The Challenge

The Queensland Department of Main Roads (DMR) was preparing the business case for Sections 2 and 3 of the Townsville Ring Road.  There was a great deal of public scepticism about the $119 million project arising from the many delays leading up to the construction of Section 1.  The public also continued to be critical of some aspects of Section 1 of the Ring Road.   DMR was required to undertake community consultation on the concept design for Sections 2 and 3, but wanted to ensure the focus was on the new project rather than the previous section and that this focus was maintained over the life of the project.

The Challenge

After much public debate, the Flinders Mall Redevelopment project began in 2010 with the aim of revitalising the city heart by re-opening the Mall to calm two-way traffic.  The project would affect over 200 shops and businesses, as well as a well-established Sunday market, through road, pavement and associated works extending from March 2010 to August 2011.  Townsville City Council managed communications to the wider community, while we managed engagement and consultation with:

• business owners and managers, property owners and residents within and adjacent to the project construction area
• Cotters Market traders and management
• project ‘partners’ such as the Chamber of Commerce.

The Challenge

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) needed a more in-depth understanding of how RV Travellers use non-commercial accommodation (rest areas, free camping areas, etc) when making extended journeys. The organisation had been lobbying local, State and Federal governments to gain support for the development of more non-commercial accommodation for its members and those of affiliated organisations to meet massive increases in demand. However, it had run into an aggressive counter campaign from representatives of Caravan Parks that had been accepted on face value by politicians. Balfour Consulting was asked to research users of non-commercial accommodation to understand who they are, their travel patterns, their attitudes and requirements regarding commercial and non-commercial accommodation and overall spending patterns.

The Challenge

Black Ink Press is an Indigenous publishing house operating as a business entity within the Congress Community Development and Education Unit Ltd (CCDEU) in Townsville. It had achieved extraordinary outcomes in engaging with Indigenous authors and illustrators, particularly in rural and remote communities, to provide opportunities for developing their creative skills and their ability to tell stories addressing key social issues and problems of community. However, the business was struggling financially and the CCDEU wanted the excellent social and community work to continue, but within a business model that was financially and operationally sustainable.

The Challenge

The North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) had identified in opportunity to establish a farmers market in the North Queensland region to increase regional food security, improve community health, diversify agricultural production and provide a retail outlet for small producers unable to gain access to the major supermarket groups. An online poll had indicated strong consumer interest and NQROC wanted to confirm this interest, establish the feasibility of a farmers market in the region and understand producer interest in such a facility. Balfour Consulting was retained to undertake a feasibility study and develop a preliminary business plan.

The Problem

A consortium of North Queensland businesses and other organisations, led by Thuringowa City Council and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, needed a Request for Proposal for selection by the Federal Government to establish and operate an Australian Technical College in Townsville. Following selection of the consortium, a full business plan had to be developed to meet the funding and approval requirements, with this plan being developed to strict and comprehensive government guidelines.

The Problem

Visitation to the MTQ had dropped by over 30% during its first three years of operation. A related drop in income meant the Museum did not meet its budgetary forecasts.

The Problem

Townsville people recognised that Citiwater (a business unit of the Townsville City Council) delivered water and removed sewerage, but were unaware of the leading role the organisation played in water recycling and water conservation. Citiwater management wanted increased staff involvement in corporate programs.