AEC was engaged by Wagga Wagga City Council to develop a Business Case for Stage 3 of the Riverside Development, featuring an Entertainment/ Convention Centre and Indigenous Cultural Centre. The project addresses key market gaps, enhances business and cultural tourism, and positions the region as a key events destination. Delivered under Infrastructure Australia and NSW Treasury guidelines, the five-stage business case included strategic assessment, stakeholder engagement, design options, economic analysis, and final case presentation.

AEC was commissioned by JTSI to develop an Industry Development Strategy for WA’s superyacht sector. The project involved global and national sector research, extensive stakeholder engagement, and identification of growth scenarios.  The strategy provides recommendations to position WA’s superyacht industry for future opportunities, driving job creation and economic prosperity across the state and supply chain.

The Tropical North Queensland region, a cornerstone of Queensland’s tourism industry, was hit hard by the pandemic. Recognising the need for action, TTNQ partnered with AEC to advocate for the region’s recovery.  AEC developed a strategic lobbying document that presented a compelling case for Queensland and Federal Government investment in the region’s tourism sector. This resulted in TTNQ securing $15 million in funding, directly supporting the recovery and growth of local tourism operators and helping to restore the region’s appeal as a global tourism destination.

We are at our best when we seamlessly combine our technical disciplines of economics, finance, market research and design to support effective decision making through evidence based, strategically insightful and engaging content. ASHLEY PAGE CEO, Principal Economist Ashley is AEC's CEO and has experience and expertise across all areas of economic, tourism and industry development. Ashley has delivered some of AEC's most significant regional development, infrastructure studies and business cases. GAVIN O'DONOVAN Technical Director, Finance Gavin is Technical Director (Finance) with AEC and has over 25 years of experience in developing business and financial sustainability strategies for both the public and private sectors. SIMON SMITH Chairman Simon is AEC’s Chairman and has over 30 years of experience as a consultant and Treasury officer. KATE SMITH CFO Kate is AEC’s Chief Financial Officer and brings a broad and diverse skillset from 30 years as a Chartered Accountant, working with business in strategy positioning, productivity enhancement, human resources and investment opportunities. ADAM MATTHEWS Policy Advisory Adam is the Principal of our Policy Advisory practice and is the Sydney team leader. With over 30 years of experience in infrastructure, finance, and economics consultancy, he brings a passion for innovation to every aspect of his role. CAREY RAMM Founder, Principal Consultant Carey is Principal Consultant and founder of AEC. Carey has many business interests and operates globally as a trusted advisor. Carey was formerly a Federal Ministerial Adviser on Transport, Communications and Economic Development issues. CLARE GROSS Model Development Clare is a financial and economic modeller specialising in bespoke decision-support tools, forecasting and impact analysis. She applies best-practice modelling and clear data storytelling and conveying insights to help clients make confident, evidence-based decisions. ELLIE GRAY Project & Tender Administration Ellie plays a key role in administration and tender coordination, bringing structure, clear communication and strong organisation to our projects. Ellie ensures seamless workflow, timely submissions and strong internal communication, helping projects run smoothly from setup to delivery. GRAHAM JARVIS Strategic Finance Graham is an experienced state and local finance executive manager with a focus on financial sustainability, strategic asset management and revenue strategies. Having delivered a range of financial and service management solutions to local governments all over Australia and in particular, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, Graham has a thorough understanding of the planning and reporting frameworks within each jurisdiction. HOLLY MARSON Team Leader - Townsville Holly is the Team Leader for AEC’s Townsville office. Growing up in North Queensland, Holly has a passion for supporting growth in regional communities. Holly has a background in economics impact modelling, business case development and cost benefit analysis. JOHN SYME Principal Consultant John is Perth based & is Principal of Syme Marmion & Co, an AEC associate firm. John specialises in property economics, planning and development strategy, with significant experience in business operations and in consulting to the private sector and to government. KIERON LACEY Technical Director, Economics Kieron is AEC’s Technical Director of Economics, with over 15 years experience modelling, assessing and analysing economic, industry and socio-demographic impacts of projects and programs, as well as projecting future growth. LYNDON BERRESFORD Creative Director Lyndon is AEC’s Creative Director and has over 25 years experience in commercial design, visual communication and digital media production. Lyndon also has a high level of expertise in conceptual illustration, which has been utilised in several large scale urban redevelopment projects across Australia. MARK COURTNEY Property Advisory Mark is an accomplished economist, property analyst and researcher whose experience uniquely positions him as an industry leader in property economics, advisory and consultancy. PRIYA NARSEY Market and Consumer Research Priya heads AEC’s Market & Social Research division. She has over 15 years of experience in both quantitative and qualitive research. ROB DONALDSON Senior Graphic Designer Rob has 15 years of experience as a graphic designer and creative and has an extensive portfolio working within government and the creative sector. Rob has designed, developed and maintained brands and identities for major initiatives, city changing projects, exhibitions and arts festivals. RODGER POWELL Principal, Tourism Advisory Rodger heads AEC Tourism Advisory practice and has an uncommon breadth and depth of experience across multiple aspects of hospitality and tourism. He is an excellent strategic thinker with a genuine commercial focus. STEVEN HARRIS Strategic Finance Steven is a senior finance executive with over 25 years of experience across local government, logistics, mining, FMCG and manufacturing. He has led major finance teams and transformational projects, driving improved accountability, transparency, and efficiency in financial operations. His expertise spans financial strategy, reporting, and infrastructure governance, with a strong focus on organisational performance and fiscal sustainability.

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Providing evidence-based solutions, insight, advice and creativity that sustainably shape the future of our communities, cities, and regions. AEC focuses on outcomes and trusted insights that empower change, inspire growth, and instil business confidence. Local Government / Natural Resources & Agriculture / Climate / Resources, Energy & Infrastructure / Tourism / Social & Community Services / Property ... is where you will find us. AEC HAS MADE AN IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND THE SUCCESS OF OUR REGIONS, CITIES AND COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 30 YEARS. AEC focuses on outcomes and trusted insights that empower change, inspire growth, and instil business confidence. AEC is a national leader in delivering economic, financial, and strategic advisory services across Australia. We work with government, industry, and community stakeholders to shape the future of Australia’s regions, cities, and industries. We provide data-driven solutions to inform decisions, unlock opportunity, and drive long-term outcomes. Our expertise spans a wide range of sectors, with a focus on delivering sustainable, practical, and actionable insights to guide clients through complex challenges and opportunities. Whether we are helping unlock the full potential of a region, developing financial models to ensure sustainability, or providing in-depth research to inform policy, we are here to support you every step of the way. Local Government / Natural Resources & Agriculture / Climate / Resources, Energy & Infrastructure / Tourism / Social & Community Services / Property 40B+ INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDED OVER 15,000 PROJECTS 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Contact us We are at our best when we seamlessly combine our technical disciplines of economics, finance, market research and design to support effective decision making through evidence based, strategically insightful and engaging content. Learn more DataAU DataAU DataAU DataAU 1/2 DataAU is a national data visualisation platform that has been developed by AEC Group leveraging our history of data management, analysis and interpretation. It includes over 400 socio-economic and demographic datasets, exclusive indicators, modelling tools and graphically designed reports that effectively communicate information and insights. We developed DataAU to provide data interpretation, value, and insight for strategic community, economic development, and social infrastructure planning. Learn more Recent Projects Our Successes SJB Urban "AEC did an excellent job, with a challenging brief. Really impressed with the thorough and incisive inputs." OUTCOME DRIVEN Working with AEC means benefiting from our extensive experience and industry-leading experts. Our team