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. 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 Contact Ashley Page Contact Recent Projects

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

Our team are creative storytellers, bringing to life a regions projects, services and visions. Over our history, we have developed a wealth of experience in a range of specialist disciplines, as a result, we are positioned well to deliver truly integrated marketing, engagement and communication campaigns and conceptual visions that are engaging and retain influence. Design & Visual Communication Our team are creative storytellers bringing to life a regions projects, services and visions. Over our history, we have developed a wealth of experience in a range of specialist disciplines, as a result, we are positioned well to deliver truly integrated marketing, engagement and communication campaigns and conceptual visions that are engaging and retain influence. OUR CAPABILITIES Brand Strategy Position your brand in the market at the right time Branding & identity design Consumer insight Brand Identity Bringing your brand to life Brand visualisation Graphic design Brand guidelines Brand collateral Packaging design & development Marketing Strategy Defining a clear way of how you are going to engage with your target market Customer journey Content strategy Content creation and distribution Marketing collateral Integrated campaigns Web & Digital Create an effortless and fun customer experience Website design & development App design & development Digital strategy Digital campaigns Digital video, television, film and animation Social media design and management eCommerce design & development Conceptual, Commercial & Industrial Design Visualise your project Conceptual visualisations Illustration 3D View more OUTCOME DRIVEN Working with AEC means benefiting from our extensive experience and industry-leading experts. Our team 40B+ INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDED OVER 15,000 PROJECTS 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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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. ANDREW TESSLER Economic Advisory Andrew is an applied economist with over 30 years’ experience in cost benefit analysis, project appraisal, and regulatory economics. His expertise spans transport, environment, ICT, defence, and cultural sectors, delivering large-scale economic assessments across Australia and internationally, including the UK, Europe, Middle East, US, Asia, and New Zealand. 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. KATE HAYCOCK Market Leader – Regional Development & Northern Australia Kate is a senior advisor with extensive experience in economic development and regional strategy. She has held senior consulting and government roles, advising on major infrastructure, investment and industry growth, and is known for translating complex evidence into practical, decision ready guidance. 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 & 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 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.

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. 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 Contact Holly Marson Contact Check back soon Once posts are published, you’ll see them here. Recent Projects

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: Regional Development & Investment Strategy, Advocacy & Vision Tourism Economy & Strategy Community Research & Insight Property Advisory Strategic Finance Design & Visual Communication 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: Regional Development & Investment Strategy, Advocacy & Vision Tourism Economy & Strategy Community Research & Insight Property Advisory Strategic Finance Design & Visual Communication

AEC works with industry leaders, government bodies, and regional stakeholders to shape the future of industries through advocacy, visioning, and long-term strategic planning. By developing clear, actionable vision frameworks and advocacy strategies, we help our clients secure support, funding, and investments for their region or sector’s future. Our work empowers industries and communities to realise their full potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Strategy, Advocacy & Vision What is the vision for your region & how can we help you get there? AEC works with industry leaders, government bodies, and regional stakeholders to shape the future of industries through advocacy, visioning, and long-term strategic planning. By developing clear, actionable vision frameworks and advocacy strategies, we help our clients secure support, funding, and investments for their region or sector’s future. Our work empowers industries and communities to realise their full potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. OUR CAPABILITIES Strategy Development We lead the development of long-term strategies that guide regional and industry growth. This involves aligning stakeholders around shared goals, identifying key growth drivers, and designing roadmaps that are both visionary and actionable. Our work bridges big-picture thinking with practical implementation, ensuring strategies are grounded in evidence, opportunity, and impact. Regional & Business Visioning Through detailed community and stakeholder engagement, we help regions define their vision for the future, identify opportunities, and create Strategic plans that reflect their goals and aspirations. Advocacy We craft advocacy strategies that amplify the voice of industries or regions, ensuring that the region or key sectors receive the attention, funding, and policy support they need for future growth. Regional Transition & Diversification Planning We support industries in navigating disruption, developing resilience plans, and diversifying or transitioning their economies to remain competitive and adaptable in the face of change. Policy Analysis We develop, review, and evaluate policies and investment programs that support industry growth, ensuring that they align with the goals of local and state governments, regional stakeholders, and local communities. Program Design & Evaluation Our team develops and assesses investment programs and policy initiatives that foster regional growth. We ensure programs are responsive, outcomes-focused, and aligned with broader strategic objectives. Comparative Benchmarking AEC applies benchmarking to evaluate regional or sector performance against national and global standards, helping identify gaps, strengths, and best practices for strategic advantage. Design & Visual Communication Transform complex information into clear, compelling visuals that support decision-making and stakeholder engagement. We ensure that every output is both informative and visually impactful. OUTCOME DRIVEN Working with AEC means benefiting from our extensive experience and industry-leading experts. Our team 40B+ INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDED OVER 15,000 PROJECTS 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

AEC is a national leader in market and social research, delivering evidence-based market research helping governments, private sector clients and not-for-profit organisations capture real-world insights to inform stronger decisions. With an established presence across Australia, we specialise in delivering primary research that shapes strategies, enhances community engagement, and supports sustainable growth. Community Research & Insight Capturing more than just the statistics. We deliver insight and sentiment. AEC is a national leader in market and social research, delivering evidence-based market research helping governments, private sector clients and not-for-profit organisations capture real-world insights to inform stronger decisions. With an established presence across Australia, we specialise in delivering primary research that shapes strategies, enhances community engagement, and supports sustainable growth. Our Market Research services underpin strategic decision-making by blending qualitative and quantitative research to understand community sentiment, consumer behaviour and preferences, workforce dynamics and market conditions. By combining data-driven insights with deep sectoral knowledge and advanced analytics, we empower clients to align strategic goals and planning with key stakeholder needs, improve service delivery, and manage risk. With years of experience across multiple sectors, AEC is a trusted partner for delivering impactful, actionable research that drives better decision-making and positive outcomes for communities and regions. OUR CAPABILITIES Visitor, Event & Experience Research We design and deliver primary research to assess satisfaction, demographics, and economic impact across festivals, attractions, precincts and tourism settings. Transport & Infrastructure User Studies AEC captures real-world travel behaviour, preferences, and service satisfaction to inform planning and improve infrastructure design and delivery. Community & Stakeholder Engagement Research We conduct community sentiment analysis, stakeholder consultation and social impact perception studies to inform place-making, policy and planning. Target Market Profiling & Segmentation We use primary and secondary research to define key market segments, preferences, and communications insights to guide marketing, policy and service design. Comparative Benchmarking AEC applies benchmarking to evaluate regional or sector performance against national and global standards, helping identify gaps, strengths, and best practices for strategic advantage. Design & Visual Communication Transform complex information into clear, compelling visuals that support decision-making and stakeholder engagement. We ensure that every output is both informative and visually impactful. OUTCOME DRIVEN Working with AEC means benefiting from our extensive experience and industry-leading experts. Our team 40B+ INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDED OVER 15,000 PROJECTS 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

With over 30 years of experience, AEC is a trusted partner in property advisory. From demand and highest and best use assessments to economic impact assessments, we combine expertise with a collaborative approach to deliver solutions that align with client goals and market demands. Property Advisory Delivering evidence-based expert advice to optimise your property strategy. AEC delivers expert property advisory services, helping public and private sector clients navigate the complexities of property development. With a focus on Australia’s evolving regions and cities, we assess development feasibility, identify key project value, and create tailored strategies that deliver sustainable and successful outcomes. Our services cover the full property lifecycle, including market analysis, feasibility assessments, business case development, and funding strategies. By identifying risks and opportunities, we provide actionable insights to help clients unlock the potential of their assets and achieve long-term value. With over 30 years of experience, AEC is a trusted partner in property advisory. From demand and highest and best use assessments to economic impact assessments, we combine expertise with a collaborative approach to deliver solutions that align with client goals and market demands. OUR CAPABILITIES Strategic Property & Land Use Analysis We advise on precinct land use, rezoning strategies, infrastructure contributions, urban renewal projects, and land use optimisation. Our work ensures property solutions are strategically positioned to meet current and future needs while aligning with government policy and market demand. Market & Feasibility Assessments AEC delivers robust development feasibility studies, highest and best use assessments, and tailored financial modelling across residential, commercial, industrial, education, healthcare, and tourism sectors. Our work supports business cases, funding applications, investment attraction, and property acquisition and disposal strategies. Property Due Diligence & Advisory AEC provides independent market appraisals, site assessments, demand studies, and risk advisory services to inform strategic investment decisions, enhance asset management, and support property transactions. Project-Specific Financial & Strategic Advisory Our team develops bespoke financial, strategic, and market analyses to underpin major project delivery, supporting client decision-making across property, infrastructure, and precinct-scale initiatives. Economic Impact & Contributions Analysis We quantify the broader economic benefits of property development and provide strategic advice on Special Infrastructure Contributions, Affordable Housing Contributions, and Economic Impact and Cost Benefit Assessments to support infrastructure investment and regional growth initiatives. Comparative Benchmarking AEC applies benchmarking to evaluate regional or sector performance against national and global standards, helping identify gaps, strengths, and best practices for strategic advantage. Design & Visual Communication Transform complex information into clear, compelling visuals that support decision-making and stakeholder engagement. We ensure that every output is both informative and visually impactful. OUTCOME DRIVEN Working with AEC means benefiting from our extensive experience and industry-leading experts. Our team 40B+ INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDED OVER 15,000 PROJECTS 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

AEC, powered by data, fuelled by insight… …our purpose is to provide evidence-based solutions, insight and advice that sustainably shape the future of our communities, cities, and regions. SECTORS A tailored team... Driven by outcomes, we judge our success by the successes of our team and clients. Our approach is to understand your objectives and build a team tailored with the expertise and skills you need to achieve your desired results. OUR TEAM DataAU DataAU is a national data visualisation and insight platform developed by AEC by leveraging AEC’s three-decade history of data management, analysis, and interpretation. LEARN MORE TESTIMONIALS "AEC did an excellent job, with a challenging brief. Really impressed with the thorough and incisive inputs. ​ SJB Urban Townsville Concert Hall Economic Assessment of Reducing Migration in NSW 1/117 Recent Projects 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... 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... ONE TEAM MANY EXPERTS Outcome Driven