Published Tuesday, 28 October, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Bligh Government releases economic health report for Cairns and Tropical North
Regional Development Minister and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle today released an economic report card of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
The Regional Vital Signs document is one part of the new regional profiles being released throughout Queensland aimed at ensuring balanced growth and encouraging business investment.
Ms Boyle said the punchy document lays the region’s economy on the line.
“It’s an economic health report and it gives the Cairns region the tick of approval,” Ms Boyle said.
“It paints the picture of a mature economy in good health, with natural competitive advantages and a highly educated workforce.
“The report indicates the Far North’s economy is still growing strongly despite the tourism industry taking a recent hit.
“It tells us that over the past 15 years our service industries sector, which includes tourism, has grown rapidly and now accounts for 75% of the Far North’s economy - a much higher percentage than any other regional economy.
“It also tells us the industries driving the region’s growth are construction, property and business services, and health and community services.”
Ms Boyle said the report highlights the success that has occurred over the past ten years in diversifying the regional economy.
“My congratulations goes to leading business organisations and in particular the industry sectors of aviation and marine,” Ms Boyle said.
“The challenge ahead includes ensuring solid contributions from industries in the primary and secondary sectors including agriculture, food manufacturing and mining.
“We must also build strong knowledge-based industries for the future including tropical expertise, tropical health, and export of education.
“These new industries will be essential for safeguarding the economy and employment for future generations of Tropical North residents.
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Fast Facts on Cairns
• Cairns region is home to around 230,000 people and has a workforce of around 110,000
• There are about 22,000 businesses currently operating in Cairns
• The region’s major industries include tourism, transport & storage, retail and construction
• Industries of the future include tropical expertise, aviation and marine services
• The region contains two World Heritage-listed areas – The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Ends
Media contact:
Marcus Taylor - 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Kirstie Maier – 3224 2007 or 0448 135 195
The Regional Vital Signs document is one part of the new regional profiles being released throughout Queensland aimed at ensuring balanced growth and encouraging business investment.
Ms Boyle said the punchy document lays the region’s economy on the line.
“It’s an economic health report and it gives the Cairns region the tick of approval,” Ms Boyle said.
“It paints the picture of a mature economy in good health, with natural competitive advantages and a highly educated workforce.
“The report indicates the Far North’s economy is still growing strongly despite the tourism industry taking a recent hit.
“It tells us that over the past 15 years our service industries sector, which includes tourism, has grown rapidly and now accounts for 75% of the Far North’s economy - a much higher percentage than any other regional economy.
“It also tells us the industries driving the region’s growth are construction, property and business services, and health and community services.”
Ms Boyle said the report highlights the success that has occurred over the past ten years in diversifying the regional economy.
“My congratulations goes to leading business organisations and in particular the industry sectors of aviation and marine,” Ms Boyle said.
“The challenge ahead includes ensuring solid contributions from industries in the primary and secondary sectors including agriculture, food manufacturing and mining.
“We must also build strong knowledge-based industries for the future including tropical expertise, tropical health, and export of education.
“These new industries will be essential for safeguarding the economy and employment for future generations of Tropical North residents.
…/2
Fast Facts on Cairns
• Cairns region is home to around 230,000 people and has a workforce of around 110,000
• There are about 22,000 businesses currently operating in Cairns
• The region’s major industries include tourism, transport & storage, retail and construction
• Industries of the future include tropical expertise, aviation and marine services
• The region contains two World Heritage-listed areas – The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Ends
Media contact:
Marcus Taylor - 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Kirstie Maier – 3224 2007 or 0448 135 195