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Council tenders and procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Lease and Management of Tobruk Memorial Pool
Tender submissions are open for the lease and management of the Tobruk Memorial Pool and associated leisure facilities. Closes 4.30pm, 2 November 2025
Purchase Bellenden Ker Hall (building and land)
Written offers are invited for the purchase of the Bellenden Ker Memorial Hall, including the building and associated land at 78R Harvey Creek Road, Bellenden Ker. Closes 4.30pm, 30 November 2025
4G Conversion Project (Saddle Mountain Sites)
Council is seeking submissions from experienced Automation/Control Systems Contractors for 4G device installation, configuration, commissioning, and testing across multiple sites in the Cairns locality. Closes 4.00pm, 14 November 2025
Workshops, training and industry events
Small Business Resilience Series
Hosted by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce this training series helps small businesses build capacity and confidence in media, and prepare and respond to disasters.
Disaster Media Training
When: 6 November, 7.30am - 11.30am
Where: Hilton Cairns
Cost: $15 Non-members | Register here
Disaster Resilience & Crisis Communication
When: 2 December, 8.30am - 12.30pm
Where: Crystalbrook Bailey
Cost: $15 Non-members | Register here
Cairns Maritime Careers Expo
Explore career pathways in the maritime industry at this interactive expo. Meet employers, training providers and universities, take part in shipyard tours and on-water demonstrations, and discover real job and training opportunities.
When: 8 November, 9.00am - 1.00pm
Where: Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron
Cost: Free | Register here
Grants and business support
Empowering Queensland Women
One-off grant funding of up to $10,000 to support community initiatives that address unique issues faced by women and girls that prevent them from achieving economic security and align with the Queensland Government’s strategic priorities. Closes 4pm, 30 October 2025
Find out more
Queensland Arts Project Fund
Multiple streams providing one-off grants, general stream up to $70,000 per project, up to $20,000 for individuals and a two-year matched funding of up to $150,000 for exceptional large-scale projects. Closes 2pm, 3 November 2025
Find out more
The Regional Community Arts Program
Two funding options are available: two-year core funding of up to $50,000 per year (with a possible two-year extension), or one-year project funding of up to $20,000. Both open to regionally-based, community-led arts organisations. Closes 2pm, 10 November 2025
Find out more
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Up to $300,000 per project is available for new attractions, upgrades to enhance visitor facilities, eco-lodges, glamping, agritourism, ecotourism and stargazing adventures. Closes 12 November 2025
Find out more
Ignite + Scale
This program is designed for innovative, high-growth Queensland businesses that are past the commercialisation and early growth phases of business and are now preparing for scaleup or are in early scaleup phase.
EOI close 21 November 2025
Find out more
Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program
Up to $15,000 for eligible small businesses in North and Far North Queensland severely impacted by the tropical low between 29 January and 28 February 2025.
Closes 14 May 2026
Find out more
Workforce Evolve: Help to grow your business
Free support for Queensland employers to build a diverse, inclusive workforce through online modules and coaching. Learn how to attract and retain top talent - now and for the future.
Find out more
Grow your First Nations business | Wrap up
Thanks to the First Nations businesses, buyers, and exhibitors who attended Indigenous Small Business Connect last Tuesday 21 October.
With over 80 attendees, including 24 buyers and exhibitors, businesses were able to network, meet regional buyers, learn more about programs, services, and procurement opportunities.
Held during Indigenous Business Month 2025, Indigenous Small Business Connect provided an opportunity to forge meaningful connections and highlight the vital role First Nations businesses play in preserving culture, creating jobs and driving economic development. Find out more and see image gallery here.
Every drop counts: your business can help protect Cairns' water supply
Cairns is facing significant pressure on its reservoir network, and reducing water use is critical to maintaining supply and safeguarding our region’s liveability. Council is asking everyone - including local businesses - to play their part. Simple steps like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and educating staff can make a big difference. Together, we can work towards a sustainable supply for our community and economy.
Industry in focus
This section features a monthly industry overview and key economic data for priority industries identified in Council's Economic Development Strategy.
Construction benefits from growth across all industries and is Cairns' third largest industry by both jobs and contribution to the economy.
In 2023/24, the local construction industry directly generated an economic impact of $2,892M output, $779M value add and supported more than 7,602 jobs in Cairns.
Tropic Wings Electric Coach Fleet
Drive the Future of Tourism with Tropic Wings! Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters, part of the CaPTA Group, is leading the way in sustainable travel with the Southern Hemisphere’s first electric coach fleet. With 13 battery electric vehicles already on the road - and a goal of 80% by 2030 - this award-winning initiative is cutting emissions and protecting Far North Queensland’s natural assets.
Passengers enjoy a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable ride - enhancing the visitor experience while reducing environmental impact.
Watch how Tropic Wings is driving a cleaner, smarter tourism future - one that benefits Far North Queensland today and generations to come.
Council news in brief
Cairns one step closer to becoming the home of elite women’s sport
A landmark partnership between Council and the North Queensland Cowboys will pave the way for a world-class High Performance Centre, the region’s first purpose-built training and community facility. The project marks a major step forward for local sport, community development, and Cairns’ growing reputation as a hub for women’s sport.
Major events deliver $38.6 million boost to Cairns Economy
Cairns’ reputation as a premier destination for sport, culture and entertainment has been reinforced, with major events injecting almost $39 million into the region’s economy in the past financial year.
The report highlights the success of the Major Events Sponsorship Program, which invested $1.51 million to help deliver 14 high-profile events across the region.
Cairns positioned as Australia’s northern gateway to the Pacific
Cairns’ position as Australia’s northern gateway to the Asia-Pacific has been reinforced by new findings highlighting opportunities to strengthen engagement with Pacific Island nations. The report notes Cairns’ proximity, strong Pacific ties, and diverse industries as key advantages in driving regional development and cooperation.
Annual Report highlights Cairns’ biggest year yet
Cairns Regional Council’s 2024-25 Annual Report highlights record infrastructure investment and major progress on the city’s largest-ever project, Cairns Water Security Stage 1. Council closed the year with a $20 million net operating result, reducing debt reliance and strengthening long-term financial stability.
Cairns Fashion Week returns 18-22 November
Cairns Fashion Week is back with Paradise Reloaded, showcasing a mix of local, national and international designers across multiple events including two runway showcases.
Council is proud to support events that showcase our region’s creativity, attract visitors, and position Cairns as a destination for fashion and culture.
By the numbers
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