Cummings Economics was established in 1981 by W S (Bill) & J G Cummings (see key personnel) to provide professional economic research and analysis of the economy, especially in relation to northern and regional Australia (see background & services). Compass Research was established as the market research arm of Cummings Economics.
Over the years, the firm has played and continues to play a major role in supporting the progress of businesses, industries, organisations and government bodies through perceptive professional, successful research.
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In recent years the firm has completed numerous local government need assessments including in relation to low, medium & high residential, major regional residential developments, mixed use, neighbourhood centers, food & drink outlets, service stations, aged persons facilities, medical facilities, tourism facilities and industrial.
With sound benefit cost economic impact analysis to support funding decisions.
The question of assessing options for upgrading the range crossing between Cairns and Mareeba has become a matter of urgent community discussion with a number of alternative routes canvassed. To help consideration of the matter, the following offers some preliminary comment on the various routes being canvassed from a cost benefit analysis perspective.
Note: This file was updated to V5 02/04/2025 to take into account changes to the Saddle Mountain and Bridle Track Routes
CE_FNQ.kmz (Download and Open in Google Earth (Pro))
Mapping Calculations Preliminary Summary of Hights, Distances & Grades
https://earth.google.com (Browser Version) https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/#earth-pro (App Version)
QLD TMR Traffic Census AADT (KML Downloads)
It is vital Cairns has highly efficient transport links across the ranges to service the population of 70,000 and growing industries in its hinterland.
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02 Jul 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/07/02 Ref J3525C.286
Additional Analysis to research & statistical note J3525A Alternative Cairns Mareeba Range Crossing Road Routes calculates an average of distances to various points in the Cairns urban area and weights them to give an average for each option then sets out cost benefit implications.
Research Note14 May 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/05/14 Ref J3525A.285
Preliminary Analysis Cost Benefit Considerations. The question of assessing options for upgrading the range crossing between Cairns and Mareeba has become a matter of urgent community discussion with a number of alternative routes canvassed. To help consideration of the matter, the following offers some preliminary comment on the various routes being canvassed from a cost benefit analysis perspective.
Research Note Video14 Apr 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/04/14 Ref J3545.284
It is vital Cairns has highly efficient transport links across the ranges to service the population of 70,000 and growing industries in its hinterland.
Research Note Video11 Apr 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/04/11 Ref J3541.283
Combined population of the Cairns and Townsville regions is now more than the State of Tasmania.
Research Note10 Apr 2025 Other 2025/04/10 Ref J3536.282
One small step for motor vehicles - One big stride for the Cairns Region.
Comment08 Apr 2025 Other 2025/04/08 Ref J3544.281
Circumstances require we take a long look before we leap.
Comment28 Mar 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/03/28 Ref J3324.277
Provides statistical data and comment on trends in the Cairns Region Economy including on the Housing Market that stresses the need for a substantial reduction in interest rates.
Statistical Note03 Mar 2025 Other 2025/03/03 Ref J3540.279
While it may not be widely recognised, the FNQ Region/PENINSULA AUSTRALIA'S development has been profoundly influenced by historical developments in India, especially in PENINSULA INDIA.
Comment30 Nov 2024 Other 2024/11/30 Ref J3518.278
Mick Borzi's influence on the progress of Cairns and the region was exceptional.
Tribute30 Oct 2024 Other Presentation 2024/10/30 Ref J3529.280
Presented to the BEMAS 2024 Conference, Centre for International Trade & Business in Asia JCU Cairns Campus, the Paper canvasses three challenges/three opportunities for Tropical Qld to reach Net Zero.
Paper Video02 Aug 2024 Other 2024/08/02 Ref J3525B.276
Recounts the approach taken by the region in the late 70s/early80s to achieve upgrading of Cairns Airport to take wide-bodied jets from long distance flights from overseas and its possible lessons for the region achieving major upgrading of the Cairns/Mareeba range crossing.
Comment30 Jul 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/07/30 Ref J3324.275
Latest inflation figures indicate that Reserve Bank efforts to dampen the economy are likely to continue throughout the rest of this year and into the next with consequences for the domestic tourism market and building approvals.
Statistical Note23 Jul 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/07/23 Ref J3524.274
The recent decision by VIRGIN Airlines to withdraw from flights to Japan focuses attention on fluctuations in the Japanese Yen/Australian dollar exchange rate and its influence on flights and visitor numbers from Japan.
Statistical Note20 Jul 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/07/20 Ref J3528.273
Provides correct figures for population in the 4 major regions of Tropical Queensland serviced by the regional cities of Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton following publication of some misleading figures in a Cairns local newspaper.
Statistical Note30 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/30 Ref J3324.272
Economy takes cyclone damage but bounces back.
Statistical Note29 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/29 Ref J3480A.271
Cairns Population Growth Rate Rises.
Information Release28 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/28 Ref J3480B.270
Qld Tropical Regions - Population over 1 Million.
Information Release27 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/27 Ref J3480C.269
Tablelands leads regional growth.
Information Release26 Apr 2024 Other 2024/04/26 Ref J3517A.268
Which should get priority, the link to Brisbane or the region's internal road infrastructure and other trans-national links such as across the north to Darwin?
Opinion Piece16 Oct 2023 Research & Statistical Note 2023/10/16 Ref J3324.266
Although there will be stresses and strains being experienced in some sectors of the economy as a result of the Reserve Bank's efforts to dampen the economy with higher interest rates and cumulative inflation over the past three years will be affecting family budgets, latest data available indicates that the fundamentals remain solid.
Statistical Note
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