to live, visit and do business

airns is the capital of Far North Queensland (FNQ), the largest region in Northern Australia (population circa 286,000) and is a strategic Cgateway to the Pacific, Asia and beyond. With a resident population of 165,000 people and an average 30,000 additional visitors staying in the city on any given night, Cairns is one of the largest and most dynamic regional cities in Australia. Unique liveability and solid economic fundamentals have seen Cairns experience significant population growth (2.3% per annum in the 15 years to 2016) – well in excess of the national growth rate. Significant private investment and renewed business confidence has also seen the Cairns region unemployment rate reduce significantly in recent years. The region’s unemployment rate currently sits at 4.4% (SA4, Jul 19).

A unique combination of economic potential and superior liveability means Cairns is ideally positioned as a growth centre of strategic significance to both Northern Australia and the State of Queensland. But in order to realise this potential, Cairns will rely on the three levels of government working closely together to deliver the projects, policy and investment that will truly make a difference for our community. A City Deal for Cairns formalises this tripartite collaboration around an agreed set of priorities.

CITY DEALS – BACKGROUND A STRONG FOUNDATION THE COMMITMENT REQUIRED City Deals are a key mechanism to deliver on the It is recognised that in order to be effective, a City Deal Cairns Regional Council is calling on the Federal opportunities and challenges in Australia’s cities by for Cairns needs to be developed in the context of a and Queensland Governments to join Council bringing together the three levels of government, the broader regional strategy to ensure such initiatives are in signing a Statement of Intent (SoI) for the community and private enterprise to create place-based complementary and contribute to the realisation of a long partnerships. They work to align the planning, investment term vision. With this in mind, Cairns Regional Council and establishment of a 10-year City Deal for Cairns and governance necessary to accelerate economic growth key regional stakeholders have worked together to develop based on the priorities outlined in this document. and job creation, stimulate urban renewal and drive the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ economic reforms. City Deals are designed to secure the vision2050). future prosperity and liveability for Australian cities. The SoI will provide an agreement between the three levels This vision also incorporates the views and priorities of of government to work together to design and implement In June 2018, the Joint Standing Committee on Northern the Cairns community as expressed through the 2016 Our a City Deal for Cairns. It will also represent a commitment Australia released its report ‘Northern Horizons – Cairns Survey, a community survey conducted by Cairns from all levels of government to collaborate with industry Unleashing Our Tourism Potential’. A key recommendation Regional Council which attracted over 6,000 responses. and the community to realise opportunities to improve from that report was the establishment of a City Deal for The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision provides a framework the Cairns region’s global competitiveness, continue Cairns. A City Deal for Cairns would support the Federal that will deliver economic prosperity, quality of life and to diversify and grow the Cairns economy, create jobs, Government’s agenda for the development of Northern liveability for the Cairns community both today, and for the stimulate urban renewal and city centre revitalisation and Australia and would also contribute to the implementation generations that follow. It sets out the projects, investment ultimately deliver an even better quality of life for the of a variety of Federal and Queensland Government and policy required for the vision to be realised. The Cairns Cairns community. strategies and policies. 2050 Shared Vision has provided the foundation for the priorities contained in this document.

4 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL CAIRNS’ COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Direct connections to regions with 88.61 million people Strong economic Regional capital fundamentals of Far North 5 trillion in Queensland GDP ($USD)

Well established Alignment with seaport & growing Environmental & Unique environment Federal focus economic alignment & natural assets marine industry on Northern Australia

Connection to Enviable Proximity & Positive quality of agricultural food connectivity to PNG, investment life bowl on the Atherton the Pacific, Asia pipeline Tablelands & & beyond beyond CAIRNS

Indigenous Largest regional More than heritage, culture population Australia’s northern Multicultural & 5,400 direct & connectivity in Northern terminus diverse community Abundant water Australia, & international & rainfall growing flights annually

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 5 UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY AND POTENTIAL FOR THE CAIRNS REGION A City Deal for Cairns will enable the significant opportunities presented below to be ‘unlocked’ positioning Cairns as an economic powerhouse in Northern Australia

FOOD TOURISM TERTIARY AREA OF FOCUS PRODUCTION EDUCATION

• World population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 • Significant and rapid expansion of the global middle • Rapid expansion of global middle class expected to (up by 2 billion from today) class population leading to increased discretionary drive significant increases in tertiary level education • Income growth in developing countries is leading to expenditure attainment TRENDS/ CONTRIBUTING dietary changes also driving up global food demand • Global population age profile and propensity for travel • Australia’s international education sector enrolments FACTORS per capita both positively impacting tourism and travel expected to increase by 45% in the 10 years to 2025 • Global food demand expected to increase anywhere • Cultural, nature based and sports/events tourism are • Significant growth in demand domestically for tertiary between 59% and 98% by 2050 significant growth sectors level education. In 2016, 3.8 million Australians held a • International inbound travel to Australia expected to bachelor degree or post graduate degree level qualification, increase by 75% over the 10 years to 2026-27 an increase of 28% over the preceding 5 years

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

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

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

6 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY AND POTENTIAL FOR THE CAIRNS REGION A City Deal for Cairns will enable the significant opportunities presented below to be ‘unlocked’ positioning Cairns as an economic powerhouse in Northern Australia

STRATEGIC SKILLED & GROWING RENEWABLE LOCATION POPULATION ENERGY

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

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

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

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

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 7 STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT The implementation of this City Deal proposal for Cairns aligns with and supports the implementation of, key strategies and policies at the Federal, State and Local Government level including:

FEDERAL STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES STATE STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES

• The Queensland Plan: • Advancing Tourism 2016-20 • Northern Australia agenda focused • Relevant committees and inquiries/ Queenslanders’ 30-year • 10-Year Roadmap for the Arts, on growing the northern Australian reports including: vision (2014). Cultural and Creative Sector economy through a long term agenda o Select Committee on Regional • Overarching state priorities (Discussion Paper) 2018. of investment and support. Development and Decentralisation and objectives for the • Far North Queensland • Smart Cities Plan 2016. (Regions at the Ready: Investing community as outlined in the Regional Plan 2009-2031. in Australia’s Future (June 2018) Our Future State: Advancing • City Deals – Partnerships report). Queensland’s Priorities • Advancing North Queensland between Federal, State and Local (2018) plan. – Investing in the Future of Governments and the community o Standing Committee on the North (2016) plan. to work towards a shared vision Infrastructure Transport and Cities • State Infrastructure Plan for productive, liveable cities and (Harnessing Value, Delivering Strategy (2016) and Program • Far North Regional Transport regions. Infrastructure (November 2016) Update (2018). Plan (Draft) 2018. and Building Up & Moving Out • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity • Queensland Tourism and (September 2018) reports). • Cairns and Hinterland (2017) report which outlines the Transport Strategy 2018. Hospital and Health Service Government’s future direction for o Joint Standing Committee on Strategic Plan 2018-2022. • Queensland Department of regional Australia across the five Northern Australia (Northern Health Strategic Plan 2016- key areas of jobs and economic Horizons – Unleashing Our • Advancing Tourism in North 2020. development, infrastructure, health, Tourism Potential (June 2018) Queensland 2016-20. education and communications. report. A City Deal for Cairns was a recommendation in this report). • Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy • Continued focus on regional that acknowledges the challenges infrastructure development LOCAL STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES faced by Australia’s major cities in supported by funding programs dealing with continued population such as the Regional Growth Fund, • Cairns 2050 Shared Vision. growth and the role of regional Building Better Regions Fund and migration and population growth in Roads of Strategic Importance • Cairns Regional Council Corporate Plan 2017-2022. addressing these challenges. Initiative. • Cairns Regional Council Economic Development Plan 2018 -2022. • Cairns Regional Council City Centre Master Plan 2019. • Cairns Regional Council Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022.

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

EARLY JUNE AUG NOV FEB MAR OCT Q4 Q1/Q2 Q2 Q3 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020

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

Desktop review of previous regional Finalisation of the vision Endorsement and support planning work undertaken. and endorsement by Cairns for the vision provided by the Regional Council. relevant Federal and Queensland Two half day external stakeholder members of parliament and key workshops to inform vision Establishment of a Shared stakeholders. development with approximately Vision Advisory Committee 40 stakeholders at each workshop (19 members) comprising Initial public awareness and drawn from a diverse range of representatives from a broad communication activities interest groups. range of external stakeholders including provision for the • Cairns 2050 Shared Vision. as well as Council’s community to register their • Cairns Regional Council Corporate Plan 2017-2022. • Cairns Regional Council Economic Development Plan 2018 -2022. Preparation of a draft vision and Mayor, Deputy Mayor and support for the vision. Despite • Cairns Regional Council City Centre Master Plan 2019. circulation to key stakeholders for CEO to support vision only being launched in late • Cairns Regional Council Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022. comment and feedback. implementation. 2018, the vision has already received over 400 registrations of support from the Cairns community.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 9 PROJECTS AND AREA OF FOCUS

SUPPORTED production Food Tourism Education Tertiary Location Strategic Cairns’ Population & Growing Skilled Energy Renewable

PROJECTS CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL Aviation Route Development Cairns Destination Sports

Cairns Gallery Precinct PRIORITY Cairns Hospital (University Status) Cairns Metro/Airport Link AREAS FOR Cairns Road Network Projects Cairns Seaport/HMAS Cairns

City Centre Master Plan ACTION CQUniversity City Campus & Impact Plan Unlocking the unique strategic opportunities for Cairns Innovation Precinct

This proposal calls for the Federal and Queensland Governments to join Cairns Integrated Transport Strategy Regional Council in signing a Statement of Intent to establish a City Deal for National Indigenous Heritage Centre Cairns based on the priorities contained in this document. The implementation of these priorities will enable Cairns’ unique strategic opportunities to be Nature Based Tourism Strategy unlocked. The adjacent table outlines each priority and the Area of Focus it supports. A high level summary of each priority is contained on the following Population and Migration Strategy pages with further details included in Appendix 1. Priority Regional Recycling and Reprocessing Hub The development of a City Deal is an iterative process that requires close collaboration between all three levels of government. Thus, whilst this proposal Priority Renewable Energy Zone provides a starting point for initiating the discussion and negotiation of such Reef and Rainforest Management a deal, it is also acknowledged that the proposal may evolve over time with the priorities currently included herein potentially changing, being added to or Sustainable Tourism Funding removed as the process of building consensus progresses. Water Infrastructure Development

10 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL

AVIATION CAIRNS HOSPITAL ROUTE (UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT STATUS)

CAIRNS METRO/ AIRPORT LINK CQUNIVERSITY CITY CAMPUS & IMPACT PLAN

INNOVATION PRECINCT ROAD NETWORK PROJECTS

CAIRNS SEAPORT /HMAS CITY CAIRNS CAIRNS CENTRE GALLERY MASTER PRECINCT PLAN

NATURE BASED POPULATION PRIORITY WATER CAIRNS INTEGRATED TOURISM & MIGRATION RENEWABLE INFRASTRUCTURE DESTINATION TRANSPORT STRATEGY STRATEGY ENERGY ZONE DEVELOPMENT SPORTS STRATEGY

PRIORITY NATIONAL REEF AND SUSTAINABLE INDIGENOUS REGIONAL RECYCLING AND RAINFOREST TOURISM HERITAGE MANAGEMENT FUNDING CENTRE REPROCESSING HUB

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 11 PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION

AVIATION ROUTE CAIRNS CAIRNS GALLERY CAIRNS HOSPITAL CAIRNS METRO/ DEVELOPMENT DESTINATION SPORTS PRECINCT (UNIVERSITY STATUS) AIRPORT LINK $39.8 million tripartite Funding allocation of $100 million Completion of a two stage scoping $150 million commitment for the $400,000 in funding to undertake funding commitment towards towards securing new international study to identify and leverage the establishment of JCU’s Cairns Tropical the market needs assessment and the establishment of this aviation routes for Cairns Airport opportunity for Cairns to become an Enterprise Centre and a Research, business case for this innovative iconic cultural and tourism supporting an estimated $800 internationally recognised sports Education and Innovation Centre public transport project. million pa growth in the region’s destination of choice. infrastructure project. (REIC) at the Cairns Hospital to support tourism, international education the goal of Cairns Hospital becoming and agricultural export industries. a university hospital in the short to medium term. $60 million to increase bed capacity at Cairns Hospital together with further recurrent funding allocations to support REIC operation

and additional bed capacity.

12 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION

CAIRNS ROAD NETWORK PROJECTS CAIRNS SEAPORT/ CITY CENTRE CQUNIVERSITY $370 million for capacity improvements on the Cairns Western Arterial Road HMAS CAIRNS MASTER PLAN CITY CAMPUS & (CWAR) linking Smithfield to south Cairns. Extension of the National Land Strategic investment over the 10 $100 million tripartite funding IMPACT PLAN Transport Network to the Cairns Airport and Smithfield and investment of years to 2030 in upgraded facilities pool for the implementation of $50 million towards the $359 million in support of capacity enhancements on this road corridor. $225 and infrastructure for HMAS Cairns the Cairns City Centre Master establishment of a new and policy/investment to support million to deliver the Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage Plan over the ten years to 2030. permanent city centre campus, future Seaport development. 5: Foster Road Intersection project. $1 million for a Strategic Assessment of $45 million towards Asia Pacific Service Requirements and $20 million for Preliminary Evaluation and Business Aviation Hub development and Case development for the Kuranda Range Road corridor to address significant $35 million for the establishment of Queensland’s first University safety, capacity and reliability issues on this strategic road link between Cairns, High School. the Atherton Tablelands and beyond. Capital investments to deliver on the outcomes of this review.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 13

PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION

INNOVATION INTEGRATED NATIONAL NATURE BASED POPULATION PRECINCT TRANSPORT INDIGENOUS TOURISM STRATEGY AND MIGRATION Tripartite commitment to STRATEGY HERITAGE CENTRE Preparation of a strategy to STRATEGY investigate the establishment Preparation of a wide ranging Funding to support initial concept enable the region’s significant Completion of a detailed of an innovation precinct in the integrated transport strategy development and business potential for nature based population and migration strategy Cairns City Centre/city fringe with a for the Cairns region case preparation for a National tourism activities such as hiking for the Cairns region to deliver the range of Federal, State and Council considering air, road, sea Indigenous Heritage Centre and mountain biking to be fully skilled population base needed incentives to support development and rail transport as well as located in Cairns. realised. to unlock the opportunities and with direct linkages to both JCU consideration of public and identified in this proposal. and CQUniversity. active transport solutions.

14 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION

PRIORITY REGIONAL PRIORITY REEF AND SUSTAINABLE WATER RECYCLING AND RENEWABLE RAINFOREST TOURISM FUNDING INFRASTRUCTURE REPROCESSING HUB ENERGY ZONE MANAGEMENT Tripartite commitment to DEVELOPMENT Designation of Cairns as a Designation of the Cairns Commitment to undertake a the implementation of a Funding to support project Priority Regional Recycling and and FNQ region as a Priority detailed independent review of visitor levy in the Cairns local feasibility/business case Reprocessing Hub together with Renewable Energy Zone and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and government area. work and subsequent capital funding to support recycling implementation of the policy Wet Tropics Rainforest (WTR) investment for significant regional and processing infrastructure and investment required to management structures and water storage, distribution development and expansion support regional renewable GBR/ WTR funding (quantum and treatment projects such as as well as the investigation energy development. and structure) requirements Nullinga Dam and the Lakeland of innovative commercial for long term management and Irrigation Scheme. opportunities for the use of preservation of these critical recycled materials. ecosystems.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 15

COMPLEMENTARY PRIORITIES The priorities included within this proposal not only contribute individually to the overall vision, they also complement each other. The matrix below highlights the synergies between

individual priorities. Development Route Aviation Sports Destination Cairns Precinct Gallery Cairns Status) (University Hospital Cairns Link Metro/Airport Cairns Projects Network Road Cairns Seaport/HMAS Cairns Cairns Plan Master Centre City Plan & Impact Campus City CQUniversity Precinct Innovation Strategy Transport Integrated Centre Heritage Indigenous National Strategy Tourism Based Nature Strategy and Migration Population Hub and Reprocessing Recycling Regional Priority Zone Energy Renewable Priority Management and Rainforest Reef Funding Tourism Sustainable Development Infrastructure Water

Aviation Route Development

Cairns Destination Sports

Cairns Gallery Precinct

Cairns Hospital (University Status)

Cairns Metro/Airport Link

Cairns Road Network Projects

Cairns Seaport/HMAS Cairns

City Centre Master Plan

CQUniversity City Campus & Impact Plan

Innovation Precinct

Integrated Transport Strategy

National Indigenous Heritage Centre

Nature Based Tourism Strategy

Population and Migration Strategy

Priority Regional Recycling and Reprocessing Hub

Priority Renewable Energy Zone

Reef and Rainforest Management

Sustainable Tourism Funding

Water Infrastructure Development

16 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL A SUITE OF PROJECTS/PRIORITIES THAT COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER AND ENHANCE THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND LIVEABILITY OF OUR COMMUNITY

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 17 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE The diagram below sets out the proposed governance structure for the Cairns City Deal. The model provides for the direct and collaborative involvement of all three levels of government in the implementation of the proposed Cairns City Deal. Each level of government would dedicate specific resources/personnel to the deal’s implementation to ensure it occurs in a coordinated manner.

CAIRNS MAYOR CAIRNS CITY DEAL SIGNATORIES – Provides the commitment from all three levels of PRIME CITY DEAL PREMIER CAIRNS government to the deal and ultimately responsible for its successful implementation. SIGNATORIES MINISTER REGIONAL COUNCIL

LEADERSHIP GROUP – Provides strategic oversight to the deal implementation including review MAYOR and approval of the implementation plan and annual progress reports. Leadership group expected LEADERSHIP MINISTER DEPUTY CAIRNS to meet [six monthly/annually]. GROUP FOR CITIES PREMIER REGIONAL COUNCIL

COUNCILLORS & SHARED VISION ADVISORY STEERING GROUP – Oversees the implementation of the deal on a day to day basis including liaison COMMITTEE with the Leadership Group and Program/Project Delivery Agencies as required. The Steering Group would DEPT. OF CEO AND also provide briefings to responsible Ministers and Council about the progress, emerging issues and STEERING INFRASTRUCTURE QLD EXECUTIVE opportunities as required. The Steering Group would also oversee the preparation of the implementation GROUP REGIONAL TREASURY OFFICERS CAIRNS plan and annual progress reports before submission to the Leadership Group for review and approval. DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL Steering Group would be expected to meet [bi monthly/quarterly]. & CITIES COUNCIL

PROGRAM/PROJECT DELIVERY AGENCIES – Responsible for the coordination and delivery of the PROGRAM/ individual priorities/projects included within the deal. PROJECT DELIVERY AGENCIES

The Leadership Group and Steering Group will also engage with and receive advice from Councillors of Cairns Regional Council as well as representatives of Council’s Shared Vision Advisory Committee. The Shared Vision Advisory Committee was established by Cairns Regional Council following the endorsement of the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision by Council in November 2018. Membership of the Committee includes 16 external stakeholders representing a variety of organisations and stakeholders in the region as well as the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO of Cairns Regional Council. The Committee acts as a key communication link between Council and key stakeholders in relation to the implementation of the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision. As the City Deal proposal builds on the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision as its foundation, the Advisory Committee would logically provide input and advice to the ongoing implementation of the proposed City Deal.

18 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL IMPLEMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

he governance structure set out on the The implementation plan would be Tprevious page provides a framework to submitted to the Leadership Group for ensure transparency and accountability. review and approval. The Steering Group Following the execution of a City Deal for would then be responsible for overseeing Cairns, the Steering Group will coordinate delivery in accordance with the the preparation of an implementation implementation plan. Annual progress plan. This plan will set out the following reports would be prepared to formally with respect to the individual projects track progress and outcomes against the included within the City Deal: implementation plan. • Details of the specific project/priorities Whilst performance measures for and the commitment/s agreed with individual projects would be determined respect to its implementation. through the development of the Implementation Plan, the National Cities • Key deliverables and milestones that Performance Framework would also will be used to track progress. provide an overarching reference point • Responsibility for project for the overall performance of Cairns implementation including relevant against a range of benchmarks relevant departments from within each of the to economic prosperity and liveability. three levels of government. • Quantum and source of financial contributions required for implementation. • Performance measures that will be used to measure the project’s impact and success. These are expected to be project specific.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 19 THIS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL FOR CAIRNS IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS:

ADVA NCE CAIRNS OUR REGION ONE VOICE THE COMMITTEE FOR TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

20 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL APPENDIX 1

PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION FURTHER DETAIL

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 21 CAIRNS AIRPORT IS TARGETING FOUR NEW PRIORITY ROUTES: ONE EACH FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA (TO SERVE EUROPE); ONE FROM SHANGHAI, AND ONE FROM NORTH AMERICA.

22 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL COMMITMENT REQUIRED AVIATION ROUTE Funding allocation of $100 million towards securing new international aviation DEVELOPMENT routes for Cairns Airport Delivering the air connectivity required to support job growth and supporting an estimated $800 million pa growth economic activity in the region’s tourism, international education in the region’s tourism, and high value agricultural export sectors international education and agricultural export ir connectivity is key to the economic 2018 indicates international tourism visitation industries. A development of the Cairns region. It opens and expenditure in TNQ reduced by 3.3% and up new visitor markets for the tourism sector, 2% respectively compared to the prior year. provides opportunities for the export of high Contrast this with the results for Brisbane and value agricultural produce and promotes growth the Gold Coast over the same period where of the international education sector. international tourism expenditure increased by 20.5% and 13.3% respectively. Increasing direct A daily international wide-body flight to Cairns international aviation together with tourism is potentially a $200 million a year export product development and direct investment in business, with $100 million of international destination marketing is required to address visitor spend, $50-150 million of agricultural this worrying trend for the TNQ tourism sector. produce sales, and the potential to deliver more than 650 new jobs for the region. There There is significant international visitor growth AREAS OF FOCUS are additional flow-on benefits as other trade that would be unlocked by additional capacity But whilst the case for new international aviation routes into Cairns is compelling, SUPPORTED is enabled by new air routes. These benefits without reducing passengers on existing flights. This project/priority supports the temporary ‘start up’ funding packages are are widely dispersed across businesses in the To unlock this growth, Cairns Airport is following areas of focus outlined in sector and the region. Currently more than targeting four new priority routes: one each required to de-risk initial establishment for the this City Deal proposal: airlines involved and secure these new routes in 80% of international visitors through Cairns from the Middle East and Southeast Asia (to • Food production what is an extremely competitive international Airport travel on domestic flights. Due to the serve Europe); one from China, and one from • Tourism volume of international passengers flying-in North America. Together, these four new air market. Cairns Airport is seeking to assemble four airline support packages to support the • Tertiary Education on domestic routes, domestic capacity is also routes would provide $800 million per year in • Cairns’ Strategic Location being constrained. additional economic benefit to the $14 billion start-up on the four key routes identified above. • Skilled & Growing Population Cairns economy. More international services Limited direct international aviation capacity direct to Cairns will create more capacity for • Renewable Energy is a key constraint to the region’s tourism domestic visitors and encourage international economy. Analysis by Tourism Research visitors to stay longer and spend more whilst in Australia for the year ended 30 September the region.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 23 COMMITMENT REQUIRED CAIRNS DESTINATION SPORTS Completion of a two Cementing Cairns’ position as an international destination of choice for sports tourism, sports events, and sports research and education stage scoping study to identify and leverage the Cairns has a unique opportunity to position itself • Two well established universities (CQUniversity stadium use etc. It would analyse emerging opportunity for Cairns to as a destination of choice for sports tourism, elite and James Cook University), existing tertiary trends at both a domestic and international become an internationally level sports training camps, mass participation sports and exercise science education and level with a view to identifying significant recognised sports sporting events, and sports related research and research activities occurring in region and the growth opportunities. The region’s specific education. potential for further expansion. competitive advantages would be considered as destination of choice. • A climate which is attractive for winter training part of this phase as would existing proposals The region’s specific competitive advantages camps and events and which also lends itself put forward by a variety of proponents. Phase include: to tropical sports conditioning and research. one would also include an audit of the existing • A track record of attracting and hosting large • Strong domestic and international aviation sporting, education and research expertise, scale sporting events and training camps links and ancillary facilities (accommodation facilities and infrastructure in the region as well with recent examples including: the Ironman etc.) to support sports tourism, training camps as consultation with key regional stakeholders Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns; Paralympic and events. (universities, sporting bodies, tourism marketing Pan Pacific Swimming Championships; NRL • Existing and strengthening sporting links agencies etc.). It would also include a gap and AFL league games; Commonwealth with PNG particularly for rugby league and analysis identifying key investments and Games Basketball (2018); Rugby League the potential for this and other initiatives development required to meet the priority areas World Cup Games (2017); international swim to support future rectangular stadium of market opportunity. team training camps; Davis Cup Tennis; Seven development. PHASE TWO: Business Case and Cairns Marathon Festival; and the GBR Masters Growth in professional women’s sport and Implementation Plan Games amongst others. tropical sports conditioning also represent Phase two would build on the results of Phase • An existing and well-established national potential areas of opportunity that Cairns is well one and provide detailed commercial feasibility level sporting team in the Cairns Taipans positioned to benefit from. analysis as well as an implementation plan for (basketball), with an aspiration to attract A detailed scoping study is required to further key initiatives identified. Work is expected to a WNBL team to the region (Women’s understand the opportunity and how Cairns include consideration of funding models for Basketball). can best position itself as an internationally infrastructure establishment and operation, • A range of high standard sporting facilities recognised sports destination of choice. It is analysis of governance and collaboration AREAS OF FOCUS including: the Tobruk Memorial Pool; Cairns expected that the study would incorporate two models, cost benefit analysis, risk assessment SUPPORTED Convention Centre; Cairns Basketball Stadium; phases. and mitigation strategies. The output from Phase This project/priority supports the Cazalys Stadium (AFL and cricket); Cairns two would be a business case/s for the specific following areas of focus outlined in International Tennis Centre; Cairns Regional PHASE ONE: Market/Needs Assessment opportunities/facilities required to meet the this City Deal proposal: Hockey Centre; and Barlow Park (athletics, Phase one would investigate the potential market priorities identified from the market and needs rugby league, rugby union and soccer). opportunities for sports tourism, events training • Tourism assessment phase. • Tertiary Education camps, research and education, rectangular • Cairns’ Strategic Location • Skilled & Growing Population

24 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL A number of proposals/concepts that could potentially contribute to the region’s reputation as a sporting destination of national and international significance have already emerged. These include: • The potential establishment in Cairns of a Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) team, stadium, and associated CQUniversity Women in Sport Research Centre. CQUniversity in partnership with Cairns Basketball Association (CBA) and the Cairns NBL Taipans have already identified this initiative as a priority worthy of further investigation. • Potential Tropical Sports Conditioning Centre/Facilities which would provide a world class base for tropical sports science serving the local community, youth athletes, and occupational/tactical personnel along with bringing elite national and international athletes to the region. This is an initiative previously identified by James Cook University and will focus on both teaching and research in areas such as heat stress and physical activity, heat-acclimatisation training for strength and endurance athletes and industry-related heat illness. • The potential for a new/upgraded multi-use rectangular stadium to: support a proposed Cairns/Papua New Guinea (PNG) NRL bid; potentially host national and international level games from other codes including soccer, rugby union; provide a large scale outdoor venue for concerts and events; and provide a potential base for retail, accommodation, research/education and other activities. Such a stadium could also potentially house facilities for a range of other sporting codes and initiatives. These are among the concepts that would be further considered and explored as part of the scoping study. This initiative also complements the proposed Queensland/SEQ 2032 Olympic Bid with the development of sporting facilities and training capabilities in region supporting the case for such a bid. Continued investment provides potential for Cairns to eventually rival the international cities of Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore as one of world’s premier destinations for tropical sports conditioning and training as well as sports tourism.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 25 COMMITMENT REQUIRED $39.8 million tripartite CAIRNS GALLERY PRECINCT funding towards the An iconic new cultural tourism project driving increased visitation, tourism diversification and regional employment establishment of this iconic cultural and tourism airns is recognised as the Arts and Culture infrastructure project. CCapital of Northern Australia. The Cairns Gallery Precinct is a project that strongly supports this status and complements recent regional investment in arts and cultural facilities, events and programs. These include the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), Munro Martin Parklands and Centre of Contemporary Arts refurbishment among others. The project will transform and connect three heritage listed buildings in the Cairns City Centre (the Cairns Art Gallery, ‘Old’ Court House and former Mulgrave Shire Council offices) and establish a new world class gallery building to create a dynamic and unique gallery precinct with benefits for both the local community and domestic and international visitors. Australians and its greatest diversity of Product) and support 177 ongoing full time Indigenous cultures. Community demand for jobs through its direct operation and induced The project would have a particularly strong the arts, the burgeoning local creative sector, tourism expenditure. An independent and connection to the region’s Indigenous the opportunity to showcase more Indigenous comprehensive business case for the project has community, would broaden the region’s arts, and the need to diversify our tourism been completed utilising funding provided by the tourism offer and enhance the liveability of our offering all contribute to the need for increased Queensland Government. AREAS OF FOCUS community. scale and diversity of Cairns’ visual arts The business case supports the case for project SUPPORTED infrastructure. A significant proportion of Cairns’ population investment with the preferred project option This project/priority supports the identify as First Nations peoples. Cairns is Establishment of the precinct will also have having a Benefits to Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.19 following areas of focus outlined in also the principal connection point for the significant positive impacts on jobs and and a Net Present Value (NPV) of $13.3 million. this City Deal proposal: exchange and celebration of Indigenous art economic growth. In addition to the significant This proposal calls for a tripartite funding • Tourism and culture from communities throughout economic impact and employment created arrangement to construct and establish the • Tertiary Education Cape York and the Torres Strait. The Cairns during construction, once operational, the precinct with Federal, State and Local (Council) • Skilled & Growing Population and Great Barrier Reef region is home to project will add $20.7 million per annum Governments each contributing one third of the Australia’s highest proportion of Indigenous to the regional economy (Gross Regional project’s total capital cost of $39.8 million.

26 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL An iconic new cultural tourism project driving increased visitation, tourism diversification and regional employment

A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF CAIRNS’ POPULATION IDENTIFY AS FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES. CAIRNS IS ALSO THE PRINCIPLE CONNECTION POINT FOR THE EXCHANGE AND CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS ART AND CULTURE

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 27 COMMITMENT REQUIRED CAIRNS HOSPITAL $150 million commitment for the establishment of JCU’s Cairns Tropical ( UNIVERSITY STATUS) Enterprise Centre and a Investing in the infrastructure and services required Research, Education and to keep our community healthy Innovation Centre (REIC) at the Cairns Hospital ealth and wellbeing are critical foundations support clinical research and education. The tropical health and to a community’s quality of life and are establishment of a Research, Education and to support the goal of H essential if communities are to continue to Innovation Centre (REIC) supports this initiative Cairns Hospital becoming grow and prosper. The Cairns and Hinterland and aligns with James Cook University’s a university hospital in Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) is proposed Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre the short to medium term. the FNQ region’s largest employer with (CTEC). The CTEC project has already received $60 million to increase approximately 6,000 staff delivering a wide a Federal funding commitment of $60 million. bed capacity at Cairns range of hospital and health services across A further $90 million is required to enable the Hospital together with the region. The Cairns Hospital is a critical design and construction of the REIC to progress. medicine, rheumatic heart disease, sexually facility within the CHHHS network and caters further recurrent funding In addition, Cairns Hospital will need a further transmitted infections, renal disease, for approximately 100,000 patient admissions allocations to support REIC $60 million in capital funding to refurbish diabetes and blood borne viruses. every year. The hospital also deals with a operation and additional areas that are vacated into the REIC to create diverse range of health and wellbeing needs • Enhancing clinical leadership and excellence bed capacity. 80 additional beds to meet demand and of the regional community including the in targeted clinical areas. expand clinical services until 2027. The region’s significant Aboriginal and Torres allocation of additional teaching places Strait Islander populations. Expansion of the • Facilitating further employment growth within JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry facilities and status of the Cairns Hospital as in the region’s Health Care and Social will also be required to support facility well as investment in the broader regional Assistance industry sector (already the development and operation. services managed by the CHHHS will be largest employment sector in the region and growing). required to meet the future needs of a growing These developments will deliver significant regional population. The region’s unique benefits to the Cairns and FNQ communities • Expanding the tertiary education AREAS OF FOCUS demographics, including significant visitor including: opportunities for the local community in and Indigenous populations, are also key clinical fields. • Increased capacity at the Cairns Hospital SUPPORTED considerations when planning for the future created through the transition of research This project/priority supports the health needs of Cairns. • Supporting growth in the private sector and educational staff to the proposed following areas of focus outlined in relating to medical innovation and potential The aim is for Cairns Hospital to become a CTEC and REIC facilities. links to the development of an innovation this City Deal proposal: university hospital thereby facilitating the precinct within the Cairns City Centre. • Further development of expertise and • Tourism expansion of higher level of services that research targeted at regional priorities, • Tertiary Education can be offered locally. For this objective to be • Supporting economic development within which may include Indigenous health, • Skilled & Growing Population realised, facilities need to be developed which the Cairns City Centre more broadly.

28 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL Investing in the infrastructure and services required to keep our community healthy

THE REGION’S UNIQUE DEMOGRAPHICS, INCLUDING SIGNIFICANT VISITOR AND INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS, ARE KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE HEALTH NEEDS OF CAIRNS AND FNQ.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 29 COMMITMENT REQUIRED $400,000 in funding to CAIRNS METRO/AIRPORT LINK undertake the market An innovative public transport solution connecting the Cairns Airport to the City Centre needs assessment and business case for he Cairns Metro concept would region. The project links directly with this innovative public Tprovide for a direct and high several of the priorities included transport project. frequency public transport link within this proposal document as a between the Cairns Airport and the number are physically located on or Cairns City Centre including the adjacent to the proposed route. proposed Tropical North Global Cairns Regional Council has engaged Tourism Hub site. The adjacent with the Queensland Transport diagram provides an overview of Minister, the Hon Mark Bailey, the proposed route for the service regarding the project and Council (approximately 7.5 kilometres long) has also worked collaboratively with and the key stops/attractors along representatives of the Department that route. Cairns is a regional city of Transport and Main Roads (‘TMR’) with unique potential for such a to identify the steps required to service given the region’s high visitor further develop the concept. A population (almost 3 million visitors business case is now required to per year) and the fact the Cairns determine the market demand International Airport is the seventh for such a service, investigate the busiest airport in Australia with in alternative options for servicing that excess of five million passenger demand, and undertake commercial, movements each year. The Cairns financial and economic analysis community has expressed a desire for the preferred option. $400,000 to see innovative public transport in funding is required to fund the options progressed. The Cairns preparation of the business case for Metro concept could potentially see this exciting public transport project. AREAS OF FOCUS the deployment of electric tram-like SUPPORTED vehicles or alternate innovative This project/priority supports the transport solutions. The project could following areas of focus outlined in also link to the future expansion of this City Deal proposal: a wider public transport network • Tourism to the north and south of the city • Tertiary Education centre and contribute to the delivery of a wider transport strategy for the • Skilled & Growing Population

30 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL CAIRNS DOMESTIC TERMINAL AIRPORT CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL LINK 0km Cairns Airport AIRPORT Terminals

CAIRNS METRO/AIRPORT LINK Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre

Cairns North 3km Sporting Precinct Sporting Precinct - Tobruk Olympic Pool Complex - Cairns International Tennis Centre - Cairns Hockey fields

SPORTING PRECINCT

Northern Esplande Playground

CAIRNS NORTH 4.5km Cairns Hospital

Cairns Hospital & Health Precinct

Esplanade Parklands & CAIRNS HOSPITAL Sports Precinct Cairns Performing 5.5km Arts Centre Cairns Aquarium Lake Street Bus terminal

Cairns Performing Esplanade Arts Centre & Munro & Lagoon Martin Parklands Proposed Art Gallery Precinct MUNRO MARTIN City Centre 6km Bus Terminal

CITY CENTREUniversity Reef Fleet Train Station Campuses Terminal

Cruise Liner Cairns Central Terminal Shopping Centre Proposed CBD to airport route CAIRNS IS A REGIONAL CITY WITH STRONG Active transport links Proposed Global POTENTIAL FOR AN AIRPORT LINK SERVICE GIVEN Tourism Hub 400m catchement CRUISE LINER TERMINAL Cairns Cruise THE REGION’S HIGH VISITOR POPULATION AND THE 800m catchement Convention 7km Liner Terminal Centre FACT THE CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS THE Key attractor Key accommodation region SEVENTH BUSIEST AIRPORT IN AUSTRALIA. CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 31 COMMITMENT CAIRNS ROAD REQUIRED $370 million for capacity improvements on the NETWORK PROJECTS Cairns Western Arterial Investing in an integrated road network that will support the future economic Road (CWAR) linking Smithfield to south Cairns. prosperity, liveability, safety and resilience of the Cairns and FNQ community Extension of the National he road networks both within Cairns and the delivery of an integrated road transport Land Transport Network connecting Cairns to regions located to the network for Cairns and to support enhanced to the Cairns Airport and T north, south and west are critical enablers connectivity with the surrounding region. CAIRNS WESTERN Smithfield and investment for the regional economy. An effective road The projects all contribute to the priorities ARTERIAL ROAD of $359 million in support transport network contributes to the region’s contained in the Queensland Government’s of capacity enhancements The Cairns Western Arterial Road provides an liveability by facilitating efficient travel both Far North Regional Transport Plan (Draft) 2018 on this road corridor. $225 important linkage to the north, west and south within region and to/from outside the region and a number also align with the Federal million to deliver the Bruce of Cairns via its connections to the Captain for work, leisure and social purposes. Safety Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance Highway – Cairns Southern Cook Highway, Kuranda Range Road and for all modes of transport is an important initiative as they facilitate efficient freight Access Corridor Stage 5: Bruce Highway respectively. The road corridor consideration as is the resilience of the connectivity to the Cairns Seaport and Cairns Foster Road Intersection alleviates traffic flows through the Cairns City region’s road network to weather events and Airport. project. $1 million for a Centre by providing an alternate ‘bypass’ flooding. There are seven key road network Each project is depicted in the adjacent Strategic Assessment of route to the National Highway 1 route that projects (three of which are already fully diagram with further commentary in the Service Requirements and traverses through the Cairns City via Sheridan funded and underway) that are critical to paragraphs that follow. $20 million for Preliminary Street. Whilst elements of the Cairns Western Evaluation and Business Arterial Road are ‘dual laned’ in each direction, Case development for the further investment is required to ensure this Kuranda Range Road corridor road corridor can deliver to its full potential to address significant safety, supporting the efficient and safe movement capacity and reliability of freight and people. Cairns Regional Council issues on this strategic road has identified a range of upgrades on this road link between Cairns, the corridor that would significantly enhance its Atherton Tablelands and capacity and improve connectivity and safety. beyond. Capital investments Projects include ‘dual laning’ of the northern to deliver on the outcomes section of the road, through to upgrades of this review. to McCoombe Street to deliver improved connectivity with the Bruce Highway to the south. An estimated investment of $370 million from the Queensland Government is required to deliver these enhancements and unlock this road corridor’s full potential.

32 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL Smithfield Bypass

Kuranda Range Road

National Highway 1 Draper Street to Smithfield

Cairns Western Arterial Road (CWAR)

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

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

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 33 AREAS OF FOCUS SUPPORTED This project/priority supports the NATIONAL HIGHWAY 1 KURANDA RANGE ROAD following areas of focus outlined in DRAPER STREET TO SMITHFIELD this City Deal proposal: • Food production he National Land Transport of the Federal Government’s NLTN he Kuranda Range Road links Strategic Importance initiative given • Tourism TNetwork (NLTN) currently Determination Review. Cairns TSmithfield to Kuranda and provides the significant agricultural resources terminates at the corner of Comport Regional Council strongly supports • Skilled & Growing Population critical connectivity between Cairns, and potential located on the Atherton and Draper Streets (just south of this extension and is advocating the Atherton Tablelands (including Tablelands and beyond. An updated • Renewable Energy the Cairns City Centre). As a result, to the Federal Government for Mareeba), Cape York and the Gulf and comprehensive review is required the section of the National Highway its approval. A series of capacity of Carpentaria. The FNQ region’s to determine the best way to unlock 1 that connects the southern fringe enhancements on this road corridor agricultural sector is a key driver of the this road corridor’s economic potential of the Cairns City to Smithfield via have been identified by Cairns need for an improved Kuranda Range whilst at the same time addressing the Sheridan Street is unable to benefit Regional Council. The estimated Road. With a sector value of $2.95 billion current safety and reliability issues. The from the 80/20 (Federal/State) cost of these enhancements is and export value of $1.81 billion and Queensland Government has announced funding arrangements that apply $359 million. Whilst the outcomes potential for significant further growth $1.25 million towards a planning to roads within the NLTN. The road of the NLTN Determination Review (particularly if the region’s enormous project in this regard. In addition to this corridor provides key connectivity have not yet been finalised, an water and arable land resources are planning project, $1 million is required to the Cairns Seaport, Cairns City announcement of $287.2 million further developed), this road link to to complete a Strategic Assessment Centre, Cairns Airport and Smithfield in funding via the 2019/20 Federal Cairns needs to be significantly upgraded of Service Requirements and a further (including the Cairns Campus of Budget delivered in early April 2019 to unlock the sector’s full economic $20 million for Preliminary Evaluation James Cook University). Significant and a separate announcement of potential. An Impact Assessment Study and Business Case development to investment in capacity enhancements $71.8million from the Queensland of the road by Maunsell McIntyre (now fully investigate options to address the to this road corridor are required to Government are welcomed. The AECOM) in 2000, identified that the service requirement. Such options for ensure the efficient movement of proposed enhancements on this road road’s inadequacies contributed to poor investigation may include Kuranda Range freight and people particularly to the corridor would also complement the safety, poor economic performance duplication, development of alternate city’s air and sea ports. Population Queensland Government’s Smithfield (travel times, vehicle operating costs and routes, implementation of reversible growth in Cairns’ northern suburbs Bypass project which is currently inability to accommodate freight-efficient lanes and other innovative traffic flow has also seen increased commuter underway. vehicles) and poor reliability. 18 years on, initiatives. The ultimate solution needs congestion along this route. The these issues have not been adequately to be included within the National Land Queensland Transport Minister has addressed with significant investment Transport Network to ensure there is recognised the strategic importance now needed to deliver increased a clear partnership between the State of this road corridor and has made capacity, improved safety and to enable and Federal Governments for future a written request to the Federal the road to deliver its full economic investment in this road corridor. It is Transport Minister for the extension potential for the region. This road corridor noted that the project is also compatible of the NLTN to Smithfield as part has strong alignment with the objectives with the Federal Government’s Roads of of the Federal Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.

34 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL KURANDA RANGE ROAD BRUCE HIGHWAY CAIRNS SOUTHERN ACCESS CORRIDOR— STAGE 5: FOSTER ROAD INTERSECTION

he Cairns Southern Access - Stage 5 Tproject involves a grade separation upgrade at the Bruce Highway and Foster The four projects SMITHFIELD BYPASS BRUCE HIGHWAY BRUCE HIGHWAY Road intersection in Cairns. This project CAIRNS SOUTHERN ACCESS CAIRNS SOUTHERN ACCESS referred to previously The 3.8-kilometre-long bypass will build on the existing commitments CORRIDOR – STAGE 3: CORRIDOR – STAGE 4: will complement between the McGregor Road made along the Cairns Southern Access EDMONTON TO GORDONVALE KATE STREET TO roundabout and the Cairns Western Corridor (including the Stage 3 and Stage projects already AUMULLER STREET Arterial Road (CWAR) and Captain The project will deliver significant 4 projects currently underway). The fully funded and Cook Highway (CCH) roundabout enhancements on this road This project which will deliver long- project has an estimated capital cost of will provide an alternative route corridor including the ‘dual laning’ term improvements to traffic flow, $225 million and will improve capacity currently underway to the Captain Cook Highway. The of the Bruce Highway in both freight delivery and road safety and traffic flow including movements in in the Cairns region bypass aims to ease congestion directions between Edmonton south of Cairns, through reducing and out of nearby suburban streets. It including: at the Smithfield and Caravonica and Gordonvale. The project will urban congestion, reducing will also improve road safety by reducing roundabouts thereby improving deliver long-term improvements to highway travel times and improving congestion around the intersection and traffic flows and reducing the risk traffic flow, freight delivery, road road access. As well as capacity facilitate the efficient flow of passenger of crashes on the Captain Cook safety and connectivity between improvements to the Southern and freight traffic. Highway. The project is currently Gordonvale and Edmonton and Access Corridor between Kate Street underway and scheduled for destinations to both the north and and Aumuller Street, the project will completion in late 2020. south. It will also complement the deliver additional improvements industry development envisioned from Comport Street to Kenny in the Queensland Government’s Street. The project is underway recently announced Cairns South and expected to be completed in State Development Area, thereby mid-2021. supporting further economic activity and job growth in the region. Early procurement works have started and construction is expected to commence in early 2020 with project completion scheduled for mid-2023.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 35 THE CAIRNS SEAPORT IS A CRITICAL ENABLER FOR THE CAIRNS AND FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND REGIONS SUPPORTING SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYMENT AND CONTRIBUTING TO REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND RESILIENCE.

36 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL COMMITMENT REQUIRED CAIRNS SEAPORT/ Strategic investment over the 10 years to 2030 in upgraded facilities and infrastructure HMAS CAIRNS for HMAS Cairns, consider the wider economic benefits of Investing in the strategically future expansion of the port and investigate innovative funding positioned HMAS Cairns base and finance opportunities and effectively planning for the subject to relevant business long term needs of the Cairns case, implementation of Seaport including committing complementary policy to support development. the investment required to realise the Seaport’s full economic potential

Key projects/initiatives within the Seaport Precinct include: • Seaport Development • HMAS Cairns Expansion • Tropical North Global Tourism Hub The Seaport (and broader Cairns economy) would also benefit from the implementation of certain government policy that would support Seaport expansion and activation. Further commentary is provided on the following pages.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 37 SEAPORT HMAS CAIRNS DEVELOPMENT EXPANSION COMPLEMENTARY POLICY AREAS OF FOCUS Cairns Seaport is a critical enabler for the city of The HMAS Cairns Naval base located within As well as the investment outlined in this proposal, the SUPPORTED Cairns and the broader FNQ region. The Port is the Cairns Seaport has a responsibility adoption of certain government policy positions has the This project/priority supports the also strategically located from a naval, marine extending from Rockhampton to Thursday potential to contribute significantly to the expansion and following areas of focus outlined in logistics and marine tourism perspective with Island. HMAS Cairns’ primary responsibility activation of the Cairns Seaport and broader Cairns economy. Policy imperatives include: this City Deal proposal: close physical proximity to Asia, PNG and is to provide maintenance, logistic and administrative support for Cairns based units • Food production the Pacific. Importantly, the Port is part of the SUPERYACHTS – Changes to the Coastal Trading Act to remove community, and it is infrastructure of State and and to provide refit and training support for • Tourism the imposition of GST on vessel value for foreign vessels National importance. The Port has served as neighbouring Pacific Island nations (Pacific • Cairns’ Strategic Location chartered in national waters. This change would significantly the natural consolidation and redistribution Class Patrol Boats). The strategic importance • Skilled & Growing Population enhance the attractiveness of Cairns and other Australian centre for supplies shipped to the coastal of the HMAS Cairns base has been underlined destinations for Superyachts in what is an internationally • Renewable Energy communities north of Cairns as well as the by the recent announcement of a partnership competitive market. Implementation of the other policy Torres Strait Islands and the Gulf of Carpentaria. between the US and Australia to redevelop priorities contained in the Queensland Government’s Cruise shipping, freight and logistics, marine the Lombrum naval base on Manus Island. Queensland Superyacht Strategy 2018-23 would further support maintenance, commercial fishing, super yachts, The Federal Government has recently pledged sector growth. navy and marine based tourism are just some a $200 million investment in HMAS Cairns of the many users and stakeholders reliant on to enable four new offshore patrol vessels NAVAL MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINMENT – Cairns has the Seaport. to be based in Cairns. A further $313 million a well-established naval and marine maintenance sector investment is expected in 2025-26. Continued with a broad cross section of facilities and capabilities. The The growth in port industries and the Cairns investment in the HMAS Cairns base not only Cairns Seaport’s physical proximity to Papua New Guinea Seaport to meet the future demand will be strengthens Australia’s border security and and the broader Asia Pacific means it is strategically located supported by investment in infrastructure. defence capabilities but has significant flow to serve as a maintenance and sustainment base for naval For any infrastructure investment the wider on economic benefits to the Cairns region vessels. Designating Cairns as the primary sustainment and economic benefits of future expansion of and supports skills development in the maintenance base for appropriate naval vessels operating in the the port should be considered including marine maintenance sector. The economic region will not only support naval deployment, it will also ensure investigating innovative funding and finance contribution from this sector is relatively stable the critical mass of skills and infrastructure already developed opportunities subject to relevant business and not subject to the impact of fluctuations within the Cairns Seaport is able to further expand. cases. in economic conditions and other factors such HMAS CAIRNS – The Port of Cairns is designated as a Critical A specific initiative already identified is the as interest and foreign exchange rates. As a Port in the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The recent Stage 2 development of the Cairns Marine result, this sector plays an important role in announcement of a partnership between the US and Australia Maintenance Precinct which incorporates supporting regional economic resilience. This to redevelop the Lombrum naval base on Manus Island and the Seaport’s three operating slipways and City Deal Proposal calls for the commitment the growing influence of other world powers in the region has associated marine maintenance facilities. of significant strategic investments to HMAS further underlined the strategic importance of HMAS Cairns and The Stage 2 development requires a capital Cairns upgrades over the 10 year period to the Cairns Seaport. The designation of the Cairns Seaport in investment of $24 million for further facility 2030 to fully leverage the strategic importance all relevant State and Federal legislation should be reviewed to upgrades together with an additional $1 million of the base’s location and support marine ensure future HMAS Cairns and port expansion is supported and required to support business case development industry sector development and employment not impeded by restrictive regulation. to guide precinct operation. in the Cairns region.

38 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL GLOBAL TOURISM HUB PROPOSED SITE

TROPICAL NORTH GLOBAL TOURISM HUB

In 2017, the Queensland Government A multi-phase procurement process is announced a proposed Global Tourism being conducted by the Queensland Hub for Tropical North Queensland with Government in relation to the project. a preferred site on Port North’s strategic Expressions of interest from potential port land within the Cityport precinct at proponents have been assessed and Wharf Street, Cairns. The preferred site three proponents have been short is adjacent to the Cairns City Centre. listed and invited to submit detailed The synergies between the proposed proposals: Hard Rock International; Reef Tropical North Global Tourism Hub and Casino Joint Venture; and Destination wider development in the Cairns City Cairns Consortium. Proposals are Centre (including the projects proposed scheduled to be assessed in Q3/Q4 2019 in the Cairns City Centre Master Plan with a preferred proponent expected 2019) are significant and have the to be announced in late 2019 or early potential to deliver substantial economic 2020 with construction expected to activation across both precincts. The commence in late 2020. The anticipated Tropical North Global Tourism Hub will private sector investment that will be also provide a critical interface between delivered as a result of the Tropical the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, the North Global Tourism Hub project will Cairns Convention Centre and the provide significant employment and City Centre, an interface that will be economic impacts for the Cairns and increasingly important with the growth FNQ region both during the construction THE SYNERGIES BETWEEN THE PROPOSED TROPICAL NORTH GLOBAL in cruise ship visitation expected to phase and beyond. be delivered by the Cairns Shipping TOURISM HUB AND WIDER DEVELOPMENT IN THE CAIRNS CITY Development Project. CENTRE ARE SIGNIFICANT AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO DELIVER SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC ACTIVATION ACROSS BOTH PRECINCTS.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 39 COMMITMENT REQUIRED $100 million tripartite CITY CENTRE MASTER PLAN funding pool for the Guiding the ongoing evolution of public spaces within the Cairns City Centre implementation of the to ensure the city remains a vibrant and liveable space for everyone Cairns City Centre ourism is a significant driver for the Cairns and Hub and Cairns Convention Centre expansion suggestions on initial project ideas using Master Plan over the TTNQ economy with the region attracting almost projects. A comprehensive city centre master plan innovative mediums including Council’s ten years to 2030. three million visitors every year and annual visitor is critical to ensuring the future development of interactive online ideas wall. Residents and expenditure now exceeding $3.4 billion. Whilst the City Centre occurs in a coordinated and guided visitors told Council how they use the city’s public Cairns’ tourism reputation has traditionally been manner. In doing so, it not only supports the spaces, what they value most, what issues they built on its location at the gateway to the iconic jobs and economic benefits increased visitation would like to see addressed, and also generated Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, an will deliver, but also ensures the City Centre is new ideas. Reflecting on the community’s opportunity exists to further develop the city as a vibrant and dynamic public space that can be feedback and suggestions, Council developed a an attraction in its own right. In doing so, there enjoyed by the local community. suite of opportunities and preliminary concept is potential to further increase visitation, visitor sketches. Council invited feedback on these Throughout 2018 and early 2019, Cairns length of stay and visitor expenditure. Recent project opportunities throughout July and Regional Council invested significant resources developments including the Cairns Aquarium, August 2018, with over 3,300 people engaging in developing the Cairns City Centre Master Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns Performing Arts in the process. The process culminated in the Plan 2019 including significant public input Centre and Crystalbrook Collection suite of hotels, endorsement of the Cairns City Centre Master Plan and consultation. Almost 2,500 people took have all made positive contributions in this regard 2019 by Council in early April 2019. the opportunity to give feedback and make as will the proposed Tropical North Global Tourism

THE MASTER PLAN IS UNDERPINNED BY FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

CAIRNS CITY CENTRE AREAS OF FOCUS 2019 SUPPORTED This project/priority supports the CAIRNS CITY MASTERPLAN 2019 1 following areas of focus outlined in this City Deal proposal: The Guiding Principles within the Master Plan also provide opportunity for further projects to emerge over the coming • Tourism Embrace Support Create an Celebrate Deliver a decades. This City Deal proposal calls for a tripartite • Tertiary Education tropical economic accessible & arts, sustainable, commitment of $100 million over the period to 2030 to urbanism growth & connected culture & safe & • Skilled & Growing Population diversity city centre creativity liveable city deliver the Master Plan project opportunities and unlock the economic potential that a vibrant City Centre can deliver.

40 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL CITY CENTRE MASTER PLAN RENEWED ESPLANADE FLORENCE STREET CITY STREETS ESPLANADE DINING CAIRNS GALLERY PARKLANDS Council has created a new, world- This project recognises that all PRECINCT PRECINCT A renewal of the parklands’ key class cultural hub spanning Florence streets within the City Centre are This project will enhance the best The project will transform and spaces, connections and facilities Street, with the construction of the valuable public spaces, playing an features of the Esplanade Dining connect three heritage listed will build upon the Esplanade’s most Cairns Performing Arts Centre and important role for movement and Precinct, expanding the dining buildings in the Cairns City Centre valued qualities and features and adjacent Munro Martin Parklands. circulation. Vibrant and well-defined area to provide space for additional (the Cairns Art Gallery, former Cairns distribute activity more evenly along The opportunity now exists to streetscapes foster walkability, dining and seating, improving views Court House and former Mulgrave the full length of the parklands. The enhance Florence Street with the encouraging people to explore, relax to the parklands and increasing Shire Council offices) and establish Esplanade is a large and diverse creation of a pedestrian boulevard and gather. Drawing from feedback pedestrian connections. a vibrant new world-class gallery space and the project will consider that supports walkability and during consultation, this project building. This project has been the discrete features and activities connects these public places to the focuses on delivering streetscapes separately included within this City unique to the Esplanade’s north, Esplanade Parklands. Florence Street that create a connected, tropical Deal proposal as a full business case centre and south. will become an extension of Munro public place with an active street life. for the project has been completed Martin Parklands, with an avenue of and the capital investment required shade trees. Tropical planting will has been quantified. feature along revitalised footpaths, and flowering shade trees will highlight the intersections.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 41 UNIVERSITY ATTAINMENT AND PARTICIPATION LEVELS IN CAIRNS REMAIN WELL BELOW THAT ACHIEVED ACROSS QUEENSLAND AND AUSTRALIA. THIS IMBALANCE MUST BE ADDRESSED TO HARNESS THE HUMAN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL REQUIRED FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.

42 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL PROPORTION OF RESIDENT A STRONG POPULATION WHOSE HIGHEST QUALIFICATION IS A BACHELOR UNIVERSITY SECTOR DEGREE OR ABOVE... 14.3% CAIRNS REGION MEANS A STRONG CAIRNS (SA4) A growing and dynamic university sector is critically important to 18.3% QUEENSLAND developing and harnessing our region’s human intellectual capital

igher education improves quality of life For Cairns, the continued growth of the university • Supporting our city’s evolution – Universities through the enhancement of self-knowledge sector will deliver significant benefits including: occupy significant footprints within the Cairns H % AUSTRALIA and the employment opportunities and options region and invest significantly in infrastructure 22.0 • Economic contribution and employment – it creates. Universities provide students and and services. Our universities can play a As well as developing the intellectual capital graduates with the skills to succeed in global significant role in revitalising the City Centre regional economies need in order to thrive, our workplaces that are becoming increasingly delivering increased pedestrian traffic and local universities are large employers in their competitive. Whilst Cairns is fortunate to have activation, including outside of traditional own right contributing to the local economy two complementary and well established business hours. Universities also provide through employment and the procurement of universities, the levels of tertiary education opportunities for physical and social spaces PROPORTION OF RESIDENT materials and services as well as the indirect attainment and participation continue to fall well to be opened up for the benefit of the wider POPULATION ATTENDING A benefits that flow from these activities. below levels achieved across Queensland and community. UNIVERSITY OR TERTIARY Universities also support the continued growth Australia as reflected in the table at right. INSTITUTION... of the international education export sector in • Improvements to quality of life – Universities This imbalance needs to be addressed. Cairns. improve a person’s self-knowledge and 2.7% CAIRNS REGION self-worth and broaden and enhance an (SA4) • Diversity of thought, research and individual’s employment opportunities and expertise – Universities by their very nature earning potential. encourage critical thinking, research and diversity of thought within a community Continued investment in our university sector 4.5% QUEENSLAND thereby contributing to innovation, economic is required to ensure we build the human diversification, social tolerance and diversity. intellectual capital needed to unlock the region’s Universities also have the potential to attract enormous economic potential. global talent to our city with this intellectual % AUSTRALIA capital able to be leveraged for broader 5.0 community benefit.

Source: Analysis of ABS 2016 Census data

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 43 COMMITMENT REQUIRED $50 million towards the CQUNIVERISTY CITY CAMPUS establishment of a new permanent city centre & IMPACT PLAN campus, $45 million towards Asia Pacific Aviation Hub development Delivering improved tertiary and $35 million for education access for the Cairns the establishment of and FNQ community and Queensland’s first University High School. supporting international education industry development and Cairns City Centre activation

QUniversity is undergoing rapid growth Cin the Cairns region. By adopting a collaborative partnership approach to expansion, CQUniversity has been able to help build capacity across a range of industries and community initiatives. In 2017 CQUniversity released a community impact plan consisting of six primary projects. Most of the projects in the 2017 plan have since been completed (to varying degrees) by the end of 2018, requiring the development of an updated CQUniversity 2019 Cairns Community Impact Plan. Three projects identified in this impact plan are AREAS OF FOCUS included in this City Deal proposal and SUPPORTED outlined over the following pages: This project/priority supports the following areas of focus outlined in this City Deal proposal: • Tourism • Tertiary Education • Skilled & Growing Population

44 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL THE FACE OF CITY CENTRES IS CHANGING. A PERMANENT AND EXPANDED UNIVERSITY PRESENCE IN THE CAIRNS CITY CENTRE PROVIDES A RANGE OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF CAIRNS AND FNQ AND CONTRIBUTES TO THE ONGOING EVOLUTION OF OUR CBD.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 45 PERMANENT NEW CITY STAGE 2 & 3 CENTRE CAMPUS CQUNIVERSITY ASIA PACIFIC AVIATION HUB QUniversity seeks $50 million CQUniversity’s current (leased) QUniversity seeks $45 million for 2018 – an increase of 26% over ten The combined second and third Cto establish a permanent, CBD campus is at capacity, with Cthe second and third stages of its years, with international passenger stages of the project seek $45 million, purpose-built CBD campus capable little flexibility to absorb further ambitious Asia-Pacific Aviation Hub movements increasing by 4% in the comprised of: working in partnership with Cairns past year alone. At the same time, of accommodating 2,500+ students. growth. The nature of CQUniversity’s • $10 million (Government funding) for Airport. This funding would allow the number of airlines operating in The new, permanent campus will current lease arrangement doesn’t Stage 2. This includes: new laboratory CQUniversity to secure a second Australia increased by 28% to 55 in deliver an expanded range of provide the stability or security facilities to provide specialist space hanger at the Cairns International the five years to 2017, with the Asia training, education and research CQUniversity needs for further for human factors research, new flight Airport, new laboratory facilities Pacific region experiencing a similar offerings that will diversify and investment and growth in Cairns. simulators, and the roll-out of new including specialist space for Aviation boom in its aviation industries. Boeing grow the local economy and skilled CQUniversity requires a permanent, aviation courses including Bachelor of Accidents Forensics, new flight is predicting a shortfall of 790,000 workforce, while stimulating greater purpose-built CBD campus capable Accident Forensics, Bachelor of Airline simulators including a high-fidelity, commercial airline pilots over the next international student numbers in of accommodating 2,500+ students and Airport Management, Bachelor of world class flight simulator capable 20 years, with 261,000 specifically the Cairns CBD. This will cement to continue being an educator Airworthiness, and Aviation Masters of attracting global commercial flight required to service the Asia Pacific CQUniversity’s presence in Cairns of impact in Cairns. Community and Research Programs. with a permanent CBD campus and industry engagement will be training business, and the roll-out region. With Australia being a preferred capable of absorbing forecast the defining philosophy of the of new aviation courses: Bachelor of destination for qualifications in • $35 million Stage 3 student growth, while galvanising new campus, with an ‘open-door’ Accident Forensics, Bachelor of Airline aviation studies, Cairns is the perfect - $15 million (Government funding) Cairns’ identity as an agile, campus model being employed. and Airport Management, Bachelor of base for this new endeavour. for a second hanger at Cairns Airworthiness, and Aviation Masters International Airport including fit-out innovative two-university city. This will further help to engage CQUniversity has been investing in new local students from low socio- and Research Programs. to deliver an Aviation Accidents CQUniversity has witnessed facilities and courses to position Cairns economic and/or disadvantaged Forensics Laboratory. This facility tremendous growth in Cairns since As a direct result of CQUniversity’s as a leader for world-class aviation backgrounds – a student base of would enable CQUniversity to first opening a modest study hub commitment and investment into training in the Asia Pacific region in which CQUniversity outperforms introduce its Bachelor of Accident in 2012. Student numbers have this emerging industry to date, Cairns recent years. Stage 1 investment ($5 every other Australian university Forensics course to Cairns for the grown persistently; averaging 20% is on-track to become a leader for million) saw CQUniversity transform in terms of enrolment proportion first time. year-on-year through to 2018, with a world-class aviation training in the Asia the Tom McDonald Building at and student support. But most 30% leap in enrolments in the past Pacific region. The city is a strategic Cairns International Airport into the - $20 million (industry funding) from importantly, this permanent new 12 months alone. CQUniversity has gateway point to the Asia Pacific; a CQUniversity Asia-Pacific Aviation Hub. a commercial aviation partner to campus will finally galvanise Cairns’ approx. 1500+ students currently, region of rapidly growing populations CQUniversity’s investment included a install a world-class high-fidelity identity as an agile, innovative two- which is forecast to increase to and economies. The city’s key role in new flight simulator and associated flight simulator and associated university city with a highly skilled, 1700+ by year’s end. CQUniversity’s airborne freight and passenger traffic software, and the development of software. These facilities would not professionalised workforce. This growth is having a profound between Northern Australia and the two new aviation courses: Bachelor only be used to train CQUniversity permanent new campus will give impact on the higher education Asia Pacific is undeniable, with direct of Aviation (Flight Operations) and aviation students, but would attract CQUniversity the security it needs to participation rates of local students, links to China, South Korea, Japan, Graduate Diploma in Aviation (Flight pilots from the international aviation invest further in education in Cairns. narrowing the gap with metropolitan Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia. Operations). industry seeking higher-level student participation rates. The international airport recorded over commercial training opportunities. 5.2 million passenger movements in

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

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 47 CAIRNS AIRPORT IS TARGETING FOUR NEW PRIORITY ROUTES: ONE EACH FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA (TO SERVE EUROPE); ONE FROM AN INNOVATION PRECINCT IN THE CAIRNS CITY CENTRE/CITY FRINGE WOULD COMPLEMENT JCU’S PLANNED $30 MILLION CAIRNS INNOVATION CENTRESHANGHAI, (LOCATED AND AT ONE JCU’S FROM SMITHFIELD NORTH CAMPUS AMERICA. AND SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 2020) AS WELL PLANNED UNIVERSITY EXPANSIONS IN THE CAIRNS CITY CENTRE AND THE PROPOSED CAIRNS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENTS CENTRED ON EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.

48 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL COMMITMENT INNOVATION PRECINCT REQUIRED Tripartite commitment Actively supporting the development of innovation and entrepreneurship in FNQ to investigate the establishment of an innovation precinct in the Cairns City Centre/city fringe with a range of Federal, State and Council incentives to support development and airns is ideally placed as a city of choice to with direct linkages to both Ccapitalise on the ‘start-up’ trend. It offers the JCU and CQUniversity. convenience of a modern city, has air services to all Australian mainland capital cities, connectivity to key Asian countries as well as the digital connectivity and capacity required to support development. Cairns also offers significant lifestyle benefits compared to competing destinations. The identification and establishment of an Innovation Precinct in the Cairns City Centre/city fringe would harness these competitive advantages and support economic growth and diversification. The three levels of government and the private sector would collaborate to: • Determine the specific innovation sectors that leverage the region’s strengths and that would benefit from precinct development. • Identify and analyse the options for physical precinct AREAS OF FOCUS location within the Cairns City Centre/city fringe. SUPPORTED • Identify the incentives and investment required This project/priority supports the to foster precinct development. Assistance could following areas of focus outlined in include taxation and stamp duty relief and other this City Deal proposal: specific investment attraction measures. • Food Production • Tertiary Education Close collaboration with and input from the region’s two established universities (JCU and CQUniversity) • Skilled & Growing Population and TAFE would also be critical. • Renewable Energy

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 49 EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS ENABLE A COMMUNITY TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE

50 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL COMMITMENT REQUIRED INTEGRATED Preparation of a wide ranging integrated transport strategy for the Cairns TRANSPORT STRATEGY region considering air, road, Planning for the future transport needs of Cairns and FNQ to ensure the sea and rail transport as well as consideration of efficient, safe and reliable flow of freight, traffic and people public and active transport solutions.

AREAS OF FOCUS SUPPORTED ey to the long term liveability of Cairns will be Concept Design Report was completed by the city is required identifying preferred modes This project/priority supports the Kthe development and implementation of a Queensland Department of Transport and Main of transport, implementation planning, and long term transport strategy for the city. Greater Roads (DTMR) in 2010. The report contained impacts on related activities such as parking. following areas of focus outlined in emphasis on alternative transport modes such concept designs for a future bus oriented The study would also need consider the this City Deal proposal: as bus, rail, walking and cycling will need to public transport network that serviced the main integration and connection between transport • Food Production be considered as part of this strategy, as well communities in Cairns. The study identified modes including road, rail, air and sea. This will • Tourism as emerging transport technologies such as potential transport corridors that would provide be particularly relevant for the transportation • Tertiary Education autonomous and electric vehicles. A ‘Green Train’ efficient running for a bus network from Palm and distribution of freight. • Cairns’ Strategic Location and an electric bus network are among ideas that Cove in the north to Gordonvale in the south. • Skilled & Growing Population have been put forward. The Cairns Transit Network A medium to long term transport strategy for • Renewable Energy

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 51 CAIRNS IS THE ONLY AUSTRALIAN CITY WITH DIRECT CONNECTIVITY TO BOTH ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURE. IT PROVIDES AN AUTHENTIC LOCATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HERITAGE CENTRE

52 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL NATIONAL INDIGENOUS COMMITMENT REQUIRED Funding to support initial HERITAGE CENTRE concept development and business case preparation Establishing a centre of national for a National Indigenous significance to preserve, showcase Heritage Centre located in and celebrate Australia’s Cairns. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heritage and culture

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

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 53 COMMITMENT REQUIRED Preparation of a strategy NATURE BASED TOURISM STRATEGY to enable the region’s Unlocking the region’s full Nature Based Tourism potential significant potential for nature based tourism ignificant and rapid expansion Heritage Listed natural assets in potential to attract additional • Competitor assessment – what activities such as hiking Sof the global middle class the Great Barrier Reef and Wet visitors from this high yielding are the competing locations for population, the age profile of that Tropics Rainforest with existing market segment and contribute to the region’s potential market and and mountain biking to be population and their propensity and well established nature based extended visitor length of stay. what is their point of difference/ fully realised. for travel, is driving significant tourism experiences. However, approach. This proposal calls for the increases in global tourism. significant potential remains to development of a Nature Based • SWOT analysis on Nature Based International inbound travel to develop the region’s nature based Tourism Strategy for the region to Tourism for the region taking Australia is expected to increase tourism experiences and product identify potential markets, analyse into account results of market by 75% over the 10 years to 2026- particularly in the adventure based the product offering (current and assessment, supply assessment 27. Nature Based Tourism is a segments of mountain biking and potential) and the actions needed and competitor analysis. significant growth sector within hiking. to realise the segment’s enormous the tourism market and has been a • Stakeholder analysis – who The Queensland Government has potential. The strategy would major contributor to international are the key stakeholders in the committed to the development include: tourism growth in destinations such development of Nature Based of the Wangetti Trail. The Trail is as Tasmania. • Assessment of market demand Tourism for the region and a 94-kilometre dual-use walking for Nature Based Tourism - what are their respective roles/ Ecotourism Australia’s Nature and mountain biking track through what experiences does the responsibilities. Based Tourism in Australia Tropical North Queensland’s coast market (visitors) demand, what Manifesto indicates that: and hinterland from Port Douglas to • Development of a strategy flowing are the key source markets Palm Cove (Cairns). The Wangetti from the above with key actions • In the year ended 30 June 2016, (domestic/international), market Trail will provide a unique, world- and responsibilities identified in 68 per cent of international demographics, what are the class hiking and mountain biking areas of: visitors to Australia engaged trends/growth projections, what attraction complementing existing in some form of nature based are the expectations of visitors - Product development including nature based tourism in the region. activity. (trail facilities, ancillary facilities linkages and packaging. Whilst the Wangetti Trail will be a – accommodation, restaurants - Marketing and promotion. • International nature based visitors welcome addition, further potential etc). - Governance and planning. AREAS OF FOCUS generated a higher yield on remains. The region has a large - Operations and maintenance. SUPPORTED average with a spend of $5,548 • Analysis of supply – an ‘audit’ number of hiking and mountain This project/priority supports the per trip compared to $3,621 per of existing and potential Nature biking trails with stunning natural following areas of focus outlined in trip for other international visitors Based Tourism product with key Strategy development would scenery and significant ecological information such as location, require close engagement and this City Deal proposal: The Cairns and FNQ region is diversity and value. Further type of product, supporting consultation with stakeholders such • Tourism fortunate to be situated as the development and promotion infrastructure etc. as Queensland National Parks. • Skilled & Growing Population gateway to two iconic World of these opportunities has the

54 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL NATURE BASED TOURISM STRATEGY

WITH CAIRNS ALREADY ESTABLISHED AS THE GATEWAY TO TWO ICONIC WORLD HERITAGE LISTED NATURAL ASSETS IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND WET TROPICS RAINFOREST, THERE IS OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER EXPAND THE REGION’S SHARE OF THE GROWING NATURE BASED TOURISM MARKET

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 55 CAIRNS IS THE REGIONAL CAPITAL OF FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND, THE MOST POPULATED REGION IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA. A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO POPULATION GROWTH IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE HUMAN CAPITAL NECESSARY FOR THE REGION TO REALISE ITS FULL ECONOMIC POTENTIAL.

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

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 57 COMMITMENT REQUIRED PRIORITY REGIONAL RECYCLING Designation of Cairns as a Priority Regional Recycling AND REPROCESSING HUB and Reprocessing Hub together with funding to Effectively managing the region’s waste resources and establishing Cairns as a leader in materials recycling, processing and innovation support recycling and aste management in Australia is in for ‘Innovative waste management providing processing infrastructure Wtransition. There is a significant attitudinal economic, social and environmental benefits development and shift within Australian society regarding the ways for the Tropical North Queensland Region’. The expansion as well as the in which we manage waste. There is a growing strategy has five core strategic objectives: acceptance that our current rate of consumption • Provide education and awareness investigation of innovative of natural resources in not acceptable and • Reduce waste commercial opportunities that we need to be more efficient in managing • Maximise resource recovery for the use of recycled and recovering our resources in a way that • Secure our future needs materials. minimises the environmental and public health • Advocacy and collaboration impacts from waste. There are also significant Strategy implementation is progressing including the commercial opportunities presented from the multi-million-dollar upgrade to Council’s Materials effective recovery and reprocessing of waste Recovery Facility which will see diversion from landfill materials that have the potential to contribute rates increased from 50% up to 85%. The facility positively to the regional economy. The recent already recycles significant waste materials from introduction by the Queensland Government of a number of neighbouring councils and has the the Container Refund Scheme (CRS) and Waste potential to further meet the waste recycling needs Levy represent policy changes that will also across the FNQ region more broadly. support waste recycling and reprocessing This proposal calls for the designation of Cairns Specific recycling and value added processing as a Priority Regional Recycling and Reprocessing Situated at the gateway to two iconic World opportunities exist for plastics, glass, rubber Hub with key actions in support of this Heritage Listed natural assets in the Great (including tyres) with innovative solutions also designation including: Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns required for emerging waste streams such as solar • Funding to support further infrastructure has a moral obligation to be a leader in the panels, lithium batteries and other technology AREAS OF FOCUS investment in materials recycling facilities to development of waste management solutions equipment. support increased diversion from landfill and SUPPORTED that not only minimise environmental impacts The fact that Cairns is already home to two well provide the necessary ‘feedstock’ for recycled This project/priority supports the but also provide commercial, economic and established universities and a number of secondary materials reprocessing. following areas of focus outlined in employment opportunities from implementing recycled materials processors means there is • Provision of funding to support concept and this City Deal proposal: innovative recycling and reprocessing solutions. opportunity to undertake research and investigate business case development for innovative • Cairns’ Strategic Location In 2018, Cairns Regional Council adopted innovative solutions for the reprocessing of recycled materials reprocessing and other its Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy • Skilled & Growing Population recycled materials. solutions such as biofuels. • Renewable Energy 2018-2027. The vision within that strategy is

58 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL PRIORITY REGIONAL RECYCLING

AND REPROCESSING HUB LIMITED NATURAL RESOURCES AND CHANGING SOCIETAL VALUES ON HOW WE DEAL WITH WASTE ARE DRIVING A SHIFT TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY. AS THE REGIONAL CAPITAL OF FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND AND UNIQUELY POSITIONED AS THE GATEWAY TO THE WOLD HERITAGE LISTED GREAT BARRIER REEF AND WET TROPICS RAINFOREST, CAIRNS HAS BOTH AN OPPORTUNITY AND A MORAL DUTY TO BE A LEADER IN WASTE RECYCLING AND REPROCESSING.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 59 COMMITMENT PRIORITY RENEWABLE REQUIRED Designation of the Cairns and FNQ region ENERGY ZONE as a Priority Renewable Harnessing the region’s significant natural resources and establishing FNQ Energy Zone and as a leader in renewable energy generation, research and innovation implementation of the policy and investment nternational commitments to emission • Conergy’s Lakeland Solar and Storage Project To unlock the region’s potential for further Ireductions and changing social attitudes towards located approximately 240 kilometres north renewable energy development, this proposal required to support climate change are driving record investment west of Cairns with a capacity of 12.5MW calls for the following: regional renewable energy in renewable energy projects. The Australian (operational). • Designation of the FNQ region as a Priority development. Government’s own 2030 Emissions Reduction • MSF Sugar’s Tableland Green Energy Power Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). Target provides for a 26-28 per cent reduction in Plant located on the Atherton Tablelands which • Appropriate incentives to encourage further 2005 emission levels by 2030. The Queensland utilises sugarcane fibre (known as bagasse) investment in renewable generation projects Government’s target is for 50% of the State’s to produce renewable energy. The plant has a located in the Priority REZ and to also encourage energy to come from renewables by 2030. production capacity of 24MW (operational). renewable energy companies to establish • Genex Power’s proposed Kidston Pumped operational/’head office’ bases in region. The International Energy Agency predicts that Storage Hydro Project located in the Etheridge • Establishment of Cairns as a gateway to and renewables will have the fastest growth in the Shire south west of Cairns with an expected knowledge hub for the region’s renewable global electricity sector, providing almost 30% capacity of 250MW (planned). energy sector. of power demand in 2023, up from 24% in 2017. • Investment in the National Energy Market (NEM) During this period, renewables are forecast The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) transmission network to facilitate the efficient to meet more than 70% of global electricity Integrated System Plan (ISP) identifies the Far connection and transport of renewable energy generation growth, led by solar PV and followed by North Queensland and North Queensland Clean generated in the Priority REZ to consumers. wind, hydropower, and bioenergy. Energy Hub as two potential renewable energy • Support for renewable energy research, zones within a pool of 34 potential candidates. AREAS OF FOCUS The Cairns and FNQ region has an abundance of development and innovation ideally in SUPPORTED natural resources (sun, wind and water) that can The Cairns and FNQ region has significant conjunction with the region’s university sector. This project/priority supports the be harnessed for renewable energy generation. potential to support further renewable energy This could include research and analysis following areas of focus outlined in There are already a number of significant project development. Not only does such on potential micro grid and energy storage this City Deal proposal: renewable energy projects either already operating development support delivery of the region’s and solutions that could contribute positively to • Food Production or planned in the region including: nation’s energy security and emission reduction the region’s energy security and resilience • Tourism • Stanwell’s Barron Hydro hydro-electric generator targets, it also aligns with the region’s ‘clean and (particularly during natural disasters such as located 20 kilometres north west of Cairns with green’ image with Cairns the gateway to two World cyclones). • Tertiary Education a capacity of 66MW (operational). Heritage Listed natural assets in the Great Barrier • Skilled & Growing Population • Ratch Group’s Mt Emerald Wind Farm wind Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. • Renewable Energy energy generation project located on the Atherton Tablelands and comprising 53 wind turbines with a capacity of 180MW (operational).

60 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY FORECASTS THAT MORE THAN 70% OF FUTURE PRIORITY RENEWABLE GLOBAL ENERGY GENERATION GROWTH WILL COME FROM RENEWABLES. THE CAIRNS ENERGY ZONE AND FNQ REGION HAS THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND POTENTIAL TO CAPITALISE ON THE SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY THIS GLOBAL TREND PRESENTS.

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) Integrated System Plan (ISP) identifies the Far North Queensland and North Queensland Clean Energy Hub as two potential renewable energy zones within a pool of 34 potential candidates.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 61 POSITIONED AS THE GATEWAY TO THE WORLD HERITAGE LISTED GREAT BARRIER REEF AND WET TROPICS RAINFOREST, CAIRNS’ FUTURE IS INTRINSICALLY LINKED TO THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF, AND INVESTMENT IN, THESE TWO ICONIC NATURAL ASSETS.

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

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 63 COMMITMENT REQUIRED SUSTAINABLE Tripartite commitment to the implementation of a visitor levy in the Cairns TOURISM FUNDING local government area. Providing the funding necessary to support destination marketing and tourism industry development in an increasingly competitive international market

nternational inbound tourism represents Sufficient and sustainable funding for destination Ian area of significant opportunity for both marketing of the Cairns region and tourism Australia as a whole and for the Cairns region. industry development is of critical importance The following factors underline this potential if we are to compete effectively in what is a opportunity: highly competitive international market. The • Significant and rapid expansion of the global implementation of a modest visitor levy has the middle class population leading to increased potential to raise significant funding in this regard discretionary expenditure. and provide a reliable and growing source of funds • Global population age profile and propensity for investment. for travel both positively impacting tourism At a high level, the proposed visitor levy would and travel. operate as follows: • Cultural, nature based and sports/events • Levy set as a percentage of short term tourism are significant growth sectors and accommodation revenue (hotels, motels, align well with Cairns and Tropical North hostels, caravan parks, online accommodation Queensland’s (TNQ’s) existing strengths. providers such as Airbnb etc.) and charged by • International inbound travel to Australia is the accommodation provider to the visitor/ expected to increase by 75% over the 10 years occupant. To be successful, it is important that the to 2026-27. • Levy payable by the visitor/occupant either in introduction of such a levy be backed by tripartite government support. The amendment of existing Despite this positive outlook, the Cairns and advance or on checkout to the accommodation or introduction of new State legislation would be TNQ region’s market share of Australia’s inbound provider. required to facilitate levy introduction. international tourism visitation has been trending • Levy reported and remitted by accommodation Whilst not prevalent in Australia, there downwards for some time. The region’s market providers to the Cairns Regional Council on AREAS OF FOCUS are numerous examples of the successful share of domestic visitation has remained a monthly or quarterly basis with a potential implementation of visitor and tourism levies SUPPORTED relatively static. Factors such as international retention of an appropriate amount of levy elsewhere in the world. This project/priority supports the perceptions of reef health/management and collections by accommodation providers to following areas of focus outlined in direct international aviation connectivity offset the costs of collection and administration. This proposal calls on tripartite support for the this City Deal proposal: represent challenges in this regard and are the • Levy proceeds separately accounted for by the investigation and implementation of a visitor levy • Tourism subject of specific projects outlined elsewhere in Cairns Regional Council and invested directly in the Cairns local government area. • Skilled & Growing Population this proposal. in support of Cairns destination marketing and tourism industry development.

64 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL AN APPROPRIATELY STRUCTURED AND SUSTAINABLE IMPLEMENTED VISITOR LEVY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO TOURISM FUNDING PROVIDE A SIGNIFICANT STEP CHANGE IN THE LEVEL OF FUNDING AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THE DESTINATION MARKETING OF THE CAIRNS REGION AND TOURISM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MORE BROADLY.

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 65 COMMITMENT REQUIRED WATER INFRASTRUCTURE Funding to support project feasibility/business case DEVELOPMENT work and subsequent capital investment for Strategically planning for and investing in the water infrastructure required for future agricultural and urban development significant regional water ater security and quality are key priorities agricultural precinct. The Federal Government from the Queensland State Government’s storage, distribution and Wunderpinning the future development of has recently committed an additional funding Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program. treatment projects such Cairns and the surrounding region. While the allocation of up to $10 million to further The Detailed Business Case will align with the as Nullinga Dam and region enjoys an abundance of rainfall and water develop the business case for this project to Building Queensland Business Case Development the Lakeland Irrigation resources, strategic investment in infrastructure ensure it is shovel ready. Framework and is due for completion in will be required to ensure sufficient water supply March 2020. The business case will provide a • Mitchell River Catchment - In July 2018, Scheme. is harnessed for agricultural development. To comprehensive assessment of the credentials of CSIRO completed the Northern Australia cater for demand from an increasing population, the project, consider the most feasible and viable Water Resource Assessment (NAWRA) of Cairns will also require additional urban water development option, and, if warranted, identify a the Mitchell River catchment. The Mitchell storage and supply capacity in the coming years. clear path to construction and operations. River flows from the Atherton Tablelands (50 Significant water supply and infrastructure kilometres north west of Cairns) to the Gulf of • Draper Road Water Treatment Plant – The projects already under consideration include: Carpentaria. CSIRO’s NAWRA assessment of proposed Draper Road Water Treatment Plant is • Nullinga Dam – A proposed dam on the Walsh the Mitchell River catchment concluded that part of the Cairns region’s short to medium term River south west of Mareeba with a storage the catchment had the potential to support water security infrastructure requirements. With capacity of 518,000 ML and annual yield of 140,000 hectares of year-round irrigated the Cairns population expected to exceed 300,000 74,000ML. The dam will be a critical enabler agricultural development via the establishment by the middle of the century and significant for agricultural development on the Atherton of four large instream dams. The NAWRA has increases in tourist visitor numbers also expected, Tablelands and forms part of the long term clearly identified the potential from harnessing additional water treatment facilities will be urban water security strategy for Cairns. the significant resources in the Mitchell River required to service this population growth. Cairns catchment. Funding is now required for the Regional Council has commenced early planning • Lakeland Irrigation Project – In 2019, SMEC concept development, feasibility and business works for this critical piece of urban water finalised a strategic business case for the AREAS OF FOCUS case work needed to identify the infrastructure, supply infrastructure including early stage Lakeland Irrigation Project. The project is policy and investment required to realise the engagement with Infrastructure Australia. SUPPORTED located north west of Cairns and south west This project/priority supports the potential of this significant natural resource. of Cooktown. The business case identified • North Johnstone Diversion – A project which following areas of focus outlined in the Palmer River that flows west into the • Gilbert River Agricultural Project - The would see surplus water in the North Johnstone this City Deal proposal: Mitchell River catchment as the most viable Etheridge Shire Council has been promoting catchment diverted to Tinaroo Dam to provide • Food Production site to improve water security and reliability for the Gilbert River Irrigation Project to facilitate flood mitigation for downstream communities • Tourism agricultural development in the region. When more intensive agricultural development in the on the Johnstone River and also supplement • Skilled & Growing Population constructed, the dam will store 200,000ML and Shire which is located south west of Cairns. water entitlements for agricultural and urban • Renewable Energy have an annual yield of 80,000ML irrigating Etheridge Shire Council is currently formulating use via the Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply 8,000 ha of arable land in the Lakeland the Detailed Business Case utilising funding Scheme.

66 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL HARNESSING THE REGION’S SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL AND WATER RUN-OFF WILL BE CRITICAL IF THE FULL ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE REGION’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IS TO BE REALISED. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL 67 For more information: Mayor’s Office: 07 4044 3083 [email protected]

The priorities and projects contained in this City Deal proposal have been drawn from the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision. The development of this vision was led by Cairns Regional Council in con- sultation with key regional stakeholders and carries the support of local representatives from all three levels of government. The vision provides a framework to secure long term economic prosperity and liveability for the Cairns region. To find out more about the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/vision2050 and sign on to help us secure an even better future for the Cairns community.

68 CAIRNS CITY DEAL PROPOSAL