About EDAC

The aim of the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) is to provide Council with input and feedback to shape the development of an Economic Development Strategy. Council is committed to ensuring the Cassowary Coast Region is in the best position to take advantage of economic growth and development and understands that a unified approach is key to harnessing the collective strengths of the region’s Economic Leaders.

The EDAC provides a formal mechanism for Council to consult with key stakeholders, seek specialist advise and enable community participation in all matters relating to economic development. The EDAC will provide Council with input and feedback to shape the development of an Economic Development Strategy.


Meeting Frequency

Economic Development Advisory Committee Upcoming Meeting - 09th May 2023 - Tully


Committee Period

The current EDAC was appointed for a 12 month term which commenced on 27 September.

Members

This Committee is chaired by Counillor Renee McLeod who was appointed on 27 September.

  • Desiree Lake - Small Business Representative

    Desiree Lake is currently the Assistant Manager at the Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park and is the Secretary of the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce. She has extensive experience in management, administration, and business ownership. Cardwell has been her home for almost 20 years and she is passionate about the beautiful town. Desiree has a sound knowledge of local issues. When she is not working, she is spending time with family, in her garden or out camping.

  • David Singh - CANEGROWERS TULLY

    David has been farming bananas and sugarcane for over 35 years and recently diversified to avocados. He is currently the Director on the Tully CANEGROWERS Board, serving since 2012. David holds good knowledge of local issues that are relevant to businesses and the economic development of the region and is passionate about the future of the agriculture industry. David is looking forward to working with other committee members to provide input to shape the Economic Development Strategy.

  • Steven Bailey- Agri-Business Owner Representative

    Steven is currently the Managing Director of The Water Shed, with three branches across FNQ. He previously held a National General Managers role for two companies, and a Regional Manager/Branch Manager’s Roles prior to that. He spent 13 years in Darwin before moving to Far North Queensland in 2016.

  • Sandra Henrich - CANEGROWERS INNISFAIL

    Sandra is the Manager of CANEGROWERS Innisfail with 16 years’ experience working in the cane industry. Born and raised in the Far North, she is passionate about regional Queensland, particularly the agricultural sector. A keen collaborator, Sandra is looking forward to working with Council and other stakeholders to strengthen the Cassowary Coast Region’s economic growth and development.

  • Dean Sinton - CC Banana Growers Representative

  • Sam Charlton- Accommodation

    Profile to come.

  • Patrick Bluett - Cassowary Coast Tourism

    Profile to come.

  • Robyn Smith - Cardwell Chamber of Commerce

  • Annette Swaine - Innisfail Chamber of Commerce