Townsville Concert Hall Economic Assessment of Reducing Migration in NSW Edward River Growth Strategy 2050 Queensland Pacific Metals Detailed Economic Assessment Association of Independant Schools WA Future Footprints Program Assessment Economic Contribution of Association of Independent Schools of WA Independent Schools Queensland 2023 Economic Significance Update Economic Impact Assessment of Property Sector 2019 Economic Analysis of All Ages Learning Centre Kingaroy Hospital Business Case Queensland Music Trails Business Case Bundaberg Hotel Demand Assessment Cessnock Residential Feasibility Analysis Ballarat Airport Options Paper CBA Impact of a change in Foreign Investor Taxes Australia Local Government Association Financial Assistance Grant Sustainability Study Toowoomba Regional Council General Rate Review Financial Sustainability Review for City of Wodonga Wagga Wagga Riverside Stage 3 Business Case Shoalhaven City Council Financial Sustainability Review Pacific Reef Fisheries Expansion Hells Gate Feasibility Study Lakeland Irrigation Scheme Detailed Business Case Residential Attraction Strategy

Reports & Publications AEC makes available for download a selection of recent publications, for documents prior to this please email archive@aecgroupltd.com ​ 2021 2020/21 Water and Wastewater Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2020/21 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2020/21 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) ​ 2020 2019/20 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2019/20 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) 2019/20 Water and Wastewater Residential Price Benchmarking (QLD) ​ 2019 2018/19 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) 2018/19 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2018/19 Water and Wastewater Residential Price Benchmarking (QLD) KPMG/AEC Review of State Government Grants to Councils (QLD) ​ 2018 2017/18 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) 2017/18 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2017/18 Water and Wastewater Residential Price Benchmarking (QLD) LGFP (QLD) Conference 2018 – Cost Recovery Pricing Tips for Councils ​ 2017 2016/17 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) 2016/17 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2016/17 Water and Wastewater Residential Price Benchmarking (QLD) ​ 2016 2015/16 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) 2015/16 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2015/16 Water and Wastewater Residential Price Benchmarking (QLD) 2015 MIW 30 year strategy 2014/15 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) 2014/15 Water and Wastewater Residential Price Benchmarking (QLD) 2014/15 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2014 LGFP (QLD) Conference 2014 - Top 10 Tips for Local Government Finance Professionals 2013/14 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking (QLD) 2013/14 Water and Wastewater Residential Price Benchmarking (QLD) 2013/14 Waste Management Residential Charge Benchmarking (QLD) 2013 Economic Impact Assessment of the Cruise Shipping Industry in Australia 2012-13 - Executive Summary Factors Influencing Local Government Financial Sustainability in Queensland - A Council Segment Approach (Report Overview) Factors Influencing Local Government Financial Sustainability in Queensland - A Council Segment Approach 2012-13 Waste Management Residential Price Benchmarking 2012-13 Waste Disposal Fee Benchmarking The Carbon Tax and Australia's Accommodation Industry

Disciplines We focus on and embrace a collaborative and constant learning cycle across all our disciplines, with our teams working with you to optimise outcomes. ​ > Economics > Finance > Market Research > Visual Communications Economics Learn More

About Us AEC is outcome-driven and dedicated to the delivery of practical outcomes. We use our core technical disciplines across a broad range of market specialties to ensure our clients receive the best evidence-based technical and strategic insight and advice. Our clients embrace our long term focus and commitment to their outcomes. Innovation creativity and vision are derived from talented people working well together in a productive environment. We focus on and embrace a collaborative and constant earning cycle across all teams offices and disciplines.​ Our Origin​ ​ AEC was founded in 1993 as Australian Economic Consultants. A merger with DMM Software Pty Ltd and Consultancy Productions in May 1999 saw the establishment of AEC Group. Since our origin we have grown from one person in one regional city to a nationally recognised firm with offices across Australia and connections into South East Asia and beyond. We have traditionally served a mix of the private sector industry and all three tiers of Australian government across a broad range of market areas. Our service lines have varied over time but have remained related to our core competencies of economics, finance, property, market research and visual communication. We add value through a multidisciplinary approach providing seamless and fit for purpose project teams across our portfolio of market-based services.​ Economics Learn More

Sectors ​AEC is outcome-driven and dedicated to the delivery of practical outcomes. We use our core technical disciplines across a broad range of sectors to ensure our clients receive the best evidence-based technical and strategic insight and advice in: > Agriculture > Local Government > Property > Resources, Energy & Infrastructure > Tourism > Social & Community Services Agriculture Learn More

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. GLENN MAGUIRE Regional Development Glenn is our Senior Economist and Portfolio Lead for Regional Development based in Townsville. With over 30 years of experience as an economist in Asia and Australia across the public and private sectors, Glenn brings extensive expertise in economic analysis, strategic research, and data-driven insights. Glenn is passionate about contributing to regional economic development. ​ ​ ​ 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. KAITLIN MCINNES Team Leader - Training & Development Kaitlin is an experienced economist with a focus on strategic research and analysis, economic impact modelling, business case development, and program / policy evaluation. Kaitlin’s role also extends to supporting skill development and improving productivity across AEC. 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. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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. 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. ​ ​ ​ ​ 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. 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. 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. ​ SIMON SMITH Chairman Simon is AEC’s Chairman and has over 30 years of experience as a consultant and Treasury officer. ​ ​ ​ ​

Contact AEC Brisbane Level 5, 131 Leichhardt Street Spring Hill QLD 4000 Australia ​ Townsville 222 Flinders Street East Townsville QLD 4810 Australia ​ Sydney Level 14, 25 Bli gh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia ​ Bangkok 158 Soi Sukhumvit 54 Prakhanong, Bangkok Thailand 10260 ​ Shanghai 1609, 1st Building, Kangjian Shangwu Square 1228 Zhennan Road, Putuo, Shanghai China 200333 ​ ​ ​ 1300 799 343 ​ reception@aecgroupltd.com

Property Australia’s regions and cities are constantly adapting to lifestyle demand and our team excel in navigating and guiding both public and private sectors in development advisory commercial transactions and strategic planning. We work closely with our government and private sector clients to plan for and assess the feasibility of development understand where the ‘value’ in the project is vested and develop implementation and funding strategies including the identification and assessment of key risks and recommendations. The services we offer: Asset Management Planning Business & Asset Valuation Business Case Writing Corporate Transactions & Restructures Demand Assessments Developer Contributions Development Feasibility Due Diligence Economic & Industry Development Strategy Economic Impact Assessment Financial Feasibility Assessment Highest & Best Use Analysis Land Use Planning & Assessment Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Property Divestment/Acquisition Management For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Adam Matthews adam.matthews@aecgroupltd.com Cessnock Residential Feasibility Analysis Client: Cessnock City Council: AEC researched the viability of alternative dwelling types through feasibility testing to confirm... Ballarat Airport Options Paper CBA Client: City of Ballarat: AEC and our aviation partner, Avistra, undertook a situation and market analysis of the Airport and also... Impact of a change in Foreign Investor Taxes Client: Property Council Australia (QLD): AEC undertook a review and assessment of the economic ramifications of the foreign investor... North Harbour Marina Economic Assessment Client: City of Moreton Bay State: QLD The City of Moreton Bay (Council) engaged AEC Group to undertake a “Comprehensive Economic Need... Recent Projects

Project & Program Appraisal Project and program appraisal is a vital component of measuring the value to business and organisations of the investments they make. We leverage our economic and financial acumen to inform and undertake assessments and reviews of infrastructure projects, research programs, policy, investment portfolios as well as the contribution of entire sectors to an economy to inform policy decisions and forward investment programs. The alignment and measurement of outcomes against policy and strategic objectives is critical in informing investment and service delivery programs. Our skilled team of economists, demographers, researchers, and financial analysts can assist with any of the following services: Business & Operational Efficiency Reviews Business Case Writing Community, Consumer, Customer & Corporate Sentiment Corporate Structure & Strategy Advice Demand Assessments Developer Contributions Development Feasibility Economic Impact Assessment Financial Feasibility Assessment Governance & Implementation Planning Grant & Funding Submissions Infrastructure & Population Planning Lobbying & Advocacy Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Pricing & Revenue Strategies Program Review & Evaluation Property Divestment/Acquisition Management Regulatory & Legislative Reviews Social Impact Assessment For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Kieron Lacey kieron.lacey@aecgroupltd.com Adam Matthews adam.matthews@aecgroupltd.com Queensland Pacific Metals Detailed Economic Assessment Client: Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM): AEC was engaged to undertake an assessment of the anticipated economic impacts and public... Association of Independant Schools WA Future Footprints Program Assessment Client: Association of Independant Schools WA (AISWA): engaged AEC to estimate the socio-economic benefit of AISWA’s Future Footprints... Economic Contribution of Association of Independent Schools of WA Client: Association of Independent Schools of WA: engaged AEC Group Pty Ltd (AEC) to analyse and quantify the important contribution... Independent Schools Queensland 2023 Economic Significance Update Client: Independant Schools Queensland (ISQ): AEC were engaged to assess the economic contribution the independent schools sector made to... Recent Projects

Resources Energy & Infrastructure The mining, resources and energy sectors have contributed more than 12% to Australia’s Gross Domestic Product in recent years, highlighting the sectors are critical drivers of Australia’s current and future economic progress and development. The socio-economic and environmental issues surrounding mining and resources use resonate with the broader community now more than ever before from the towns where the resources are located to regional agricultural communities where water availability is vital to their livelihood to Australia’s largest cities that are powered by and consume the outputs from our resources and energy sectors. Understanding the dynamics and socio-economic levers that engage these sectors and their communities is important to planning future regional and national landscapes this is where AEC is able to assist your sector and/ or community. The services we offer: Business & Operational Efficiency Reviews Business Case Writing Community, Consumer, Customer & Corporate Sentiment Demand Assessments Economic & Industry Development Strategy Economic Impact Assessment Financial Sustainability Reviews & Planning Governance & Implementation Planning Lobbying & Advocacy Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Marketing & Branding Strategy Regulatory & Legislative Reviews Employment & Skills Strategy For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Kieron Lacey kieron.lacey@aecgroupltd.com ​ Ashley Page ashley.page@aecgroupltd.com ​ North QLD Water Infrastructure Authority, Hells Gates Dam Supply Chain Analysis Client: North QLD Water Infrastructure Authority State: QLD The Hells Gates Dam Scheme (HGDS) Supply Chain Assessment examined the nature... Hidden Valley Mine Closure EIA Client: Harmony Gold Country: Papua New Guinea AEC were engaged by Harmony Gold to examine the economic contribution of the Hidden... AMC Marine Lift Business Case Client: Development WA: AEC was engaged by DevelopmentWA to deliver a business case which sought to identify and recommend the ideal... Baralaba South Project EIS Client: Wonbindi Coal Pty Ltd State: QLD Mount Ramsay Coal Company proposed to develop an open cut coal mine producing approximately 5... Recent Projects

Strategic Finance Our Strategic Finance team provides a uniquely holistic approach to delivering insight through a comprehensive suite of business planning advisory research and modelling expertise and resources. Our mission as your trusted advisor is to support you to make informed decisions regarding the long-term strategy and financial sustainability of your organisation and your operational assets. What we do: Financial Sustainability Long term financial planning is a crucial component to provide the strategic direction and policy platform on which to guide your investment decisions and resource allocations. ​ Revenue & Cost Management Strategies The efficient and effective management of resource allocation is essential to ensure a financially sustainable outcome. The pressure to maintain or grow services at an appropriate level and to identify resources to meet other corporate objectives increases year on year. ​ Asset Management Planning The integration of long-term financial plans with asset management plans is the key area of focus for improvement to enhance capital and operational efficiency. Full integration of long-term financial planning places councils in the best position to allocate resources effectively and to provide a demonstrable platform to secure grant and borrowing needs. ​ Service & Business Reviews Continual improvement in community-facing as well as internal service delivery is an integral part of ensuring that service levels are appropriate and service and business operations are running as efficiently as possible. We are able to work with you in undertaking service assessment and options analysis as well as developing and providing financial and pricing models that support business decision making. ​ Pricing & Costing Models One of our key strengths is our ability to develop financial assessment modelling tools for the specific requirements of different industry sectors. We have developed a range of inhouse proprietary models to support local and state government and enterprise financial sustainability. For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Gavin O'Donovan gavin.odonovan@aecgroupltd.com Graham Jarvis graham.jarvis@aecgroupltd.com Australia Local Government Association Financial Assistance Grant Sustainability Study Client: ALGA: to complete a detailed research project into the financial sustainability of local government and the benefits provided... Edward RC Financial Sustainability Review Client: Edward River Council State: NSW The objective of the Financial Sustainability Review was to facilitate sustainable... Gunnedah Saleyards Business Case Client: Gunnedah Shire Council State: NSW AEC developed a business case to provide support for the renewal of the existing Gunnedah... Burdekin Grain Storage Business Case Client: P. Scuderi & Company Pty Ltd State: QLD AEC were engaged to develop a business case to expand the Burdekins existing grain... Recent Projects

Economics Economic advisory has never been more important in our modern-day society, it shapes and drives decisions in our everyday life. Our approach is to provide you with commercial outcome driven advice that helps uncover valuable insights for future investment opportunities. What we do: Economic Impact Modelling Demonstrate the size of the economic impact or contribution of your sector or project to the regional economy including jobs, wages, taxes paid and GRP through Input-Output or Computable General Equilibrium modelling. Cost-Benefit Analysis Determine the relative trade-off between costs and benefits of a policy change or project against a baseline of what would happen without the project, including consideration of environmental social, financial, community and economic impacts. Socio-Demographic Projections Understand how your local areas social make up is anticipated to change into the future to inform infrastructure planning. Economic Projections Uncover at a detailed industry level the forward growth expectations and associated supply chain requirements for your project. Econometric Projections Inform sectoral and population growth expectations, grounded in and bounded by historical trends and leading forward indicators. Supply Chain Analysis Recognise the structure of your local sector to sector transactions and identify any areas or opportunities for import replacement and efficiency. Labour & Skills Analysis Analyse the current position, future needs and associated gaps in your region to take advantage of changing economic environments. Opportunity Analysis Understand the current and potential future development opportunities in your local area. For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Kieron Lacey kieron.lacey@aecgroupltd.com ​ Ashley Page ashley.page@aecgroupltd.com ​ Townsville Concert Hall Client: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: AEC Was engaged to undertake the... Economic Assessment of Reducing Migration in NSW Client: Property Council of Australia (NSW): AEC was engaged to provide analysis around the economic ramifications of reducing migration... Edward River Growth Strategy 2050 Client: Edward River Council: AEC in collaboration with Edward River Council and iPlan Projects, aims to guide the region to see... Kingaroy Hospital Business Case Client: Ethos Medical Group: AEC developed the Business Case for the proposed hospital and aged care facility development, including... Recent Projects