PLANNING AND ECONOMIC COMMITTEE 5 · Agenda – Planning and Economic Committee 12 November 2014 - #4537099 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC COMMITTEE 12 NOVEMBER 2014 5 RESOURCE AND PERFORMANCE

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Agenda – Planning and Economic Committee 12 November 2014 - #4537099

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC COMMITTEE

12 NOVEMBER 20145

RESOURCE AND PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT – TOURISM TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND – QUARTERLY REPORT

A. Finocchiaro| 1/8/8 | #4527185

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council notes the Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s Annual Report and interim Quarterly Report in accordance with the 2014-2017 Resource and Performance Agreement.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Council has executed a Resource and Performance Agreement (The Agreement) with Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) for the period 2014-2017 providing funding of $1.5 million per year. In accordance with this Agreement, TTNQ is required to provide Council a copy of their annual report and interim quarterly reports.

TTNQ’s annual report (2013/2014 financial year) and interim quarterly report (July-September 2014) has been provided to Council. These reports highlight the significant progress and outcomes that has been delivered by TTNQ during the reporting period against their strategic objectives.

TTNQ’s annual report noted that the 2013/14 financial year was one of consolidation and that there is a growing sense of optimism returning to the local industry as global economies improve and China’s emerging markets begin to establish. It was also noted that increased Cairns Regional Council investment is helping to build on this momentum.

BACKGROUND:

The Agreement requires that TTNQ provide to Council:

1. A copy of their annual report; and

2. Interim quarterly reports on the status and outcomes against the delivery of the following five strategic objectives in 2014/2015;

Support market share and visitor expenditure0Strategic aviation growthSustainable funding and focusDestination management partnershipsDevelop Business and Events Tourism

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COMMENT:

Annual Report 2013/2014

TTNQ’s annual report (Attachment 1) noted that the 2013/14 financial year was one of consolidation and that there is a growing sense of optimism returning to the local industry as global economies improve and China’s emerging markets begin to establish. It was also noted that increased Cairns Regional Council investment is helping to build on this momentum.

Significant highlights as reported by TTNQ in their annual report include:

Jul-13 AFL Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns. Tropical Tablelands Tourism (TTT) signed a memorandum of understanding with TTNQ, formalising the working relationship between TTT and TTNQ.

Aug-13 NRL South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Nights. Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef was joined by 17 members on their annual Regional Showcase visiting Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Masters Games.

Sep-13 Cruise Down Under Conference hosted in CairnsTropical North Queensland received more than a quarter of the funding from the State Government’s contestable funding, securing a total of $689,000 for Drive North Queensland, the TNQ Paradise Campaign and sports and events tourism.

Oct-13 The 694-passenger Azamara Quest would use Cairns as a turnaround port in January 2016 with stops at Port Douglas, Cooktown and Thursday IslandThe Tropical North Queensland Facebook Fan Page has connected with its 57,000th fan.

Nov-13 NVS and IVS statistics show Tropical North Queensland is driving tourism growth throughout the country with a bumper 16 per cent increase in international holiday visitors for the year ending June 2013. Domestic holiday visitors, which are the back bone of our visitor numbers, are up 11 per cent for the same period.Tropical North Queensland is the highest awarded destination in the State after picking up the most Queensland Tourism Awards of any region.

Dec-13 China Eastern reintroduced seasonal service Shanghai to Cairns. Jan-14 New CEO, Alex de Waal joins TTNQ.

Commence development of the TNQ Destination Tourism Plan. Feb-14 Destination Positioning Study commences.Mar-14 TTNQ’s Domestic Roadshow takes 22 members to Brisbane, Sydney and

Melbourne.Apr-14 Cairns hosts UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

"This is My Paradise" campaign - phase 2 with locals. Launch of the "Ride Cairns" mountain bike brand. TTNQ received three contestable grants for "This is My Paradise", Drive North Qld and TNQ Events Strategy.

May-14 Cairns hosts Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE). Jun-14 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival (Cairns Ironman).

Commencement of Director Destination Content, Kate Duffy. Cairns Regional Council's 2014/15 budget was approved including $2M funding for TTNQ.

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Interim Quarterly Report: July-September 2014

TTNQ’s interim quarterly report (Attachment 2) highlights that progress and outcomes have been achieved against all five strategic objectives. Key outcomes achieved during the first quarterly reporting period include:

Business events regional showcase - Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane;

Visit to China Eastern offices in China;

USA familiarisation;

Queensland On Tour Japan;

Queensland On Tour Europe and

China Incentive Business Travel and Meetings - Business Events Trade Show in Beijing.

OPTIONS:

The report is for noting.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Risk Management:

The provision of annual reports and interim quarterly reports by TTNQ is a requirement of their Resource and Performance Agreement.

Financial:

There are no budget implications in noting this report.

Corporate and Operational Plans:

The Agreement advances the following corporate objectives.

Corporate Plan Goal - 1.0 CommunityA vibrant, inclusive and healthy community with access to services and facilities which reflect its unique character, role and needs

Corporate Plan Goal - 2.0 EconomyA strong, diversified and sustainable regional economy that supports the growth of new and existing industry and business activities whilst enhancing local lifestyle and providing long term employment opportunities.

Corporate Plan Goal - 4.0 GovernanceAn efficient organisation providing best practice service delivery through leadership and policy making and the effective management of people, assets and finances.

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Operational PlanBusiness and industry development - Support business and industry growth, diversification and skill development.

Policy:

General Policy 1:05:02 (Council’s Role in Regional Economic Development) states that Council recognises that there is value in Council supporting specific initiatives or projects that will have significant economic benefits for all or parts of the local government area.

CONSULTATION:

Mr Alex De Waal, CEO of TTNQ, briefed Councillors on the 20 October 2014 on their first quarterly report.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1: TTNQ Annual Report (Attached separately #4537984)Attachment 2: TTNQ’s Interim Quarterly Report

Angelo FinocchiaroSenior Economic Development and Innovation Officer

Kelly ReastonGeneral Manager Planning & Environment

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Attachment 1: TTNQ Annual Report (Attached separately #4537984)

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Attachment 2: TTNQ’s Interim Quarterly Report

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Documents

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC COMMITTEE 5 · Agenda – Planning and Economic Committee 12 November 2014 - #4537099 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC COMMITTEE 12 NOVEMBER 2014 5 RESOURCE AND PERFORMANCE