Cairns Regional Council to nominate new director for Far North’s peak advocacy body

A key vote is likely to shape Cairns’ future advocacy ambitions with councillors set to nominate a new board member to an influential lobby group this week.

Advance Cairns chairman Nick Trompf responds to the 2022/23 federal budget and what it offers, and doesn't offer the Far North. Picture: Brendan Radke

A key vote is likely to shape Cairns’ future advocacy ambitions with the city’s councillors set to nominate a new board member to an influential lobby group this week.

But uncertainty remains as to whether Mayor Amy Eden will vie for the position in a bid to campaign for major projects, including buying a stake in the $3bn North Queensland Airports Group.

Cairns Regional Council will recommend a new appointee to Advance Cairns following a vote at Wednesday’s ordinary meeting.

Former CEO Mica Martin previously served as its representative on the board but quit the council in April last year.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden may seek to be nominated as a potential Advance Cairns director. Picture: Brendan Radke

Under the council’s media policy, councillors and staff, including the mayor, are forbidden from speaking to the media about meeting agenda items before a vote.

As a consequence, it is unclear whether Ms Eden will seek to be nominated.

But it is understood that Ms Eden may express interest in serving on the group’s board, as former Mayor Bob Manning did, giving her a strong platform to advocate for major projects across the region.

Cairns Regional Council chief executive Ken Gouldthorp at an ordinary meeting at the council chambers. Picture: Brendan Radke

Current CEO Ken Goulthorp is considered another likely contender.

Should Ms Eden successfully secure the nomination it will require key changes to Advance Cairns’ governance policies and procedures.

Under its revised constitution, elected representatives can no longer serve as board members in order to maintain the company’s independence.

Further, a change allowing the mayor or a councillor to sit on the board could only occur at an extraordinary general meeting called for that specific purpose, or the body’s annual general meeting in late October.

It would then require a majority of the board’s sitting members to vote in favour of the change.

Insights from a member representing Far North Queensland’s largest regional council would be welcomed, Advance Cairns chair Nick Trompf said.

“We’re delighted that Cairns Regional Council is one of our four platinum members and we would very much like a council representative on our board as we’ve had in the past,” Mr Trompf said.

“We’ve had a terrific, constructive relationship with the council and it’s one we’re keen to nurture.

“Our job is to advocate with local government to the state and federal government for investment and policy change.”

Advance Cairns Limited – Board of Directors:

- Nick Trompf – Chair

- Richard Barker (CEO, Cairns Airport)

- Professor Simon Biggs (Vice Chancellor and President, James Cook University)

- Andrew Graffen (CEO, Cassowary Coast Regional Council)

- Jodie Duignan-George (Associate Vice President, CQUniversity)

- Phil Growden (General Manager Queensland, Austal Australia)

- Sharon Dawson (CEO, Dawsons Group)

- Richard Stevenson (CEO, Ports North)

Originally published as Cairns Regional Council to nominate new director for Far North’s peak advocacy body