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 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

AEC has taken an active stance on CSR since company inception - positively contributing to local communities and the outcomes of our key stakeholders since 1999. We recognise the importance of your privacy and understands your concerns about the security of your personal information. Corporate & Social Responsibility AEC has taken an active stance on Corporate & Social Responsibility since company inception - positively contributing to local communities and the outcomes of our key stakeholders since 1999. Within the AEC team, one of our core beliefs and passions is to make a difference for current and future communities, particularly at a local level. In 2012, the AEC Board took this commitment one step further by officially endorsing the AEC Corporate & Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy. CSR Policy Objectives: Our CSR Policy is designed to assist and guide sustainable business development to the benefit of all stakeholders. This policy recognises that AEC operations, activities and responses form part of a larger system, where company actions and values have the ability to influence the broader business environment and society as a whole. Download AEC’s full CSR policy statement here . Privacy Policy AEC recognises the importance of your privacy and understands your concerns about the security of your personal information. We are strongly committed to protecting your privacy and the personal information that you may provide to AEC. This privacy policy describes how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your privacy. The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) came into force on 12 March 2014 replacing the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) and Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) that previously applied to private sector organisations. For information on the APP, go the Australian Government Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-news ). AEC also abides by the principles of the Australia Market and Social Research Society’s Code of Professional Behaviour (http://www.amsrs.com.au/professional-standards/amsrs-code-of-professional-behaviour ). Why does AEC collect your personal information? We only collect personal information that is necessary for us to perform our functions. AEC’s market and social research division gather and present the opinions of the public directly to the government, commercial and not-for-profit organisations committed to making decisions about goods, services or social policies that concern the Australian people. The information collected is presented in aggregate and does not reveal the identity of any individual person. How does AEC collect and hold your personal information? We generally collect your information whilst undertaking research which may be conducted via telephone, face-to-face, online, discussion forum and/or one-on-one interviews. Occasionally, our clients provide us with a list of their customers so we can contact them and invite them to participate in the research. AEC interviewers will always identify themselves to you or in the case of face-to-face interviews, will have a photo ID which will identify them as part of the AEC team. At the onset of the interview, AEC will disclose the purpose of the study, the type of information we will collect and how the information will be used. At all times, participation in market research is voluntary. What personal information does AEC collect and hold? The kinds of personal information we collect and hold will depend upon the services requested by our clients. Generally, information regarding behaviour, needs, attitudes, opinions and motivations as well as sensitive information such as political views, religion and health information may be collected. When providing personal information you have the option of remaining anonymous or using a pseudonym to be identified by. However, in certain circumstances, such as where we receive your contact details from a third party or where the research data itself may potentially allow for identification, this may well not be practicable. What are the purposes for which AEC uses, handles and discloses your personal information? We respect your privacy. Any personal information which we collect about you will be used and disclosed by us so that we can provide you with the services that you have requested, or otherwise to enable us to carry out our functions as professional consultants. We will not use or disclose your personally identifiable information for the purpose of advertising, promotions or direct marketing activities. If you declined to participate in our research, we may use your personal information to re-contact you for a research purpose if we have valid reasons to believe a genuine research concern warrants such re-contact. If you have participated in our research, will only re-contact you if you were informed of this or we have valid reasons to believe a genuine research concern warrants such re-contact. Who will AEC disclose your personal information to? AEC will not disclose any personally identifiable research information we collect from you unless we have your express prior consent and will only report the information you provide in an aggregate form that will not personally identify you. We will not disclose any personal information or personally identifiable research information to a third party for a purpose other than conducting our research unless we have your express prior consent or are required to do so by an Australian law or a court/tribunal order. Openness In most cases, you can gain access to the personal information that we hold about you. We will handle requests for access to your personal information in accordance with the APPs. We will deal with all requests for access to personal information as quickly as possible. Requests for a large amount of information, or information which is not currently in use, may require further time before a response can be given. A fee may be charged to cover the cost of retrieval. However, this fee will not be excessive and will only apply to the facilitation of your request if applicable. If at any time you believe that personal information we hold about you is incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate, then you may request amendment of it and we will either amend the information or make a record of your comment, as we think appropriate. We encourage all requests for access to your personal information to be directed to the Privacy Officer by email aec@aecgroupltd.com or by writing to the address below. Questions and Complaints If you would like more information about the way we manage personal information which we hold about you, or are concerned that we may have failed to keep one of our commitments to you in handling your personal information in accordance with the APP, please contact us by email, fax or mail at the following addresses: email: aec@aecgroupltd.com postal: Privacy Officer, PO Box 5804MC, Townsville QLD 4810 facsimile: +61 (0)7 4771 5550 AEC Website We also collect some information from you when you use our website www.aecgroupltd.com . Your use of the facilities and services available through our website will determine the amount and type of information which we collect about you. Some of this information will not be personal information because it will not reveal your identity. The only personal information we collect when you use our website is what you tell us about yourself, for example, by completing an online form when you accept an invitation to attend a seminar or conference, receive a newsletter or information you provide to us when you send us an email. Retention and Destruction of Personal Information AEC will destroy or de-identify your personal information as soon as practicable once it is longer needed for the purpose for our research purposes. However, we may in certain circumstances be required by law to retain your personal information after our research has been completed. In this case, your personal information will continue to be protected in accordance with this Policy. If we destroy personal information we will do so by taking reasonable steps and using up-to-date techniques and processes. Security of Information AEC will take reasonable steps to protect your personally identifiable information as you transmit your information from your computer to our website and to protect such information from loss, misuse, and unauthorised access, use, modification, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, you should keep in mind that the transmission of information over the internet is not completely secure or error-free. In particular, e-mail sent to or from this website may not be secure, and you should, therefore, take special care in deciding what information you send to us via e-mail. Miscellaneous In this Policy "personal information" has the same meaning as under the Privacy Act 1988. This policy is effective from 12 March 2014. From time to time it may be necessary for us to review and revise our privacy policy. We reserve the right to change our privacy policy at any time. We may notify you about changes to this privacy policy by posting an updated version on our website www.aecgroupltd.com .

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. 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

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. 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 Contact Ashley Page Contact Recent Projects

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. Local Government We are proud of our 30 years experience advising local governments and communities all around Australia. We are passionate about the role councils play in the lives of their local residents and businesses. AEC has a strong reputation of providing expert advice to our local government clients, improving the financial capacity and sustainability of local government, and resulting in more liveable and better communities. What sets us apart is that our team are experienced and trusted advisors with real world experience in local government finance. Our team of past CFOs, Director of Corporate and Finance Managers have first-hand experience in the issues, pressures and opportunities facing the local government sector. Our deliverables are practical and provided implementable solutions. Our technical capabilities and modelling tools are also well established and used throughout the local government community in Australia. Whether your need is a review of your organisation’s financial sustainability, development of a business case, a feasibility study, a strategic asset management plan or a long-term financial plan, AEC are the proven experts to provide a successful outcome. 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 Contact Graham Jarvis Contact Recent Projects

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. 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 Contact Mark Courtney Contact Recent Projects

AEC Group Pty Ltd (AEC) is a company specialising in innovative and evidence based analysis to inform strategic decision making. OUTCOME DRIVEN. 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

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.​ 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. 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.

Our team are visual creative storytellers, bringing to life products, services and new brands that align with commercial business objectives. 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 and graphic design. Design & Visual Communication Our team are visual creative storytellers, bringing to life products, services and new brands that align with commercial business objectives. 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 that are engaging and retain influence. What we do: 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 & d evelopment 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 For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Lyndon Berresford Contact Rob Donaldson Contact

We support all private and public sector clients, which ultimately adds value through a multidisciplinary approach that provides seamless and fit for purpose project teams across our portfolio of market-based services. Services AEC offers a wide range of services to support all private and public sector clients, which ultimately adds value through a multidisciplinary approach that provides seamless and fit for purpose project teams across our portfolio of market-based services. > Project & Program Appraisal > Development, Planning & Investment Attraction > Asset & Service Sustainability > Marketing & Consumer Insight Project & Program Appraisal Learn More

We understand its economic contribution and we see a bright future for its industries, supply chains and the positive impact they have on regional communities. Many of our consulting team are from regional Australia with personal and professional backgrounds in the agricultural sector.   Agriculture AEC is passionate about the agricultural sector because we understand its economic contribution and we see a bright future for its industries, supply chains and the positive impact they have on regional communities. Many of our consulting team are from regional Australia with personal and professional backgrounds in the agricultural sector. For many communities, agriculture is the dominant industry, in terms of economic activity, employment and regional exports. We understand many regions’ fortunes rise and fall on the success of their dominant agricultural industry. We also understand the interlinkages between the agricultural sector in the regions and city-based food and fibre (value adding) manufacturing industries. At AEC, we leverage our experience in production, processing, agricultural supply chains and industry associations to provide tailored advice that meets any client’s needs. The services we offer: Business & Asset Valuation Business Case Writing Corporate & Operational Planning Corporate Structure & Strategy Advice Corporate Transactions & Restructures Demand Assessments Due Diligence Economic & Industry Development Strategy Economic Impact Assessment Financial Feasibility Assessment Lobbying & Advocacy Market Analysis & Outlook Reporting Market Entry Strategies Program Review & Evaluation Employment & Skills Strategy Social Impact Assessment For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Ashley Page Contact Recent Projects

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. 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 Contact Graham Jarvis Contact Recent Projects