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Council tenders and procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
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
Stores Inventory and Supplies (Refresh)
Council is inviting tender submissions from a variety of suitable suppliers for the provision of goods and products maintained by Council's store unit. Existing suppliers appointed do not need to re-submit. Closes 4.30pm, 2 December 2025
Toilet renewals (Multiple locations/contracts)
Council is inviting tender submissions from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the replacement of the existing public toilet facilities at: O'Shea Esplanade South, Machans Beach [Contract 3041], Lions Park, 534 Mulgrave Road, Earlville [Contract 3042] and Tom Dooley Park, Captain Cook Highway Service Road, Smithfield [Contract 3043]. Closes 4.30pm, 11 December 2025
Licence Plate Recognition Management System
Council is seeking tenders for the implementation of the Licence Plate Management System and the provision of ongoing system maintenance and support. Closes 4.30pm, 16 December 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 Resilience & Crisis Communication
When: 2 December, 8.30am - 12.30pm
Where: Crystalbrook Bailey
Cost: $15 Non-members | Register here
Coffee & Conversations Networking Event
When: 29 January, 8.30am - 9.30am
Where: Pier Cafe
Cost: Free | Register here
Integrated Manufacturing Systems Masterclass
A practical 2-hour workshop for manufacturing leaders to understand digital foundations, assess their digital readiness, explore cost-effective technologies, and learn from industry examples to improve efficiency, profitability, and resilience.
When: 5 December, 8.00am - 10.00am
Where: Online
Cost: $50 | Register here
FNQ DAMA Information Session for Employers
In-person session
When: 3 December, 10.00am - 11.00am
Where: Cairns Chamber of Commerce Office
Cost: Free | Register here
Online session
When: 4 December, 9.00am - 10.00am
Where: Online
Cost: Free | Register here
Grants and business support
Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program
Eligible small and family businesses can register to be reimbursed for construction apprentice wages during training, based on an average training period of 8 weeks each year and up to a total of 32 weeks. The Pilot is open to the first 2,000 small business employers who employ an eligible apprentice on or after 1 July 2025 and register.
Find out more
Secure Communities Partnership Program
Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 (ex GST) are available to Small and Family businesses who have been significantly impacted by crime in the last 3 years. A minimum 50% co-contribution is required.
Closes 30 January 2026
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
Restoring Country, empowering community, and protecting the reef
Jaragun EcoServices is changing wetland management through the Russell River Catchment and Seascape Sustainability Plan. This 70‑hectare initiative, co‑designed with Traditional Owners, scientists, and government, is tackling soil degradation, improving farming practices, restoring natural water flows, and enhancing biodiversity. The catchment is recognised as the Wet Tropics’ most valuable conservation landscape, home to rich biodiversity and two adjoining World Heritage Areas.
Recognised under the Reef 2050 Wetlands Strategy and developed in partnership with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), the plan is delivering real impact: 15 full‑time jobs, 17 indirect jobs, and $3.78M injected into the local economy, while revitalising culture, rehabilitating the landscape, and strengthening climate resilience.
Every drop counts: your business can help protect Cairns' water supply
Council recently held a roundtable discussion in partnership with Tourism Tropical North Queensland to discuss water efficiency with some of the city’s leading hotels and resorts. With Council currently managing a range of challenges in our reservoir network, everyone has a role to play in helping to ease the pressure on our network. Council has switched off approximately 70% of our irrigation network to reduce usage, and we’re asking all businesses to be water wise. The discussion with hotels and resorts was very positive with everyone at the table committed to reducing usage where possible.
News in brief
Have your say on Draft FNQ Regional Plan
The Queensland Government has released a draft strategic plan for FNQ, open for public comment until 5 January 2026. The Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan sets out the vision for supporting growth through housing, services, jobs and infrastructure while protecting what makes FNQ unique.
Developed with input from Cairns Regional Council and other regional councils, the draft plan includes the recently declared Mount Peter Priority Development Area (PDA), which is set to unlock up to 18,500 homes in Cairns’s southern suburbs. The draft plan is also supported by the draft FNQ Infrastructure Plan 2025, which identifies regionally significant infrastructure.
Visit www.qld.gov.au/fnqregionalplan to read the draft plans or to provide feedback.
Building sites - wet season reminder
Every wet season, sediment and soil erosion from building sites flows into local drains and waterways. Builders must take steps to prevent environmental pollution from construction sites.
It’s also important to prepare sites for storms. Secure sites at the end of each working day and tie-down or remove potential airborne materials.
Council monitors active construction sites and can issue warnings, notices or fines for non-compliance. For tips on minimising sediment run-off, see our Erosion and sediment control webpage or contact the Development Services Team on 1300 69 22 47.
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 Healthcare and Social Assistance industry is the largest in Cairns by value added to the economy and employment. Cairns, as the primary service centre in the FNQ region, plays an important role in supporting the continued growth and development of the industry.
In 2023/24, the local healthcare and social assistance industry directly generated an economic impact of $2,236M output, $1,5179M value add and supported more than 18,894 jobs in Cairns.
Be Part of Cairns' 150th Anniversary
Cairns turns 150 in 2026 and we want you to be part of the celebrations! This milestone is all about community, and we're inviting local schools, businesses, clubs, and community groups to get involved.
If you are celebrating a milestone in 2026, we want to hear from you. Be part of the Cairns Celebrates 150 and have your major milestone showcased in the official calendar of events.
Your involvement helps build community pride, celebrate our diversity, support local businesses, and preserve our shared history for future generations.
Contact: Jen Houston, Project Lead via email: j.houston@cairns.qld.edu.au, or phone 4044 3690.
By the numbers
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