Critical Time to be Informed
CityLife BUSINESS
ADVANCE CAIRNS
Critical Time to be Informed
Jacinta Reddan
: (07) 4080 2900
: admin@advancecairns.com
Chief Executive Officer
Advance Cairns
With the State election just weeks away, there has never been a more critical time for us all to be engaged and informed about the commitments those vying to lead the next Queensland State Government have set out. It is important to understand the potential impact this can have on the future of our region and for our communities. The choices made in this election will shape Far North Queensland’s trajectory for years, if not decades, to come.
Having spent most of my career in Hong Kong, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the democracy that we enjoy in Australia and ensure I never take this for granted. The lack of resources for traditional media has meant that many of us operate in an information vacuum. It is critically important that we ensure that our vote at the coming election is lodged based on an informed and objective assessment of the options.
At Advance Cairns, we have been actively engaging with all sides of politics over the past months, championing initiatives that will drive widespread economic benefit across our region. In advocacy and economic development, collaboration is key. It is the glue that ensures change takes hold and has enduring impact.
I was pleased to attend the Developing Northern Australia conference in Karratha, in Western Australia’s remote north Pilbara region, to learn that Cairns will play host to next year’s event. Supported by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia, Cairns Regional Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Advance Cairns and Regional Development Australia Tropical North, this conference will serve as a vital platform to showcase the opportunities and ambition within our region. It also presents a chance to draw on best practice from across Northern Australia, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable economic growth.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the shared challenge of resource scarcity across Northern Australia. This underscores the importance of maximising our existing resources and emphasises that our success relies on collaboration.
In the coming month, our focus shifts from State Parliament to Federal Parliament, when a delegation of nearly 30 business leaders from across the region travels to Canberra to advocate for priorities crucial to unlocking our region’s full potential. Led by Advance Cairns, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tropical North Queensland, we will meet with senior leaders from the Federal Government, Opposition and cross-benches. Our collective mission is clear: to highlight the funding required to realise the untapped potential of Australia’s most internationally connected region. The strength of the region will be underpinned even further through the fact that our delegation coincides with that of FNQROC – the organisation representing 12 councils from across the region. Together we will ensure that the priorities and voices of the region will be heard.
It is this strength in our collective voice – whether advocating across Northern Australia for broader initiatives or for investments in health, marine, aviation and roads in the Far North – that will bring dividends.
For more information on the key areas we believe are crucial for our region’s future, please visit our website at www.advancecairns.com. And as you cast your vote on October 26, make sure it is an informed one.
