Aquis announcement to boost Cairns economy

Tropical North Queensland’s business and tourism industry leaders predict the approval of the Environmental Impact Statement for the $8.15 billion Aquis integrated resort proposed for Cairns will create significant economic development momentum for the region.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alex de Waal, Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO Deb Hancock and Advance Cairns CEO Mark Matthews welcomed the announcement by Queensland’s independent Coordinator General.

“This will send a very strong signal that Tropical North Queensland is open for business,” they said in a joint statement.

“We are delighted that the State Government is working proactively with private industry to facilitate a strong economic future for both our region and Queensland.”

The three organisations were part of a Mayoral mission to China, Hong Kong and Singapore earlier this month to reinforce the fact that Cairns is a prime target for investment by high net worth individuals.

Ms Hancock said the progression of Aquis and the announcement that the $400 million Aspial Central Park Development in the city would start next year, added further weight to the message that Cairns was the place to invest.

“The Cairns Chamber has identified $18.3 billion worth of investment projects either currently under construction or proposed across the region,” she said.

“This includes projects like the $50 million Cairns Aquarium and Reef Research Centre which is underway and the $420 million Mt Emerald Wind Farm awaiting State Government approval.”

Mr Matthews said there was a pent-up demand for investment in Tropical North Queensland and progress in regard to the Aquis development would fuel confidence for other investors to move forward.

“The economic impact of Aquis alone will have implications for the whole State with Tropical North Queensland adding an estimated $52.5 billion to the economy by 2030,” he said.

“This announcement just before Christmas is a great way to end a successful year and will bring outstanding community and business confidence for the New Year.”

Mr de Waal said Aquis was the world’s most significant tourism project with its continued progress placing Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef centre stage.

“We are sending a very clear message to the world that Tropical North Queensland is the place to be for visitors, investors, business owners and employees."

“It also paves the way for TTNQ to position this region as Australia’s mono vacation destination for the Chinese,” he said.

“Building the mono destination concept will significantly develop Australia’s competiveness as a vacation holiday destination for the Chinese who have been frequenting other mono vacation destinations like the Maldives in rapidly increasing numbers."

“TTNQ will continue to aggressively develop initiatives to facilitate the focus of the Chinese market on our destination.”

sourced:traveldailynews.asia