No Images? Click here
Innovators heed call
Sixty-eight businesses and individuals from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands, Cassowary Coast and as far afield as Normanton entered Council's Tropical North Queensland Innovation Awards. Entries ranged from agricultural solutions to automotive products, tourism experiences to online apps.
Judging is now underway, with the seven member adjudication panel assessing the 68 entries to determine the major category winners.
The judges will also select a shortlist of entrants for the People’s Choice category, where the winner will be chosen by popular public vote. People’s Choice voting will take place 1 to 31 October 2016.
TNQIA winners will be announced at an event to be held as part of Global Entrepreneurship week in mid-November (date to be confirmed).
The 2016 TNQ Innovation Awards are made possible through the support of visionary sponsors: James Cook University, MacDonnells Law, Crowe Horwarth, CQUniversity, CCIQ, Channel 9, Sea FM, and Iceburg Innovation with additional support from Stanwell, Cairns Post, Cairns Zoom, The Space, Precedence and TTNQ.
Strategies to grow Babinda, Gordonvale
Council is planning a review of economic strategies in relation to Gordonvale and Babinda.
This review will be based on the planning framework provided in the CairnsPlan 2016, the previous “Future Babinda” report and feedback obtained through Council's recent “Our Cairns” survey.
The local Chambers of Commerce and other stakeholders will be involved in forming strategies to encourage business growth and development, and build on the unique identity and strengths of Gordonvale and Babinda.
For further information, please contact Belinda Hutchinson at Council's Economic Development team.
Investment, filming interest heats up
A message from Cr Bob Manning, Mayor of Cairns
Three high-profile hotel sales in the past month alone signal Cairns' re-emergence as a key investment hot-spot in Asia Pacific.
The recent sales of the Rydges Esplanade, Rydges Tradewinds and Novotel Oasis hotels to offshore investors come on the back of strong growth (above the national average), record visitor numbers and favourable market conditions.
I was thrilled to see that our city's hotel market has captured the attention of leading international industry journal, the US-based International Hotel Investment Forum. The Forum's 8 September issue cites Cairns as being " the leading hotel market in Australia" and "a thriving hotel market with strong prospects".
As TTNQ’s Alex de Waal has identified, the city’s accommodation is running at capacity and, with planned refurbishments in the pipeline, the supply of hotel rooms will become very tight. This supports the case for new developments – a situation which is drawing attention from both local and international investors. I am confident that construction of the new Nova towers in the CBD, and redevelopment of both Acacia Court and Rydges Tradewinds, will position us well to cope with sustained growth into the future.
Council is strongly committed to supporting our largest industry as it responds to the challenges and opportunities ahead. In addition to annual funding for TTNQ, Council also invests in developing our international education sector, dive sector and super yacht industry. We recognise that these sectors play a vital role in marketing Cairns as a prime destination and place to do business and visit.
The tourism industry's continued growth impacts positively on our broader economy, stimulating construction activity and generating income, investment and much-needed jobs.
Our region is also in demand from the film sector, with Cairns chosen as a key filming location for "Blue Water Empire". This new three-part prime-time documentary series features renowned Australian screen actors Jack Thompson, Damian Walshe-Howling, Peter Phelps, Aaron Fa'Aoso and many others.
Council welcomed the series' presence in Cairns and offered practical support to the cast and crew. With Cairns being a key location for filming, Council staff worked closely with the producers and Screen Queensland to scout locations that would showcase our beautiful beaches, wetlands and parks. I'm very much looking forward to seeing these locations on screen in the final product.
Monaco launch for new Super Yacht campaign
Cairns will be showcased to a prestigious audience of 34,000 yacht owners, buyers and decision-makers at the exclusive Monaco Yacht Show (28 Sept - 1 Oct).
Local non-profit industry consortium Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef (SYGGBR) will launch its new promotional campaign at the high-profile event, which attracts 580 exhibitors and partners from world-leading luxury yachting companies. The campaign, titled Cairns, Australia: the Perfect Home Port promotes Cairns as the perfect location, perfect weather and a perfectly safe hub to traverse Asia-Pacific hotspots.
SYGGBR's outbound mission to Monaco is a key component of its collaborative efforts to further develop the super yacht industry for Cairns. Council is proud to support SYGGBR through a $30,000 per year funding agreement over three years (2015-2018) to facilitate sustainable growth in this important sector.
Small Business workshops
Presented by CCIQ and Council, these workshops offer easy-to-implement practical tips and real-life local business stories.
- 30 September From Bricks to Clicks: What you need to know about eCommerce & digital marketing. Venue: MacDonnells Law
- 7 October Cashflow Confidence: Power your profitability with the right finance fundamentals. Venue: BDO (North Queensland office)
- 14 October The Sales Session: Networking, pitches, proposals & sealing the deal. Venue: CQUniversity.
$15 pp/workshop (includes materials and refreshments).
Places are limited so book early to secure your place. (More workshops will be held in November - dates to be confirmed).
To register, email CCIQ Regional Manager, Amy Turnbull.
FNQ Schools Startup Summit, 5-7 October
Students and schools from across FNQ will develop ideas, work with customers, rapidly prototype a product, and build a real business from scratch in three fun and inspiring days.
Cost $30 per student; $10 for teachers and parents. Book online.
Innovation weekend 21-23 October
Australia's first Innovation Weekend hits Cairns for 54 hours, supported by Cairns Regional Council.
Under the guidance of innovation specialists, business owners and their teams will work on addressing key challenges, and developing ideas and opportunities.
Edu-Tourism Workshop, 6 October (noon - 5:30pm)
Presented by Study Cairns, this free half-day workshop will show you how to diversify your tourism product and get "education ready". Connect with education agents and institutes, and network with Study Cairns.
Spaces are limited - email Study Cairns to book your place.
Major Projects Forum, 18 October
Presented by the Dept of State Development, the event showcases major project and supply chain opportunities in FNQ. Hear about construction sector trends, major projects in the pipeline, and learn how to position your business to win work. $65 pp. Find out more and register online.
Free ecoBiz webinars
Learn how to add value to your business through sustainability branding.
The e-workshops on Monday 19 (ecoBiz Insights case study) and Tuesday 20 September (ecoBiz workshop) will cover -
- How and where Jasmin Organics saved on waste and energy bills, whilst adding value to their business
- How they’re using sustainability branding to get a marketing edge
- Practical steps to help build a profitable and sustainable brand
- Recommend strategies for measurable, tangible outcomes.
Hear from ecoBiz industry expert, Maria Anderson is Managing Director of Sustainable Marketing, a multi-award winning, strategically-lead Brisbane marketing and public relations services company. Maria will detail the successes of the case study on Jasmin Organics for you to apply these strategies to your business.
Find out more and register at the CCIQ ecoBiz event webpage.
The CCIQ ecoBiz program helps businesses save on their power, water and waste bills. Find out more at CCIQ ecoBiz.
Clean up with your team to win!
Are you looking for a public-facing team building exercise? The Great Northern Clean Up (Clean Up Australia Day) is an opportunity for businesses to come together and take care of their patch of paradise during 24-25 September.
Businesses can pick a visible space near their premises that promotes their existing support for the community. Clean Ups could also be held in conjunction with a community group that your business supports.
Register your site online for support from Council and Clean Up Australia Day with litter collection kits, insurance, rubbish collection and event promotion. You'll also receive the chance to win great prizes including a Reef sailing trip for two.
To find out more about increasing the visibility of your brand in the eco-conscious market, contact Council's Sustainability team at sustainability@cairns.qld.gov.au
Pro tennis in Cairns, 8-16 October
Cairns Tennis International
Council is proud to support the Cairns Tennis International, part of the Australian ProTour, a high calibre event that attracts athletes from Australia and around the world. The event will be held at the Cairns International Tennis Centre from 8-16 October. Spectator entry is free - see full event information and draws at the Cairns Tennis International event website.
Other upcoming events
Council is proud to support the following events:
- Tropical Mardi Gras: 30 September – 9 October
- Reef Feast Palm Cove: 6-9 October
- Crocodile Trophy: 20-29 October
See our website for a listing of What's On in Cairns.
Back to Work building regional Queensland
The Queensland Government's $100 million Back to Work - Regional Employment Package provides support for employers to build their skills base, support for regions doing it tough, and support for jobseekers to build confidence, upskill and retrain for jobs.
Find out more about the package at the Back to Work website or phone 13 QGOV (13 7468).
Wifi expansion
Council is in discussion with Telstra on expanding the roll-out of free public Wi-Fi across the region. In the past six months, free community Wi-Fi has been delivered into about 20 new hotspots on the Cairns Esplanade, Botanic Gardens, Tanks Arts Centre, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove.
Council's partnership with Telstra is bringing the latest Wi-Fi technology to locals and visitors, and provides the foundation to create a truly smart city. More than 26,000 unique users are already logging on to the free public Wi-Fi network for nearly 95,000 sessions each month.
Women in STEM
The Australian Government is inviting applications for grants of up to $250,000 under its Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Entrepreneurship Programme.
Funds are on offer to support outreach projects aimed at girls and women to foster interest in STEM and entrepreneurship, to develop innovation and entrepreneurial skills, and to build professional networks.
Bougainville trade mission
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce have partnered with Tradelinked Cairns & PNG to offer a delegation to PNG, visiting Port Moresby and Bougainville from 18-23 October 2016.
The delegation will strengthen business relationships between Cairns and PNG, and introduce delegates to the potential of Bougainville as a future market opportunity.
Contact Simone Travers at CCOC on 0447 781 940 or by email.
Development stats
Applications for the month ending August 2016 are shown below:
Building stats
For the year ended 31 August 2016, key highlights are:
- 87 building applications approved during the month, up from 77 for same period in 2015
- 180 building applications approved year-to-date, including 64 Class 10 approvals
NBN rolling out across Cairns
To find out if the nbn™ network is available at your property, check your address at www.nbn.com.au.
Tropical Economies Conference cancelled
Council has cancelled the Future of Tropical Economies Conference, planned for Cairns this October. With a number of major national conferences (including SEGRA) targeting a similar audience at the same time of year, registrations for FTEC had fallen considerably short of original projections. The difficult decision to cancel was made after review of the situation and in light of the limited time-frame remaining for event delivery.
The Black Business Finder (BBF) is Queensland's online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business directory. Commissioned by the Queensland Government's Industry Capability Network, the BBF connects project owners to Indigenous suppliers of goods and services. It gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses a platform that can be assessed by government and businesses looking to source goods and services from Indigenous suppliers. For more information visit the website www.bbf.org.au
Want a share in local dollars?
Did you know...? Council's capital expenditure budget for 2016/2017 amounts to a record $178.5 million and around 75% of this will be tendered out to the private sector. Council routinely advertises tenders, expressions of interest and quotations in the Weekend Post and on our website tenders page.
Free economic data
Need sound data to keep abreast of key economic changes and for making business decisions?
Make use of Council's FREE Cairns Economic Profile tool. Powered by economy.id®, it presents economic data in simple, clear tables and charts with concise factual commentary.
Want more Council news? Subscribe now!
Keep up to date with all of Council's news, events and projects by signing up to our monthly community e-newsletter, Living in Cairns.
We'd love your feedback
We’re always interested in improving our communications and welcome your feedback on what you’d like to see more or less of. Email us with your thoughts!