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.
With sound benefit cost economic impact analysis to support funding decisions.
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.
29 Jan 2021 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3324.206
During December, the steady downward trend in JobSeeker numbers in the region since peaking in May, reversed and showed a small upward movement.
Statistical Note05 Dec 2020 Other CE Ref J3354.202
Let's face it, we've never been able to rely completely on Brisbane. Yes, get what we can out of Brisbane but our destiny lies in our own hands. It's time to toughen up and put our own money up to chart our own course across all developmental opportunities. And remember, that we achieve most when the whole region, not just Cairns, comes together to pool its resources and effort - local governments, local businesses, local industries, local people.
Comment01 Dec 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3353.200
The 2020-21 Queensland State Budget has seen a substantial increase in capital expenditure allocated to the Cairns SA4 region compared with previous years. However, the table in the Statistical Note indicates that this simply brings expenditure per capita up to just above average levels for regional areas. On regional averages, the State Government still owes the region about $1bn.
Statistical Note16 Nov 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3324.199
Numbers in JobSeeker benefits continue the trend since May to decline. However, the Single Touch Payroll Jobs Index indicated that the upward trend in number in jobs in the region may have stalled with the mild adjustments in JobKeeper conditions after end September.
Statistical Note09 Nov 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3349.198
DWELLING APPROVALS 2020-21 OFF TO A FLYING START - Dwelling approvals across the north were down in 2019-20 but with the Cairns/TNQ region leading. However, they have been off to a flying start in Sep Qtr 2020 under the influence of the Commonwealth Government's COVID support incentives.
Statistical Note27 Oct 2020 Other CE Ref J3340.197
Seeks to interpret the likely impacts of the 2020-2021 budget on the Cairns regional economy. It provides a simple "rule of thumb" to help estimate how massive nationwide government support schemes are likely to impact on the region's economy.
Comment26 Oct 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3324.190
Gives information that JobSeeker unemployment numbers continued to come down in September but again only marginally. Single Touch Payroll series has been continuing to recover slowly but slipped back at end Sep/early Oct as JobKeeper support has moderated.
Statistical Note08 Oct 2020 Media Article CE Ref J3339.196
Portrays how with massive government support, the Cairns regional economy has been recovering but that it is now up to private enterprise to carry the process forward.
Article25 Sep 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3324.191
Gives information that JobSeeker unemployment numbers continued to come down in August but only marginally. Single Touch Payroll series has been continuing to recover slowly.
Statistical Note25 Sep 2020 Cairns Economy Presentation CE Ref J3335.195
Gives PPT presentation used in an address to the Forum 4 Business Growth luncheon outlining recent economic trends.
Presentation01 Sep 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3327.194
Research Paper submitted to the Commonwealth Review of the REEF 2050 PLAN pointing out that the value of tourism related to the reef is NOT the total value of tourism in the regions fronting the reef, as portrayed in commonly used statistics. Only about 2.5 million a year visit the reef compared with about 9 million visitors to the Reef Regions. Value of actual reef related tourism is small compared with other major industries and the economy of the Reef Regions overall.
Research Paper25 Aug 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3324.186
Gives information that JobSeeker unemployment numbers continued to come down in July but only marginally. Single Touch Payroll series has been continuing to recover slowly to be down only about 5% on the commencement of the series in mid-March.
Statistical Note15 Aug 2020 Cummings Economics Report CE Ref J3275.192
A Report prepared for Cairns Regional Council and Study Cairns on the pre-Covid value of the International Education Sector indicating that it was bringing into the region's economy of the order of $130M a year.
Report23 Jul 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3324.184
Gives information that JobSeeker unemployment numbers plateaued in June and came down slightly in the Cairns SA4 region. A new ABS series on payrolls indicated that in the Cairns region there was a fall of about 11% in April compared to March.
Statistical Note25 Jun 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3312C.179
Gives information that 9,000 businesses & organisations in the Cairns region applied in April for JobKeeper assistance to retain employees.
Statistical Note15 Jun 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3312B.178
Gives information that JobSeeker unemployment numbers reached 26,000 in May in the Cairns region.
Statistical Note10 Jun 2020 Media Article CE Ref J3313.193
The article outlines 4 Fields of Opportunity, 3 Changes in Preoccupation, 2 Implications.
Article15 May 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3310.176
Gives a brief appreciation of the situation with water resource development in the region and the need for improved benefit cost analysis.
Paper15 Apr 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3302.175
Indicates population growth was relatively low across the North in 2018-19 but with Cairns region continuing to lead.
Paper15 Mar 2020 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3299.174
Provided estimate of likely impacts of COVID-19 on future unemployment levels in the Cairns region.
Paper31 Dec 2019 Cummings Economics Report CE Ref J2938A&B.201
This detailed study sets out the findings from a detailed Benefit Cost & Economic Impact Analysis of the proposed sealing of the last 28km unsealed section of the coast road linking Cairns to Cooktown. Upgrading envisaged involves sealing on the existing alignment plus substantial safety expenditure on currently steep sections of the road. Benefits include: Substantial savings in maintenance costs; Substantial improvements in environmental impacts; A substantial saving for some travelers in cost and travel times to and from Wujal Wujal & Cooktown; A substantial increase in visitor numbers to Wujal Wujal & Cooktown; A substantial additional revenue to the Daintree Ferry; A substantial addition to the region's tourism offerings of attractions.
Report Presentation15 Dec 2019 Research & Statistical Note CE Ref J3288.173
Records how value of Tablelands horticultural industries have jumped 45% in the last 4 years to reach value of over $500m pa.
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