2015 State Election: Our Region - One Voice in the Media

In the lead up to the 2015 State Election, regional partners Advance Cairns, Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tropical Tourism North Queensland have been advocating for the region on the identified six priorities for the region:-

1. Aquis / Integrated Resort Development licence for Cairns
2. Aviation Development - $18.75m over 3 years to increase direct flights into Cairns
3. Road Funding for Bruce Highway ($123m) and Hann Highway ($90m)
4. Cairns and Hinterland Hospital & Health Service Funding ($80m pa)
5. Nullinga Dam Assessment for investment in key bulk water infrastructure ($80m)
6. Cairns Shipping Development Project - Expansion of the Trinity Inlet Shipping Channel

To view recent joint media articles, please CLICK HERE

Casino Licence Guaranteed for Cairns

Today’s announcement that an LNP Government will quarantine a casino licence for Cairns would have to be THE biggest announcement of the election and for Cairns.

This means that the Aquis development can proceed with the knowledge that the competition for a casino licence for regional Qld is confirmed for our region.

And if the Aquis project does not proceed, then the licence will still be available for Cairns.

So either way, Cairns is the winner!

This will provide surety of an integrated resort development in the future, providing JOBS and CONSTRUCTION.

This is not the equivalent of one stadium in Townsville, this is the equivalent of 54 stadiums. It’s a massive benefit for our region.

The confidence that this announcement should demonstrate is that the region is on a roll, and we will have JOBS and opportunity for the future.

Advance Cairns has been strong advocates for our region and an integrated resort development to ensure our future growth and prosperity.

This is a landmark week for Cairns. Let’s bring this to success in our support for those who can deliver.

CQUniversity Announces On-Campus Engineering Degree

CQUniversity announces the development of Cairns’ first full time engineering degree from 2016 as part of LNP election pledges.

Premier Campbell Newman announced a funding contribution of $1 million to support installation of the engineering labs, allowing for the introduction of full four-year, on-campus Bachelor of Engineering courses in Electrical and Mechanical disciplines.

Full details of the announcement can be VIEWED HERE

2015 State Election Debate Luncheon

Wednesday 28th Jan - Reef Hotel Casino

Advance Cairns, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Cairns Chamber of Commerce invite you to hear from candidates first-hand about the policies and commitments each party proposes as part of their election campaign at the 2015 State Election Debate Luncheon.   Run in a manner similar to the ABC's Q&A Program, guests will have an opportunity to submit a question for consideration and vote on candidate's responses.

This will be a sell-out event - so book your ticket today HERE.

FREE Dive into Digital Workshops

Upcoming FREE 2015 Workshops delivered by Digital Enterprise Program (DEP) in Cairns:-

18 Feb: Business/Organisation Tools 

11 Mar:  Creating a Website

15 Apr:  Marketing Tips

13 May:  Business / Organisation Tools

17 Jun:  eCommerce

15 Jul:  Marketing Tips 

For more information about each workshop topic or to register, CLICK HERE

DATE CLAIMER: Advance Cairns Breakfast Briefing

Thursday 10th Mar - Harbour Room, Pacific International Hotel

Be sure to mark this date in your diary as the first Member Breakfast Briefing for 2015 and hear first hand from our Chair and CEO as to the priorities and focus of the organisation for the year, especially post State Elections.  Invitations to follow soon.

Advance Cairns welcomes new staff to growing team

Advance Cairns welcomes new staff member Miranda Wei who has joined the team as Economic Development Officer.  Miranda brings a wealth of experience in media and engagement in China.

Miranda will join the economic development team to support investment promotion and trade development, particularly in the China market.

Miranda can be contacted via EMAIL

CEDA Launches new Website

CEDA recently launched it's new state of the art website, VISIT HERE.

Advance Cairns is a member of CEDA and therefore all Advance Cairns members have access to CEDA member benefits.  

View CEDA Member Benefits and Opportunities HERE.

Slight Increase in Youth Unemployment not Unusual

Labour date shows a slightly increased unemployment rate, however considering the surge in school leavers preparing to find employment on completion of their studies, this increase is not unusual.  FULL REPORT

Industry Skills Fund

The Industry Skills Fund – Growth Stream (the fund) assists industry to invest in training and support services and to develop innovative training solutions. The fund will help build a highly skilled workforce that can take advantage of new business growth opportunities and adapt to rapid technological change.  READ MORE

Reconciliation Australia Events

Reconciliation Australia is a non-profit, independent organisation that seeks to promote and build better relationships between Aoriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community for the benefit of Australia.  These information sessions will provide you with information about the RAP program and the benefits of the program to your organisation and community.

Wednesday 4th Feb - JCU Cairns - Action Plan Info Session

Thursday 5th Feb - JCU Cairns - Action Plan Development Workshop

For full event details, CLICK HERE

CEDA 2015 Economic & Political Overview in Townsville

Tuesday 24th Feb - Rydges Townsville

CEDA's Economic and Political Overview (EPO) brings together leading thinkers and commentators from across sectors to provide frank analysis of the political and economic landscape. 

For full event details and to book, CLICK HERE

You Can Farm! Joel Salatin Tour 2015

Wednesday 25th Feb - Hilton Hotel

Joel Salatin is internationally respected for his innovative and integrated diverse animal systems that have healed his land and brought him abundant fertility and enviable profits.  Joel has almost single handedly inspired a movement of regenerative farmers and created opportunities for young people to get farming. We know he will not only inspire you too but give you the tools and the nuts and bolts!   To find out more or book, CLICK HERE.

2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit

23-24 March 2015 - Washington DC, USA

The 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit will be attended by U.S. Ambassador to Australia John Berry, along with senior Australian business leaders.

This significant event will bring together investors from all over the world, economic development organizations from every corner of the United States, high-level government officials, and others working to facilitate investment in the United States.  

The Summit is expected to draw more than 2,500 participants from around the world and will provide networking opportunities and online matchmaking along with discussions on the latest issues affecting investment.  READ MORE

Asian Development Bank - Business Opportunities Fair

25-26 March 2015 - Manila

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is organising a Business Opportunities Fair (ADB-BOF) as an educational and networking forum for consultants, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers to provide goods and services for ADB projects. READ MORE

APNG Business Forum - Early Bird Registrations Open

17-19 May 2015 - Lae, PNG

The Business Council of Papua New Guinea and the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council are pleased to launch the 31st Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum. 
The Forum theme is “Bridging the Gap: Meeting Expectations” aimed to capture the important message that Papua New Guinea has unprecedented opportunity to turn the economic value of today’s resources boom into tomorrow’s future prosperity for all its people.

For more information or to register, CLICK HERE

Be Part of Advance Cairns in 2015

If you would like to learn more about becoming a member of Advance Cairns, simply EMAIL our office and we will organise for one of our Board Directors to meet with you personally to discuss the benefits of membership and how you can be involved in shaping and driving economic growth for the region. 

Get involved in the region today!