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Get your business in front of major industry buyers
The Meet the Buyer session is a dedicated opportunity for local small businesses to connect directly with major buyers shaping key projects across our region.
Showcase your capabilities, explore new procurement pathways, and build relationships that support long‑term growth.
When: Tuesday 19 May, 3.30 - 6pm
Where: Shangri‑La The Marina, Cairns
Registrations will open 30 March
This is part of the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Bussiness' full‑day Cairns Small Business Expo, featuring workshops, business support services, and networking opportunities for businesses at every stage.
New safety measures for Queensland business precincts
What this means for local businesses
The Queensland Government has introduced legislation designed to strengthen police powers within designated business and community precincts, with the aim of improving safety for traders, staff, and customers.
Council Tenders and Procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Bramston Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Maintenance
Council seeks a Service and Maintenance Contractor for the operational monitoring, servicing and maintenance of the Bramston Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring compliance with the Environmental Authority, Site Based Management Plan, and Operational and Maintenance Manuals. Closes: 4.30pm, 8 April 2026
Lease and Operation of Cominos House
Council is seeking submissions from suitably qualified, innovative and experienced organisations to deliver high-quality operations, management and maintenance of Cominos House located at 27-29 Greenslopes Street, Manunda QLD 4870. Closes: 4.30pm, 8 April 2026
Design and Planning for Upgrades to Four Sewage Pump Stations
Council is inviting submissions for the Basis of Design (BoD) and provision of documentation to issue subsequent Design & Construct tenders for the delivery of works at four sewage pumping stations. Closes: 4.30pm, 10 April 2026
Martyn Street Depot Fuel Bowser Renewal
Council is inviting submissions from suitably qualified and experienced contractor to upgrade the diesel and ULP fuel service area at the Martyn Street Depot.
Closes: 4.30pm, 16 April 2026
Supplier Opportunities for Brisbane 2032
Be part of delivering one of the world’s major sporting events - the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032. More than 60 work packages, from brand and hospitality to technology, logistics and event services, are now open for Expressions of Interest via the supplier portal. Find out more
Workshops, Training and Industry Events
FNQ DAMA information session for employers
Find out how the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement can assist you to address your workforce needs.
When: 1 April 2026, 10 - 11am
Where: Cairns Chamber of Commerce Office
Cost: Free | Register here Registration close 31 March
NBN Connect with Microsoft AI Workshop
Learn how to maximise AI for productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot in this 90-minute session led by certified partners. Gain practical tips and receive a customised Copilot learning course after the event.
When: 16 April 2026, 8.30am - 11.05am
Where: Rydges Esplanade
Cost: $25 Members | $35 Non-members
Register here | Registration close 9 April
FNQ Major Projects Briefing Breakfast
Join the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning for a flagship event bringing together project proponents and supply chain decision‑makers.
When: 1 May 2026, 7am - 10.30am
Where: Pullman Cairns International
Cost: $75 | Register here
Registration closes 17 April
Understanding new workplace relation changes
Understand recent employment law changes, covering wage compliance, award obligations, and delegate rights. Hosted by Australian Industry Group and Advance Cairns.
When: 12 May, 9am - 12pm
Where: Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns
Cost: Free | Register Here
Grants and Business Support
Innovation Event Delegations
Provide a limited number of delegate and/or exhibitor tickets for innovation events / festivals to startup founders, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs who will benefit from and add value to the event.
Closes: 31 March 2026. Find out more
Queensland 2026 National Science Week Seed Grants
As part of National Science Week, seed grants of $500–$4,000 are available for community-led STEM activities during National Science Week or throughout August 2026.
Open to community groups, businesses and organisations, with a focus on innovative ideas that engage new audiences.
EOI closes: 2 April 2026. Apply here
Private Sector Pathways Program
The Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Program supports innovative small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) based in Queensland to collaborate with corporate partners to develop commercialisation opportunities.
Closes: 14 April 2026. Find out more
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program – Round 1
Matched funding of $100,000 to $1.5 million available for eligible Queensland manufacturers undertaking projects that facilitate export pathways, foreshore/onshore activity, improve productivity and competitiveness, or stimulate private investment and job creation.
Closes: 16 April 2026. Find out more
Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program
Reimbursement for eligible small/family businesses covering construction apprentice wages during training (up to 32 weeks total). 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 Jan - 28 Feb 2025).
Closes: 14 May 2026. Find out more
Tourism Business Capability Subsidy
Up to $2,000 for eligible sole traders, micro and small–medium tourism and event businesses in Queensland to undertake targeted training or accreditation.
Closes: 30 June 2026 or earlier if funding is fully allocated. Find out more
Secure Communities Partnership Program Round 2 – Small Business
Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 (ex GST) available to help small and family businesses upgrade or install security equipment. Eligibility now includes businesses impacted by crime in the past 5 years, or those within 250 metres of another commercial premises impacted in the past 5 years. A minimum 50% co-contribution is required.
Closes: 30 June 2026 unless funding is exhausted earlier. Find out more
Fee-Free TAFE – Gain new skills or enhance existing skills
Free training for eligible Queenslanders to gain new skills or upskill in high‑demand industries, including priority skill sets, nursing, and construction apprenticeships. Search the Queensland Skills Gateway for funded qualifications.
Closes: 31 December 2026. Find out more
Local Skills Solutions Program
Up to $250,000 (ex GST) per project for industry groups, community organisations and group training organisations to address regional skills gaps in Queensland. Supports projects that expand face‑to‑face training, provide wraparound learner support and strengthen industry engagement in local training delivery. Open throughout 2025–2026 or until funding is exhausted. Find out more
Cairns Aquatic Facilities Strategy
Council is currently inviting community feedback on the draft aquatic faciltiies strategy to balance the needs and wants of the community, time and budgetary constraints and the challenges that come with our evolving and growing population. Your input will help shape a meaningful legacy for Cairns.
Closes: 30 April 2026
News in Brief
Barlow Park upgrade plans revealed
Plans for the Barlow Park Stadium upgrade have been released, with an architect appointed to lead the project ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The upgrade will provide a long-term venue for sport and events in Cairns, supporting community use and future major events beyond 2032. Read more.
Expressions of Interest - Cairns Super Carnival
Held across two weekends in August, the Carnival of Colour is Far North Queensland's premier racing and lifestyle event, attracting 10,000+ attendees and generating over $7.3 million in economic impact for the region.
Businesses, community groups, charities or individuals can get involved via the Expression of Interest form and a member of their team will be in touch with more information.
Industry in focus
This section features a monthly industry overview and key economic data for priority industries identified in Council's Economic Development Strategy.
The Tourism industry is an important contributor to the Cairns economy as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. Cairns serves as the gateway to two significant World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. With a major international and domestic airport, as well as a vibrant port that welcomes regular cruise ship arrivals, the city is uniquely positioned as a premier hub for exploration.
In 2023/24, the local Education and Training industry directly generated an economic impact of $1,632M output, $784M value add and supported more than 7,514 jobs in Cairns.
By the numbers
- Unemployment rate Cairns LGA (Sept 25): 4.4%
- Jobseeker recipients (Feb 25): 8,325
- Monthly job advertisements Far North Queensland (Feb 26): 5,624
- Value of building approvals (2025-26 Dec FYTD): $608 million
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (Feb 26): 317,730
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (2025-26 Feb Rolling 12 months): 4,943,195
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