SOME INFORMATION RELEASES Archive »


August.2011
Annual Presentation to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Bill cummings presented his annual address to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce on the Cairns Economy titled "Economic Prospects in a changed Global Economy".


66kb(pdf text) 1.9mb(ppsx presentation) RefJ2478

July.2011
Sorting out the Far Norths Logistics

Bill cummings presented an address to the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce Tablelands Economic Forum on 29th July 2011 that emphasised the need in the current changed world economy to upgrade road, rail & seaport transport infrastructure in the region with particular emphasis on the need to upgrade the Kuranda Range Road to take B-Double size freight vehicals if renewed opportunities for mining & agricultural expansions were to be realised.


117kb(pdf text) 844kb(pdf presentation) RefJ2456

August.2011
Are Impacts Broader than Beef

Bill cummings presented an address to the Live Exports Ban Impacts - Pratical Recovery & Restructure Conference Georgetown on 12th August 2011 on the subject "Are Impacts Broader than Beef - The Value of the Beef Industry to the Regional Economy" Link to Agenda


106kb(pdf text) 1.5mb(ppsx presentation) RefJ2475

July.2011
Cairns’ Hinterland Population Outstripping that of Townsville by a Wide Margin

Latest population statistics indicate the degree to which Cairns is now the capital of the north Australia’s most populous and fastest growing region. Over the period, 2001 to 2010, the region’s residential population grew by 51,000 to 280,000 compared with the Townsville region growth of 41,000 to 261,000.

Cairns’ hinterland population grew by 13,000 from 116,000 to 129,000 compared with Townsville’s hinterland that grew by 3,000 only to stand at 88,000. Cairns’ hinterland population is now 41,000 or 50% more than that of Townsville.

The two cities however each grew by 38,000.

Growth in Estimated Residential Population, 2001 to 2010
Townsville Cairns Townsville Hinterland Cairns Hinterland Total Townville Area Total Cairns Area
2001 134,072 112,932 85,475 116,292 219,547 229,224
2010 172,316 150,920 88,403 129,229 260,719 280,149
Growth No. 38,243 37,988 2,938 12,935 41,172 50,925
% Growth +29% +34% +3% +11% +19% +22%
Source: Cummings Economics from ABS data

Note: Cairns region defined as Far North Qld Statistical Division plus Gulf Shires of North West Division. Townsville region defined as Northern Statistical Division plus Mt Isa & North West Statistical Division less Gulf Shires.

June.2011
Relations Between Australia & Papua New Guinea in an Age of Opportunity

On 16th June, Bill Cummings presented an address to the PNG Gas Developments Conference held in Cairns on the subject “Relations Between Australia & Papua New Guinea in an Age of Opportunity” that highlighted the growing economic strengths of the northern regions of Australia and their growing role in strengthening relations between Australia and PNG.


111kb(pdf text) 4.7mb(ppsx presentation) RefJ2423

April.2011
Economic Prospects for Cairns Over the Next Few Years

Bill Cummings presented an address on “Economic Prospects for Cairns Over the Next Few Years” to the Cairns Board of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Q’ld on 8th April and the Board of Regional Development Australia FNQ & Torres Strait on 29th April.


103kb(pdf text) 1mb(ppsx presentation) RefJ2446

04.April.2011
ABS 2009/10 Population Figures - Good News for Cairns Region

Latest ABS residential population data recording 2.6% growth in 2009/10 for Cairns & 2.0% for the Cairns Region (Far North Queensland) statistical division area. Good news for the Cairns Economy
86kb(pdf text) RefJ2435

18.March.2011
Tablelands – Economic Snapshot, 2011

Bill Cummings presented an address to the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce at the launch of the Mareeba Chamber Annual Report "Strength in Diversity - An Economic Snapshot". For copies of the report contact Mareeba Chamber of Commerce, Tel 40926050 or promotion@mareebachamber.com.au


3.9mb(ppsx presentation) RefJ2416

9.March.2011
Economic Prospects for Cairns Over the Next Few Years

Bill Cummings presented an address to Cairns Branch of Marine Queensland on the 9th March 2011, addressing likely future prospects, especially for the residential marine market. In the process, it looks at the ups and downs of the Cairns economy since the 1980’s and the underlying factors causing strong accelerations and slow downs against a background of strong long term average growth of population around 3% per annum over each of the past three decades.

87kb(pdf text) 750kb(ppsx presentation) RefJ2413

13.September.2010
The Primary Industries in the Regional Economies of Northern Queensland

Bill Cummings presented a paper to the AGInvest Forum, CAIRNS 2010, giving details of the full value of the primary industries (agriculture, livestock, fishing and forest industries), in the Far North, North and North West Statistical Divisions. The research included both pre farm-gate and post farm-gate activities including processing, transport, merchanting, and other value added and associated government and education services. The study values the sector’s turnover at $3.3bn with direct employment of over 17,000 with ‘flow-on’ employment generated estimated at a further 21,000. It is estimated that the sector’s value add to the regional economy including ‘flow-on’ impacts accounts for about 14% of Gross Regional Value Added.
58kb(pdf text) 2.56mb(pps presentation) RefJ2315

For a full copy of the Research Paper

The Contribution of the Primary Industries Sector to Northern Queensland Regional Economies.
859kb(pdf text) RefJ2315

September.2010
Modeling the Regional Economies of Northern Queensland – Input Output Analysis

The North Australia Research Group has prepared a paper as background to work carried out by Cummings Economics in relation to measuring the contribution of the Primary Industries Sector to Northern Regional Economics.

Inter alia the paper uses Australian Bureau of Statistics National Input/Output Multiplier data modified to take account of the structure of the northern regional economies to construct input/output multipliers and Gross Regional Value Added estimates for the Far North, North and North West Statistical Divisions.

It is envisaged that the estimates derived will be regarded as initial and will provide the basis for further research to more closely reflect actual industry structures and relationships in the regions as opposed to using national industry averages. The work also identified a need to improve methodology to take account of the different impact of mining fly-in/fly-out workforce as opposed to being employed in mining locally and to better account for where gross operating surpluses in the mining sector were actually spent.
1.2mb(pdf text) RefJ2315

August.2010
Cairns & Far North Q’ld – Mining & Industrial Services Opportunity Study – 2010 Update

Cummings Economics have recently completed an update of their ground breaking study into service opportunities in the mining sector across northern Australia (Mackay, Pilbara northwards) and into Papua New Guinea and Papua Indonesia.
4.23mb(pdf report) RefJ2288

30.August.2010
North Queensland Resources Development, 3rd Annual Conference, Townsville

Bill Cummings presented a paper to the North Queensland Resources Conference entitled Mining & Industrial Services Opportunity Study 2010 Update that outlines the background to the main findings from the study.

77kb(pdf text) 6.56mb(pps presentation) RefJ2358

August.2010
2010 Presentation on the Cairns Regional Economy to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Bill Cummings presented his annual review of the Cairns’ regional economy to a Cairns Chamber of Commerce luncheon on 24th August 2010.
54.3kb(pdf text) 2.27mb(pps presentation) RefJ2368

5.August.2010
The Cairns Region’s Contribution to Queensland’s Population Growth

Bill Cummings presented a paper to a seminar conducted by the Queensland Government Planning Information & Forecasting Unit in Cairns on 5th August 2010. The paper aims to briefly illustrate the long-term pattern of population growth in regional Queensland over the last three decades. It illustrates how the State’s previously underdeveloped northern regions and cities have grown fastest especially the higher rainfall cities & regions of Cairns and Mackay.
39kb(pdf text) 1.75mb(pps presentation) RefJ2366

August.2010
Cairns Tourism & The Economy – The Coming Bounce Back

Cummings Economics prepared a paper based on information to February 2010 identifying why Cairns’ tourism and the economy could be expected to move back into growth progressively during 2010.
110kb(pdf text) RefJ2309

April.2010
A Direct Route to the Kimberley Region

Cummings Economics have been pleased to carry out for the Halls Creek Shire WA an economic impact / benefit cost report on the upgrading of the Tanami Road, linking the Kimberley region direct via major mining operations to Alice Springs and Australia’s major population and industry base in south eastern Australia.
5.01mb(pdf text) RefJ2247

30.Mar.2010
Note on Population Growth 2008/09

Looks at the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population estimates for major regions and cities across Northern Australia.
36kb(pdf text) RefJ2335

Mar.2010
Note re ABS Employment Unemployment figures

Comments on recent trends in the Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force series, recent and likely future trends.
30kb(pdf text) RefJ2321

Mar.2010
Submission re Wild Rivers legislation

A personal submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Commitee enquiry into the QLD Wild Rivers legislation, particularly on the underlying potential of the Cape for agricultural and pastoral development.
521kb(pdf text) RefJ2332

Dec.2008
Cairns Far Northern Queensland Mining Services Study

The study was carried out for DEEDI and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce. It identifies operating and proposed mines and exploration activity across Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Eastern Indonesia, current air services to mines and opportunities to provide services especially workforce based on research in the first half of 2008.
4.6mb(pdf text)

Feb.2010
Value of and Prospects for Agriculture in Far North Queensland
(Peninsula Australia)

This paper briefly canvasses the value of agriculture in the regional economy, its historical challenges, contributions to recent growth and future prospects.
318kb(pdf text) RefJ2307

December.09
A Central Transcontinential Route Across Australia

Cummings Economics are currently updating studies into the benefits and costs of sealing a third trans-continental route across Australia The Outback Way from Western Queensland to Laverton and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia via Alice Springs directly linking Australia's two great mining regions in Queensland and Western Australia.

27.11.09
Marine Industry Capability Profile

The aim of this report is to provide a capability profile of the Far North Queensland region’s marine industries, including their competitive and comparative advantages, and any deficits or gaps.
6.73mb(pdf text) RefJ2103

06.10.09
Note on Comparative Transient Population Levels, Australian Cities

There is a widespread myth that Cairns has a highly transient population.
Certainly, Cairns has a high level of visitor population, some of whom will seek work during their visit, especially backpackers. However, when population excluding visitors is looked at, a very different picture emerges.
56kb(pdf text) RefJ2276

10.09.09
Economic Impact of James Cook University

Prepared in association with D.S Enterprises, Townsville.
1.8mb(pdf text) RefJ2193

31.08.09
Research Note - Manufacturing

Latest ABS statistics indicate Cairns / Far North Queensland region recorded a strong growth in manufacturing 2001/02 to 2006/07 and continues to lead the north in number of manufacturing locations.
37kb(pdf text) RefJ2269

26.08.09
Cairns Chamber of Commerce Annual Review

Bill Cummings presented his annual review of recent movements and short to medium term prospects of the Cairns economy at the August luncheon for the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, entitled "Understanding the Challenges"
90kb(pdf text) 703kb(pps presentation) RefJ2250

13.08.09
Cairns Arrives on List of Australia's Main Cities

The once remote tropical outpost of 60 years ago with a population of 16,000 in 1947 has now made it to the list of Australia's main cities.
30kb(pdf text) RefJ2264

07.08.09
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Forum

Bill Cummings' presentation to the forum on 31st July 2009 entitled, "Tablelands, Cape & Gulf, Economic Challenges & Opportunities".
53kb(pdf text) 1.3mb(pps presentation) RefJ2239

22.04.09
Note on Population Growth in the North, 2007/08

Recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data for estimated residential population for 2007/08 reveal the extent of the strong economic growth taking place across the north in the 12 months up to June 2008.
30kb(pdf text) RefJ2218

02.12.08
Address to Weipa Chamber of Commerce

Bill Cummings presented an address to the Weipa Chamber of Commerce in Weipa, 2nd December 2008.
90kb(pdf text) 2.7mb(pps presentation) RefJ2162

25.11.08
2008 Annual Address to Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Bill Cummings presented his annual address to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce on current trends in the Cairns economy, 25th November 2008.
88kb(pdf text) 1.3mb(pps presentation) RefJ2185

18.11.08
Address to Flinders Shire Water Development Forum, Hughenden

Bill Cummings presented a paper on behalf of the North Australia Research Group on the "Social and Economic Benefits of Irrigation Developments in the Flinders River Catchment", 18 th November 2008.
110kb(pdf text) 1mb(pps presentation) RefJ2156

18.11.08
Use of Economic Multipliers in Regional Areas and Government Services

This note to the Australian and New Zealand Regional Science Association Newsletter identifies important limitations of multipliers in relation to State and Federal Government service provisions.
16kb(pdf text)

12.11.08
Address to Civil Contractors Federation, Cairns

Bill Cummings presented an address to the Civil Contractors Federation in Cairns , 12th November 2008.
82kb(pdf text) 262kb(pps presentation) RefJ2183

31.10.08
Address to James Cook University Tourism Symposium, Cairns

Bill Cummings presented an address entitled “The Decisive Role of Small to Medium Sized Firms in the Development of Tourism in Queensland ’s Tropical North”, 31 st October 2008.
101kb(pdf text) 8.3mb(pps presentation) RefJ2154

14.08.08
Address to Mareeba Chamber of Commerce – Inaugural Economic Development Forum

Bill Cummings presented an address entitled “The Tablelands - One Big Economy – Breakdown of Towns, Current Activity and Future Projects”, 14 th August 2008
41kb(pdf text) 2.1mb(pps presentation) RefJ2123

Aug.08
Mining Services Study, Far North Queensland

Cummings Economics' study exploring opportunities for increased supply of services from Cairns to mining operations across Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Papua Indonesia for the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry was released and posted on the Cairns Chamber of Commerce website www.cairnschamber.com.au RefJ2070

July.08
Address to Certified Practising Accountants, Cairns

Bill Cummings presented an address entitled “Cairns Economy - Realities, Successes, Failures and Lessons – Where To From Here?”
54kb(pdf text) 3.1mb(pps presentation) RefJ2130

08.05.08
Note on "Estimated Residential Population Growth", 2006/07

31kb(pdf text)

04.09.07
2007 Annual Address to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Bill Cummings presented his annual address to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce on current trends in the Cairns' economy on Tuesday 28th August, 2007.
62kb(pdf text) 537kb(pps presentation) RefJ1990

April 2007
The Torres Strait Economy & prospects

Cummings Economics carried out a wide ranging study into the economy of the Torres Strait area that sought to identify opportunities.
1mb Report on Economic Opportunities
313kb Supplementary Report

24.10.06
2006 Annual Address to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Bill Cummings presented his annual address to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce on current trends in the Cairns' economy on Tuesday 24th October, 2006.
62kb(pdf text) 537kb(pps presentation)

27.07.06
Note on Manufacturing in the Cairns Region.

110kb(pdf text)

26.06.06
Airfreight Exports from Northern & Far North Queensland

Cummings Economics has been pleased to complete, in conjunction with Advance Cairns, a study and report for the Airfreight Council of Queensland on airfreight exports from the Cairns, northern Queensland area.

The study indicated a high proportion of the region’s fishery output was being exported by air via Cairns airport, especially to Asian markets. Relatively little diversion was taking place via Brisbane and Sydney airports except for commodities for North American, Middle East and European markets not serviced with direct flights out of Cairns.

In strong contrast however, a large diversion of fruit and vegetables was found to be taking place to be exported via Brisbane and Sydney airports with Cairns airport accounting for only 13% of the region’s fruit and vegetable exported by air. Factors found to be causing this included:

For details of availability of the report, contact Cummings Economics
on Tel (07) 4031 2888 Email: cummings@cummings.net.au.
Full report available from: www.australianairfreight.com 2.4MB PDF

30.09.05
Address To Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Cairns economist, Bill Cummings, provided his annual assessment of recent trends and short-term prospects for the Cairns economy to the September luncheon meeting of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
30kb(pdf text) 1mb(pps presentation)

08.07.05
Launch of the Cairns 2020/2050 Business Research Manual Project

Cairns economist, Bill Cummings, provided an outline of the “Cairns 2020/2050 Business Research Manual” project at a special function held at the Cairns City Council Chambers last night. For further details of the project contact Cummings Economics
on Tel (07) 4031 2888 Email: cummings@cummings.net.au.

31.08.05
Direct Freight & Road Route Cairns to Melbourne

The Hann Highway Action Group has presented to the Queensland Minister for Main Roads a report prepared by W S Cummings entitled “The Hann Highway Development Report – An Economic Impact Cost Benefit Analysis of Upgrading the Lynd Hughenden Section of the Kennedy Developmental Road”. The link is the last unsealed section of a direct inland route from the Cairns/Tablelands area to Melbourne and Adelaide. Its sealing will provide :


Further details available on request.

26.04.05
Australian City Growth Patterns 2002 - 2003

This brief paper identifies the changed pattern of growth of Australian cities in recent years.
57kb(pdf text)

29.03.05
Cairns House Prices

Latest data indicates that Cairns median house prices continued to rise in the December Qtr 2004, but at a slower rate.
21kb(pdf text)

29.03.05
Building Approvals

Seven months data to January 2005 indicates the Far North Statistical Division is on track to reach record value building approvals in financial year 2004/05.
22kb(pdf text)

29.03.05
North Australia Population Growth 2003-04

Latest ABS data indicates the Cairns based Far North Statistical Division continued to lead residential population growth in Northern Australia, but that Townsville city growth continues to be ahead of Cairns city.
44kb(pdf text)

22.03.05
Statistical Snippet

Population of Cape York Peninsula & Torres Strait Islands is now over the 20,000 mark.
37kb(pdf text)

23.02.05
International Education in the Cairns Region

Study Cairns (an organisation representing the international education providers in the Cairns area) yesterday released a summary of findings of a study into the economic impacts of the international education sector in the Cairns region prepared by Cummings Economics. For further details of Study Cairns, see website www.studycairns.com.au. For summary of report findings, click pdf.
96kb(pdf text)