No images? Click here Cairns Regional Council's 2024-25 BudgetCouncil has delivered a measured and responsible budget that is mindful of cost-of-living pressures and provides relief for some of the city’s most vulnerable ratepayers. The 2024/2025 Council budget has been handed down with targeted investment in essential services and infrastructure the community cares about the most. The record $669 million budget focuses on key services and improving connectivity and livability, with significant investment through a $383 million capital works program that includes a sizeable allocation for water security. For a detailed budget breakdown, visit https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/council/your-council/budget Focused investment underlines record capital works spendWater security, improving suburban connectivity, and targeting core areas of service delivery underline Council’s record $383 million capital works program. Council delivered its 2024/25 budget last week with the capital works program committing $217.7 million to Cairns Water Security Stage 1. The project, the largest single infrastructure commitment made by Council, will secure the city’s immediate drinking water needs by delivering new water capacity like a dam, but at less cost and with a much lighter environmental footprint. Council also welcomed the State Government’s announcement that it would increase its commitment to Cairns Water Security Stage 1 by $87.5 million to $195 million. New workforce plan for CairnsThe Cairns region is set to benefit from a new workforce plan aimed at meeting the growing need for skilled workers in the region. The workforce plan focuses on aviation and maritime and marine industries – forecast to grow by 20.9 per cent and 7.8 per cent respectively between 2021-22 and 2025-26. Jobs Queensland partnered with local industry stakeholders to develop the Cairns Region Workforce Development Plan which outlines 37 strategies to address skills and workforce needs. State Budget overview – small businessSmall business support from the 2024-25 Budget includes:
Getting ready for tax timeEOFY is fast approaching. With many business obligations due, early preparation and planning are key to reducing stress and helping you get organised to work smarter in the new financial year.
For help with tax complete the Australian Tax Office's short course in claiming small business tax deductions. The start of the new financial year brings a number of changes that your business should be aware of. Council news in briefPromoting Cairns through major eventsCouncil will inject $10.2 million in funding, grants and donations to help attract major events, promote the region and support community organisations. Safety boost through City SafeAlmost $5.3 million has been set aside for the City Safe program, bringing more street-based security in the CBD and expansion into the suburbs. Read more. Keeping our tropical city beautifulCouncil has injected $57.4 million into our annual maintenance program this year to cover the upkeep of our beloved parks and nature areas, extensive road networks, and more. Read more. Cairns the Arts Capital of Northern AustraliaCouncil is dedicating nearly $12.5 million to support the arts, keeping our Cairns Gallery Precinct, Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Munro Martin Parklands and the Tanks Arts Centre thriving. Read more. Council tenders and procurementCurrent opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Businesses or individuals must create an account in Tenderlink to apply for Council contracts or tenders. You will need your Australian Business Number (ABN) at hand. All current public tenders are also listed on our Tenderlink website. Workshops, training and industry eventsImprove your chances to win work and deliver workshop - Babinda This one-hour workshop is designed to help your business improve your chances of winning work by providing helpful tips, to prepare and submit well written and conforming tenders, as well as understand the requirements to deliver contracts. Cost: Free Shopify Fundamentals Getting started with Shopify is perfect for anyone looking to start in eCommerce. The workshop is designed to be beginner-friendly, and participants will learn how to manage their products, create collections, set-up payment options, expand their online presence and increase their sales. Cost: Free Tendering for Defence webinar This masterclass will help you understand the structure of Defence and what Defence buyers are looking for. It will help you develop a compelling strategy and targeted solution, and it will take you through the Australian Standard for Defence Contracting, so you can meet Defence requirements and submit a competitive tender. Cost: Free Taking the Leap workshops This workshop if focused on sole trader or non-employing businesses gaining the confidence to employ. Embarking on the journey of hiring your first staff member, can often be overwhelming. Explore the crucial aspects of hiring and navigating employment arrangements, through to workforce engagement strategies. Cost: $30 Cairns Infrastructure and Assets Industry Briefing - Save the Date Find out about upcoming Council works and projects to help your business plan ahead and prepare for future tenders or bids. When: 30 August 2024 Events for every business Find government run or government funded events and training for your business. These events can help you improve your business skills, learn about government grants or grow your network. Click below to visit Business Queensland's Event Calendar. Grants and business supportManufacturing Hubs Grant Program Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant (MEEG)
Program Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation Rebates Business Boost Grants Program Innovate to Grow: Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Digital Solutions program Small Business Debt Helpline Find a grant Queensland Government: Australian Government: Industry quick snippets
Stop wasting, start saving with ecoBizOne of the biggest expenses for business is water, energy and waste bills. But there’s an easy way to save, through ecoBiz. And the best part is, their services are completely free for Queensland small businesses. With the help of an ecoBiz expert, you will be able to develop an action plan to help your businesses save money and increase efficiencies. With over 1000 businesses registered from all over Queensland, 90% of businesses recorded an increase in productivity and savings. By the numbers
Free access to local economic data for CairnsCouncil can provide project-specific data to assist you to quantify economic impact or jobs created. This can be used to support grant applications, business cases for new projects in the region. To find out more, contact Council’s Economic Development team at economicdevelopment@cairns.qld.gov.au. The Black Business Finder (BBF) is Queensland's online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business directory. Commissioned by the Queensland Government's Industry Capability Network, the BBF connects project owners to Indigenous suppliers of goods and services. Share your feedbackWe’re always interested in improving our communications and welcome your feedback on what you’d like to see more or less of. Email us with your thoughts. Have your business details changed?Find out who you need to notify to make sure you comply with your legal and tax obligations. Find out more. Council business resourcesVisit our Business and Economic Development web pages. Want more Council news? Subscribe now!Keep up to date with all of Council's news and find out about what's happening in your community. Subscribe to Council's e-newsletters. |