Cairns Regional Council is joining Advance Cairns to strengthen collaboration, provide more effective advocacy for the city, and deliver better outcomes to the community.
At today's Planning and Environment Committee meeting, Council voted to join Advance Cairns on a platinum membership level.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the two organisations had already worked collaboratively on a range of advocacy initiatives, and today's decision would only help to strengthen that partnership.
"Our two organisations have already identified similar advocacy priorities for Cairns, so it makes good sense to formalise that partnership," Cr Manning said.
"Support from Advance Cairns, and a number of other advocacy partners, helped deliver $215 million in State and Federal funding commitments ($107.5 million each) for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project.
"This is just one example of how a shared visioned and focused advocacy was successful in obtaining crucial support from government."
Council CEO Mica Martin was also endorsed as Council's representative on the Advance Cairns board of directors.
"This is a great first step towards a more consistent and collaborative advocacy for Cairns," Ms Martin said.
"Council's membership with Advance Cairns, the region's leading advocacy and economic development organisation, will bring us a step closer to gaining greater alignment in advocacy, engagement and project focus for the region.
"This can only help to deliver better outcomes for the city."
Advance Cairns Chair Nick Trompf said the collaboration augured well for Cairns.
"This closer collaboration between Advance Cairns and Cairns Regional Council will help to deliver significant benefits to our region," said Mr Trompf.
"We have already seen what can be accomplished when our two organisations work together, with $215m joint State and Federal Government funding secured for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project as a result of our combined advocacy.
"We are excited to have Cairns Regional Council on board as a platinum member as we work together for the betterment of our region."
