Review tracks region’s COVID-19 recovery

A six-month progress review of the Cairns COVID-19 Local Recovery Plan, has revealed key initiatives have helped softened the adverse impacts of the pandemic.

Stimulus measures have been largely effective in mitigating the impacts of COVID-19, according to a report tabled in Council today, noting that consumer spending in the Cairns local government area for the 12 months to December 2020 was higher than the previous 12-month period.

A number of industries, including construction, domestic education, agriculture and marine sectors, are reporting high levels of activity, however the tourism, international education, aviation and related sectors continue to be heavily impacted.

The report noted numerous projects are underway in the city, including Council’s $28 million Cairns Esplanade Dining Precinct (supported by $3 million in State funding), the Queensland Government’s Cairns Convention Centre refurbishment and expansion project, and a number of major highway upgrades.

Residential construction levels are high, largely due to State and Federal funding programs, while the Cairns real estate sector is also performing strongly with the median house price and rental prices increasing.

While stimulus measures to date have softened the economic impact of the pandemic, there is a risk that adverse economic shocks could be felt as these measures, in particular the JobKeeper Payment Scheme, are either removed or wound back.

Council will continue to monitor these impacts on an ongoing basis.

The report also noted the human and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and outlined key initiatives that have provided significant support.

Council has led advocacy for a specific forum to address the current levels of housing distress being felt across the region and the resultant increase in demand for local social services.

Council has awarded $225,243 to 20 community groups and organisations to stimulate local community-led events and initiatives, and has also joined the national ‘Welcoming Cities’ network to celebrate and strengthen cultural diversity and inclusion policies and stimulate place-based initiatives.

A second round of consultation is now underway to capture residents’ experiences throughout COVID-19 to identify those locally led initiatives that maintained people’s wellbeing during the crisis and help inform a Community Resilience Toolkit.

In January 2021, the unemployment rate for Cairns and surrounds was 6.1%, with 22.5% of local businesses estimated to be on Jobkeeper in November 2020.

The Cairns COVID-19 Local Recovery Plan was endorsed by Council in August 2020 and the Local Disaster Management Group in September 2020.