Comments Off Bill Cummins, Cairns based economist, gave a presentation to the recent OESR meeting in Cairns. His discussion on population trends in north Queensland and northern Australian can be accessed here: Cummings Economics Presentation Population Seminar
Comments Off This project is being managed by Nola Craig of Advance Cairns and will build an alternative tourism theme for the Far North Queensland region, based on tropical agri-food experiences, long term strategic approach, with a clearly targeted action plan to assist existing businesses to adapt, and new enterprises to emerge.
This project is providing the framework for a complimentary product and experience cluster to establish over time, preparing the region for the anticipated impact of climate change on the reef and dispersing visitation into the broader region.Funding is being used for research, developing action plans to implement the food strategy; building capacity; developing and delivering a regional food brand and marketing strategy. Read an update the project at: TQUAL UPDATE June 2010
Comments Off For the past 12 months Australia21 has been looking into the concept for a National Ecosystems Services Network. The A21 document explains the concept. National Ecosystem Services Network
Comments Off RYUKU PEARL LIMITED AND TORRES STRAIT AGREEMENT
On March 2010, A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Ryukyu Pearl Ltd, Okinawa and various community organisations from the Torres Strait to establish a training program in pearl farming for Torres Islanders to take place on the Island of Ishigaki, Okinawa – Japan.
Since then a large group of trainees have commenced the first stage of learning basic Japanese language and Okinawan cultural. Later in September a select six trainees will pack their bags and depart for Ishigaki for two months intensive training in all aspects of pearl farming, manufacturing and retailing. A second semester is planned for early 2011 for a further two months training.
Meanwhile a pilot farm is on the drawing board to be established in the Torres Islands and will become a joint venture project, shared between Torres communities and Ryukyu Pearl.
The whole approach to this project has been unique. Instead of an overseas company setting up a business, employing a few locals and shipping the goods and profits elsewhere, the approach has been to set up a joint venture, laying the foundations for an enterprise that has local ownership and holistically tackles social issues and opportunities, as well as providing economic development. Even the training is holistic in its approach. Trainees will get to work in retail outlets to get a feel for why one pearl is worth $100 and another $1000. An important thought to have in your mind when caring for pearls on the farms.
Ryukyu Pearl is a family business and has been for several generations. Their vision is to establish a sustainable industry for generations to come, both Torres and Okinawan. Another important piece of this project is that Ryukyu Pearl has dozens of established retail outlets in Japan, meaning that any future products from the Torres Strait will have ready made markets. Very often with developing community businesses, particularly in remote areas of Australia, having markets to sell products to is often an after-thought and sometimes the downfall of an otherwise good project.
It is early days and the approach has been to plan each step carefully, but keep the big picture of generational change in mind. For further information contact: F Marchant. , Executive Secretary – Okinawa/FNQ Sister Regions Organisation
Comments Off Produced by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Econonics in May 2009 the compendium includes statistics and commentary on population, economic growth, workforce, day to day living, transport, infrastructure, natural resources and industries. Access the document at the BITRE web site: http://www.bitre.gov.au/info.aspx?ResourceId=707&NodeId=131
Comments Off On 14 October 2009, 60 people attended the Gulf Future Visions Workshop in Normanton. Attached are key presentations from :
Follow up actions to prepare for the changes include:
Report on the Workshop: Future Visions report (4807KB)
Comments Off An innovative concept to maximise use of the old heritage site of the Burns Philp building and create local employment has been developed for Normanton. The concept plan, feasibility study and business plan have been completed. The Monsoon Centre is presented here as a case study and an example of creative and forward thinking on the part of local government and the community. Once developed the Monsoon Centre will be a major tourist asset in northern Australia and a key attraction on the Savannah Way.
Comments Off On 14 September the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads presented a detailed report on all departmental activities and planning for the Gulf region to Gulf Savannah Development members in Normanton. The presentation included a breakdown of projects and costings in the Roads Implementation Program 2008-9 to 2012-13.
The program included information on:
For the detailed report go to DTMR Gulf Transport Forum 2009 (5.7MB)
Panorama Theme by 
Themocracy
