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 Ashley Page ashley.page@aecgroupltd.com Esk Jockey Club Expansion Economic Analysis Client: Somerset Regional Council State: QLD The refurbishment of the Esk Jockey Club was identified as a medium-term implementation... Mount Isa Hanger and Office Facility Economic Analysis Client: Royal Flying Doctors Service State: QLD AEC was engaged by the Royal Flying Doctors Service to develop an economic analysis for... PCA QLD Social Infra Contribution Client: Property Council of Australia (QLD) State: QLD AEC assessed the economic significance of Australia's property industry in... 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

Tourism The Travel and Tourism industry has typically contributed more than $50 billion dollars to Australia’s GDP. The travel and tourism economy is a vital sector that presents opportunity and investment in all regions and virtually all sectors of our country. The ramifications of COVID-19 has highlighted that even with international travel remaining non-existent, the need and want for travel and adventuristic travel opportunities across Australia is still in high demand. This offers the opportunity for local regions and tourism development organisations across Australia to evaluate and invest in creating unique experiences to draw domestic tourists to their region. AEC is able to provide an in-depth range of services that provide you with solution-focused outcomes that deliver insight and added value to your project. The services we offer: Brand Positioning Demand Assessments Due Diligence Economic & Industry Development Strategy Economic Impact Assessment Financial Feasibility Assessment Grant & Funding Submissions Lobbying & Advocacy Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Market Entry Strategies Marketing & Branding Strategy Employment & Skills Strategy For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Rodger Powell rodger.powell@aecgroupltd.com ​ Simon Smith simon.smith@aecgroupltd.com ​ WA Cruise Tourism Strategy Client: Tourism Western Australia State: WA AEC in partnership with The BHive was engaged to develop a ten year strategy for cruise... Economic Impact Assessment of MELT Open Access Festival Client: Brisbane Powerhouse State: QLD To build on the existing brand presence and attendance at the MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and... Cairns Regional Council Tourism Funding Client: Cairns Regional Council State: QLD Cairns Regional Council (in Queensland) were investigating the implementation of a visitor... NT Cruise Sector Activation Plan Client: Northern Territory Department of Tourism, Sports and Culture State: NT AEC was engaged by the Northern Territory Government to... Recent Projects

Introducing the AEC Service Planning Toolkit The Service Planning Toolkit supports councils in understanding how well theirservices are performing and whether they are meeting their community’s needs.It provides an evidence-based level of service assessment tool that can costeffectively guide a Council in determining where investment in its services isneeded and where efficiencies can be made. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION Benchmarking A key part of the Service Planning Toolkit relies on comparing a Council’s services to other peer councils which share similar socio-demographic geographic and service profile characteristics. In doing this a Council can develop targeted evidence based and objective-driven service review programs. The Service Planning Toolkit supports the achievement of these outcomes by providing decision making insight for Councillors and Executives through a simple four-step process: The Service Planning Toolkit also has reporting capabilities to ensure that results are visualised on an intuitive dashboard can be easily filtered and provide the ability to drill down to examine the results in more detail. ​ Benefits for Benchmark Partners The benefits of participating in the Benchmarking Step include: Minimising the impact on managers by providing easy template-based data capture and the ability to collect service information online including bulk upload ​ Access to the anonymised results ​ A secure online system enabling controlled access to your data and information (only you can see your Council’s information) Once completed with some investment benchmark partners are able to undertake the full service review process and develop your own Service Catalogue and Service Review prioritisation using the same results gathered for the benchmark exercise. ​ ​ ​ If you are interested in learning more about the Service Planning Toolkit please contact AEC on 1300 799 343 or reception@aecgroupltd.com ​ For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Gavin O'Donovan gavin.odonovan@aecgroupltd.com ​ Graham Jarvis graham.jarvis@aecgroupltd.com ​

Local Government We are proud of the many successful projects we have delivered for local government which have resulted in new and improved infrastructure facilities services governance and financial sustainability for communities around Australia. We are passionate about the role councils play in the lives of their local residents businesses and visitors. Our team of experienced and trusted advisors have real world operational experience of the issues pressures and opportunities facing the local government sector. Our team has gained decades of experience in senior roles in councils in Australia and overseas. Our technical capabilities and modelling tools are also well established and are prolifically used throughout the local government community in Australia. ​ We work closely and holistically with our council clients to enable us to gain a better understanding of the broader issues that need to be addressed to develop clear target-driven strategies and to support the implementation of those strategies at an operational level. The services we offer: Asset Management Planning Benchmarking & Comparative Assessment Business & Asset Valuation Business & Operational Efficiency Reviews Business Case Writing Capital Planning & Prioritisation Community, Consumer, Customer & Corporate Sentiment Corporate & Operational Planning Corporate Structure & Strategy Advice Corporate Transactions & Restructures Demand Assessments Developer Contributions Due Diligence Economic & Industry Development Strategy Economic Impact Assessment Financial Feasibility Assessment Financial Sustainability Reviews & Planning Governance & Implementation Planning Grant & Funding Submissions Infrastructure & Population Planning Lobbying & Advocacy Marketing & Branding Strategy Pricing & Revenue Strategies Program Review & Evaluation Regulatory & Legislative Reviews Service Reviews Social Impact Assessment Socio-Demographic & Population Projections For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Gavin O'Donovan gavin.odonovan@aecgroupltd.com ​ Graham Jarvis graham.jarvis@aecgroupltd.com ​ Edward RC Financial Sustainability Strategies Client: Edward River Council State: NSW The objective of the Financial Sustainability Review was to facilitate sustainable long-term... 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... Service Delivery Facilities Review Client: Cassowary Coast Regional Council State: QLD This project involved a comprehensive review of the appropriateness of Cassowary... Snowy Monaro Regional Council - Financial Sustainability Review Client: Snowy Monaro Regional Council State: NSW AEC was engaged by Council to undertake an independent financial sustainability... Recent Projects

Marketing & Consumer Insight Visually, compelling strategic engagement and communication tools and insight are the cornerstones of AEC’s Marketing & Consumer Insight team. Backed by our economic and finance teams we combine evidence based reporting and consumer insight into strategic communication tools to disseminate information to inform decision making. Our skilled engagement, marketing and insights team provide the following services: Benchmarking & Comparative Assessment Brand Positioning Community, Consumer, Customer Survey Research Corporate Sentiment Demand Assessments & Behaviour Change Socio-Demographic & Population Projections Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Market Entry Strategies Marketing & Branding Strategy Socio-Economic Impact of Events Projects or Services Lifestyle Modelling Channel & Distribution Strategy Market Segmentation Based on Attitude Usage or Lifestage Product & Service Experience & Advocacy We are also highly experienced in implementing our research into Lobbying & Advocacy campaigns to Local, State and Federal Governments. Over the last 25 years, we have assisted over $30billion in projects with their funding and implementation from Government. For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Priya Narsey priya.narsey@aecgroupltd.com Lyndon Berresford lyndon.berresford@aecgroupltd.com Health and Wellbeing QLD Client: Health and Wellbeing Queensland State: QLD Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) is working to increase the accessibility,... Superyacht Charter Client: Superyacht Australia and Tourism Australia The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) is the peak body... Drivers of Secondary School Selection Client: Townsville Catholic Education TCEO commissioned research to understand the drivers and influencing factors considered by... Customer Research Client: Stadiums Queensland Stadiums Queensland (SQ) is a statutory body established under the Major Sports Facilities Act 2001 and is... Recent Projects

Development, Planning & Investment Attraction Understanding where a community, business, precinct, or industry is going is critical for successful investment attraction and development programs. Our Development Planning and Investment Attraction team works with our clients to understand not just the recent past and near-term outlook for their operating environment, but the key factors influencing change and the preconditions for success that are required to deliver on targeted outcomes. Combining many of our forward-looking quantitative modelling tools the Development, Planning & Investment Attraction team provide evidence based strategies and assessments to drive local and regional business and industry jobs growth and investment attraction and funding solutions. The services we offer include: Benchmarking & Comparative Assessment Business Case Writing Community, Consumer, Customer & Corporate Sentiment Corporate Transactions & Restructures Demand Assessments Developer Contributions Development Feasibility Due Diligence Economic & Industry Development Strategy Economic Impact Assessment Financial Feasibility Assessment Grant & Funding Submissions Highest & Best Use Analysis Infrastructure & Population Planning Land Use Planning & Assessment Lobbying & Advocacy Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Market Entry Strategies Marketing & Branding Strategy Property Divestment/Acquisition Management Employment & Skills Strategy Social Impact Assessment Socio-Demographic & Population Projections For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Jonathan Pavetto jonathan.pavetto@aecgroupltd.com Graham Jarvis graham.jarvis@aecgroupltd.com RDA Central and Western Queensland Strategic Regional Plan Client: Regional Development Australia (Central and Western Queensland) State: QLD The North and North West Queensland regions are the... Activate Cloncurry Strategy 2023-2028 Client: Cloncurry Shire Council State: QLD The Cloncurry Shire is home to a number of communities that have been developed on the back... Water for Economic Development Client: RAPAD State: QLD Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development (RAPAD) Board represents the region’s local... 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... Recent Projects

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. 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. 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. JONATHAN PAVETTO Senior Economist & Team Leader Jonathan is a leader in the drive to develop Northern Australia and agriculture. He has worked successfully with all levels of government in economics, policy and communication, including cost benefit analysis, detailed economic, regulatory and process reviews. 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. 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. 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. SIMON SMITH Chairman Simon is AEC’s Chairman and has over 30 years of experience as a consultant and Treasury officer. 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. 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 nearly 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. 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. 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. 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.

Social & Community Services The size and composition of the local population has broad-reaching implications for the demand parameters supporting key industries, services and facilities. Demonstrating the need and demand for key social and community services is essential in the delivery of business cases, funding applications and lobbying documentation to realise and deliver on community needs. AEC maintains an extensive database of socio-demographic and economic datasets and benchmarks in an easily accessible and consistent format appropriate for use in demonstrating demand and need for key social and community services. This database is available and consistent for regions large and small across Australia. We utilise our baseline information to understand the pressing need in your community and then articulate the infrastructure and service programs required to deliver on this unmet need. The services we offer: Benchmarking & Comparative Assessment Business Case Writing Community, Consumer, Customer & Corporate Sentiment Demand Assessments Economic Impact Assessment Grant & Funding Submissions Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Employment & Skills Strategy Socio-Demographic & Population Projections For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Graham Jarvis graham.jarvis@aecgroupltd.com ​ 2020 Update of ISQ EIA Client: Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) State: QLD AEC were engaged to assess the economic contribution the independent schools... Liveability Study & Population Sustainability Target Client: Maranoa Regional Council State: QLD Like many regional and remote areas of Australia, one of the key issues facing the Maranoa... Brand Perception and Satisfaction Study Client: Townsville Hospital and Health Service State: QLD This study involved qualitative and quantitative research across five (5)... RDA Access to Transport and Skills Analysis Client: Regional Development Australia (Sydney) State: NSW Access to transport is a key enabler of access to education, health services... 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 State: WA AEC was engaged by DevelopmentWA to deliver a business case which sought to identify and recommend the... 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

Asset & Services Sustainability The heart of our approach is to provide our clients with insightful and evidence-based information to enable a full understanding of the whole-of-life costs of the infrastructure and assets being managed. Meaningful decisions can only be made when the long run yield and financial sustainability of the organisation or business is fully understood. Our industry specialists are committed to partnering with our clients to provide accurate and timely advice which maximises benefits to business operations, minimises capital investment and the ongoing cost of new projects and operations, and balances the risk of investments and service delivery. Our Asset & Service Sustainability team includes specialists in the following services: Benchmarking & Comparative Assessment Asset Management Planning Benchmarking & Comparative Assessment Business & Asset Valuation Business & Operational Efficiency Reviews Business Case Writing Capital Planning & Prioritisation Community, Consumer, Customer & Corporate Sentiment Corporate & Operational Planning Demand Assessments Development Feasibility Due Diligence Financial Feasibility Assessment Financial Sustainability Reviews & Planning Governance & Implementation Planning Grant & Funding Submissions Highest & Best Use Analysis Lobbying & Advocacy Pricing & Revenue Strategies Property Divestment/Acquisition Management Regulatory & Legislative Reviews Service Reviews Socio-Demographic & Population Projections For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Gavin O'Donovan gavin.odonovan@aecgroupltd.com Graham Jarvis graham.jarvis@aecgroupltd.com Service Delivery Facilities Review Client: Cassowary Coast Regional Council State: QLD This project involved a comprehensive review of the appropriateness of Cassowary... Risk Assessment Client: Balonne Shire Council State: QLD AEC facilitated a series of workshops to support the identification, analysis and evaluation... Water & Sewerage Financial Plan 2019 Client: Cassowary Coast Regional Council State: QLD AEC previously developed a water and sewerage business plan for Cassowary Coast... Mackay Libraries Strategic Plan Client: Mackay Council State: QLD Council required a renewed strategic planning process that would provide clear direction and focus for... Recent Projects

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

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 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... North-West and South-Growth Centres Land Valuation Project Client: WSP State: NSW AEC were engaged by WSP to provide land acquisition cost estimates for benchmarking and assurance purposes as part... Expression of Interest and Options Analysis Campaign Client: Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) State: NSW AITC is a co-educational trade school where Year 10, 11 and 12 students can... Real Estate Divestment Options Analysis Client: NRMA State: NSW NRMA were considering the divestment of multiple real estate assets across New South Wales (NSW) and the... Recent Projects