Building the North Breakfast

The Mayors of North Queensland’s largest councils addressed over 200 Property Council members and guests on Thursday 8 June at the Property Council’s ‘Building the North’ breakfast.

While projects in the state’s South East often dominate media headlines, the Property Council provided this opportunity to showcase some of the social and economic opportunities being created above the Tropic of Capricorn. 

Cr Bob Manning, Mayor – Cairns Regional Council, outlined how the Cairns economy had faced severe challenges post-GFC but has been able to recover successfully. Exceptional growth in Chinese visitor numbers has not only driven the city’s economic resurgence but also created the conditions required for a new wave of development projects.

Cr Jenny Hill, Mayor – Townsville City Council, provided a frank assessment of the economic difficulties that have affected her city since the GFC. But, by putting the right policy setting in place, the city has been able to establish new opportunities, primarily through the signing of Australia’s first City Deal. Projects associated with this agreement, including the new Townsville Stadium, will lay a platform for the city’s economic renewal and attract further private sector investment.

A panel session moderated by Chris Mountford, Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council provided an opportunity for the audience to interrogate the Mayors on economic opportunities their cities.

The Property Council would like to thank Cr Hill and Cr Manning for taking the time to travel to Brisbane for this event and share their insights with the property industry.

Thanks must also go to event sponsors BuckleyVann, JBA and Planisphere, for their support this important event.

Photos from the event can be found here. 

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