Far North Roadmap to 2035 launched

Advance Cairns

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Regional leaders at the Advance Cairns Far North Roadmap launch event. Picture: Supplied

A bold, ambitious future for the Far North – that is the vision of Advance Cairns, the leading independent economic development and advocacy member organisation for Far North Queensland which today officially launched its ten-year regional strategy, Roadmap 2035: A Framework to Strengthen Far North Queensland.

Developed over two years with extensive input from Advance Cairns members, stakeholders, regional communities and all levels of government, the Roadmap 2035 sets out clear goals underpinned by measurable objectives, all aimed at unlocking opportunity for the region’s future.

“There are clear advantages which are unique to the region such as our proximity to Asia-Pacific, our natural assets and our international airport which set us apart,” said Advance Cairns Chair Nick Trompf.

“This Roadmap identifies these advantages – and others – and acts to harness the opportunity, ambition and future markets to set ourselves clear goals over the next decade to ensure a prosperous future for the region.”

The strategy outlines Advance Cairns’ role in driving key initiatives while also supporting stakeholder-led projects that contribute to the broader vision for Far North Queensland. The strategic framework consolidates the organisation’s ambitions into a single document, ensuring alignment around key areas of focus and opportunity.

The Roadmap is structured around five interconnected pillars, adapted from the Regional Australia Institute, that reflect the essential drivers of Far North Queensland’s economy. Each pillar complements the others, reinforcing the integrated approach required for sustained regional prosperity.

These pillars are:

1. Our Place in the Region – Strengthening our strategic position within Northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

2. Diversification and Innovation – Fostering new industries, emerging technologies, and expanding existing sectors.

3. Liveability – Ensuring our communities continue to be attractive, vibrant places to live and work.

4. Sustainability – Balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.

5. Jobs and Skills – Addressing workforce needs to meet the demands of a growing and changing economy.

The official launch of Roadmap 2035 was marked by a sold-out event attended by more than 150 business leaders and representatives from across the FNQ region. Delegates at the launch heard from industry leaders in mining, critical minerals and sustainable aviation fuel, who shared insights into how their businesses are leveraging the region’s unique strengths to drive growth, foster emerging industries, build jobs and skills of the future, and diversify the economy.

Among the speakers was Peter Lansom, chair of Silica Resources Australia, who highlighted the potential for FNQ to play a crucial role in the global supply chain for critical minerals. Other key discussions centred on the opportunities presented by sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and global demand for critical minerals.

Advance Cairns CEO Jacinta Reddan said the Roadmap 2035 would help to shape the region’s economic trajectory: “Far North Queensland is at a pivotal moment. Our geographic location which offers opportunity also comes with challenges, and this plan takes a very clear focus on addressing supply chain issues and road connectivity.”

 

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