Development & Planning Industry Initiative

The Industry Initiative is a collective of development, building, planning, engineering, and design professionals from across the region, in conjunction with the senior leadership team of Council's Development & Planning Branch.

The Industry Initiative is a collaborative and innovative forum. It seeks to share knowledge, information and ideas which contribute to the facilitation of quality development outcomes and appropriate growth across the region.

The group has a specific focus on the effective and efficient delivery of Council’s development and planning functions, and a best practice approach within the legislative and policy framework which encompasses development.

The purpose of The Industry Initiative is to collaboratively work toward strategic and operational initiatives which assist the broader development industry, with a fresh and innovative ethos to how we operate as an industry.

Membership

Members of The Industry Initiative are industry professionals, with experience in development, building, planning, engineering and design. Members of the group are professionals in both local government and private enterprise and are experts in their respective fields.

Industry Initiative members are passionate about realising business improvement in partnership with Council, and openly discuss issues, develop and road test solutions, and evaluate efficacy of projects geared towards positive change and progress within the realm of development.

Members are committed to a fresh, innovative and collaborative approach of operating as an industry collective.

Industry Outcomes Strategy

The Industry Outcomes Strategy (to be renewed on an annual basis) details priority initiatives that help deliver upon the shared vision to positively shape planning and assessment processes and outcomes for the Cairns region.

Focus areas for the Industry Initiative include:

Business Optimisation

Providing input and advice regarding operational initiatives related to Council’s development and planning functions, including:

  • Providing advice on best practice business approaches to delivering local government development and planning functions;
  • Testing and early input regarding business improvement initiatives being progressed by Council; and
  • Bringing forward ideas and process improvement projects for Council’s consideration.
Communication & Engagement

Provide high-level feedback regarding Council’s service delivery associated with its development and planning functions, including:

  • General high-level feedback regarding Council’s development and planning functions; and
  • General high-level feedback and improvement opportunities for industry, to assist the way in which industry works with Council across its development and planning functions.
Capacity Building

A focus on investment in our industry as a collective, through a local mentoring & cross-skilling framework.

Interested in joining?

Membership is capped to create an intimate space that is conducive to open and honest dialogue.

Membership is in a voluntary and unpaid capacity.

To express your interest via email, provide us with your response to the following questions:

  • Name
  • Title
  • Current employer
  • Why do you want to be part of The Industry Initiative?
  • What does a fresh and innovative ethos for our industry look like to you?
  • What would you like the forum to achieve in the next twelve (12) months?
  • How would you ensure that the objectives and key performance indicators (as per the terms of reference) are achieved?

Have a suggestion or idea but find it challenging to attend regular meetings? Your input is valuable to us! Please provide your feedback via email and address your feedback to the Executive Manager, Development & Planning.

Last Updated: 11 November 2024

Latest News > All News

Cairns, let’s enjoy QLD Day together!

Cairns’ residents are invited to celebrate QLD Day on the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday, 6 June, to recognise the state’s...

Community & Lifestyle
4 June 2026

More than $200,000 for community events

A total of $203,427 will be invested through Round 18 of the Community Partnerships Grants, supporting 18 community events and...

Community & Lifestyle
29 May 2026

Cairns Botanic Gardens giant comes to bloom

The Cairns Botanic Gardens is home to some impressive tropical flora, including the Titan Arum, affectionately known as the ‘corpse...

Community & Lifestyle
29 May 2026