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Leading the Way

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.

Capability & Services

Cummings Economics have the capability and experience to provide a very wide range of services - almost anything involving economic research, analysis and presentation. see more

Town Planning Need Assessments

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.

Supporting Progress

With sound benefit cost economic impact analysis to support funding decisions.

Economic Impact & Benefit Cost Analysis

Economic Impact Advice


ALTERNATIVE CAIRNS MAREEBA RANGE CROSSING ROAD ROUTES

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.

REPORT

CERef-J3525A-Comment-ALTERNATIVE RANGE CROSSING ROAD ROUTES V5.pdf

Note: This file was updated to V5 02/04/2025 to take into account changes to the Daddle Mountain and Bridle Track Routes

MAPPING FILES (KMZ) & MAPPING CALCULATIONS

Google Earth Icon 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

QLD TMR Traffic Census AADT (KML Downloads)


Economic Development in Tropical QLD & Net Zero

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 published in the Journal of Resilient Economies

following presentation at BEMAS 2024


Information Releases

Much of our work for clients is confidential. However, Cummings Economics have a policy, in the interests of promoting progress, of placing on this website, reports and analysis that have entered the public arena.

14 Apr 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/04/14 Ref J3545.284

KURANDA RANGE TRAFFIC HAS FLATLINED

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 Video

11 Apr 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/04/11 Ref J3541.283

POPULATION GROWTH MODERATED BUT REMAINS SOLID

Combined population of the Cairns and Townsville regions is now more than the State of Tasmania.

Research Note

10 Apr 2025 Other 2025/04/10 Ref J3536.282

CAIRNS MELBOURNE VIA THE HANN LINK

One small step for motor vehicles - One big stride for the Cairns Region.

Comment

08 Apr 2025 Other 2025/04/08 Ref J3544.281

US TARIFFS - A NEED FOR AN IN-DEPTH LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

Circumstances require we take a long look before we leap.

Comment

28 Mar 2025 Research & Statistical Note 2025/03/28 Ref J3324.277

Feb 2025-ECONOMIC TRENDS CAIRNS REGION

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 Note

03 Mar 2025 Other 2025/03/03 Ref J3540.279

A TALE OF TWO PENINSULAS

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.

Comment

30 Nov 2024 Other 2024/11/30 Ref J3518.278

A TRIBUTE TO MICK BORZI AM OBE

Mick Borzi's influence on the progress of Cairns and the region was exceptional.

Tribute

30 Oct 2024 Other Presentation 2024/10/30 Ref J3529.280

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TROPICAL QLD & NET ZERO

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 Video

02 Aug 2024 Other 2024/08/02 Ref J3525B.276

"IT'S TIME" - POTENTIAL LESSONS FROM THE PAST

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.

Comment

30 Jul 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/07/30 Ref J3324.275

JUNE 2024-ECONOMIC TRENDS CAIRNS REGION

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 Note

23 Jul 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/07/23 Ref J3524.274

JAPANESE YEN FLUCTUATIONS

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 Note

20 Jul 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/07/20 Ref J3528.273

NEWSPAPER REGIONAL POPULATION FIGURES CORRECTION

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 Note

30 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/30 Ref J3324.272

APRIL ECONOMIC TRENDS CAIRNS REGION

Economy takes cyclone damage but bounces back.

Statistical Note

29 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/29 Ref J3480A.271

CAIRNS POPULATION GROWTH

Cairns Population Growth Rate Rises.

Information Release

28 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/28 Ref J3480B.270

QLD TROPICAL REGIONS GROWTH

Qld Tropical Regions - Population over 1 Million.

Information Release

27 Apr 2024 Research & Statistical Note 2024/04/27 Ref J3480C.269

FAR NORTH REGIONAL GROWTH

Tablelands leads regional growth.

Information Release

26 Apr 2024 Other 2024/04/26 Ref J3517A.268

PLEASE MISTER MINISTER, DON'T KNOCK OUR BRUCE HIGHWAY

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 Piece

16 Oct 2023 Research & Statistical Note 2023/10/16 Ref J3324.266

AUG-SEP 2023 ECONOMIC TRENDS CAIRNS REGION

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

20 Sep 2023 Other 2023/09/20 Ref .267

HONOURS RECEIVED

Principal of Cummings Economics, Bill Cummings, has been honoured by Central Queensland University with the granting of Honorary Doctorate in Economics. Mr Cummings has also accepted an invitation to be an Honorary Research Fellow of the Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia (CITBA) at James Cook University.

Information Release

04 Sep 2023 Research & Statistical Note 2023/09/04 Ref J3500C.265

WELCOME PROGRESS IN DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL EDUCATION FACILITIES

Cairns based regional business economist, Bill Cummings, has welcomed the commencement of James Cook University medical teaching facilities on the Sheridan Street site adjacent to the Cairns Hospital.

Information Release
Information Releases Archive

Supporting Northern & Pacific Progress

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Supporting Northern & Pacific Progress

Some projects undertaken by Cummings Economics & Compass Research
throughout Northern Australia & the Pacific Region.

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