Significant progress has been made in the implementation of Council actions to boost economic activity and employment opportunities in Babinda and Gordonvale.
Economic Development Plans for Babinda and Gordonvale were endorsed by Council in June 2017, and subsequently reviewed and updated in June 2019, with aim of increasing economic activity and employment opportunities, encouraging investment, attracting visitation, improving liveability and supporting population growth.
In Babinda, activities focused on tourism product development and marketing, and supporting local business groups and events, including funding for the Babinda Visitor Information Centre, Babinda District Community Association Inc (Babinda Taskforce), and Babinda Harvest Festival Committee.
In Gordonvale, stakeholder relationships were strengthened, with a wider group of organisations attending progress meetings and collaborating on initiatives.
This included Council’s successful application for Gordonvale to be listed as a RV Friendly Town by the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia, the completion of the Bungarra Heritage Trail linking Greenpatch and the Gordonvale Town Centre, and continued support for the annual Great Pyramid Race.
With outlined actions having been broadly delivered, the Economic Development Plans will now be superseded by the Cairns Regional Council Economic Development Strategy 2022-2026, where Gordonvale and Babinda feature as geographic areas of focus.
