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. 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 Contact Adam Matthews Contact Recent Projects

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. 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. Adam Matthews Contact Recent Projects

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 .

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 Check back soon Once posts are published, you’ll see them here. 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

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 info@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

Focused on supporting the realisation of value, our business, financial, and economic modelling team provide insightful and evidence-based analysis and strategy for your newly established or evolving organisation, business, or service. Corporate Planning & Business Strategy Focused on supporting the realisation of value, our business, financial, and economic modelling team provide insightful and evidence-based analysis and strategy for your newly established or evolving organisation, business, or service. From the evaluation of investment options as part of asset acquisition/ due diligence programs to pricing, revenue and funding strategies our knowledgeable and practical team can assist with the following services: Asset Management Planning Benchmarking & Comparative Assessment Business & Asset Valuation Capital Planning & Prioritisation Community, Consumer, Customer & Corporate Sentiment Corporate & Operational Planning Corporate Structure & Strategy Advice Corporate Transactions & Restructures Demand Assessments Due Diligence Financial Sustainability Reviews & Planning Governance & Implementation Planning Infrastructure & Population Planning Lobbying & Advocacy Marketing & Branding Strategy Pricing & Revenue Strategies Property Divestment/Acquisition Management Regulatory & Legislative Reviews Socio-Demographic & Population Projections For further information, contact one of our specialists below. Recent Projects

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 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

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 Bligh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Bangkok 32 Permpoon building, 7th floor Soi Sukhumvit 87, Sukhumvit Road Bang Chak, Phra Khanong Bangkok 10260 Shanghai Level 15, Building 1, No. 1228 ZhenNan Road, Putuo District Shanghai China 1300 799 343 info@aecgroupltd.com

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. 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 Contact Graham Jarvis Contact Recent Projects

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