A MAMMOTH delegation of Cairns business leaders heading to Parliment House will be divided into 11 sectors, each led by a captain of industry.
Advance Cairns is spearheading the Cairns TNQ Convoy to Canberra in October, with more than 50 delegates expected to make the trip.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Pip Close will lead the toursim sector, with three or four industry representatives by her side.
"We are delighted to support this important delegation to Canberra and have the opportunity to raise key issues with respective ministers such as the importance of aviation attraction to our region," Ms Close said.
Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO Debbie-Anne Bender will take the helm for small and medium-sized enterprises alongside Ireland Holden principal Richard Ireland.
"One important issue the Cairns Chamber of Commerce will be pursuing is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), which is critically important for local employers," Ms Bender said.
Other convoy captains include JCU vice-chancellor Prof Sandra Harding (education), Retired Lt Gen John Grey (defence), BDO Australia partner Michael Delaney (transport) and ANZ regional executive Jeff Schrale (agriculture).
The engery sector will be led by Prof Allan Dale from the Cairns Institute, with TTNQ chairwoman Wendy Morris overseeing the Great Barrier Reef portfolio, RDA FNQ & TS chairman David Kempton in the regional development driving seat and CSF Industries director Sean Adams in charge of construction, manufacturing and resources.
The health captain is yet to be announced.
"Everyone is funding their own travel and accommodation because they see the benefit it will bring to the region," Advance Cairns CEO Nick Trompf said.
