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New Economic Development Strategy adopted
Cairns Regional Council has endorsed its new Economic Development Strategy 2026–2030, setting the direction for economic growth and jobs across the region.
The strategy focuses on three key pillars — priority industries, strategic economic precincts, and strategic economic initiatives — supported by a set of action pathways to guide implementation and deliver outcomes.
Developed through detailed economic analysis and stakeholder consultation, the strategy provides a clear roadmap to strengthen Cairns’ economy and support long-term growth over the next four years.
The new Economic Development Strategy 2026–2030 is now available on Council’s website.
Council Tenders and Procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Construction of Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre
Council is inviting tender submissions from qualified and experienced contractors for the construction of the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre in White Rock. Closes: 4.30 pm, Thursday, 25 June 2026
Southern Esplanade Carpark Lighting Renewal
Council invites tender submissions from suitable qualified Contractors for the Southern Esplanade Carpark Lighting Renewal.
Closes: 4.30 pm, Monday, 29 June 2026
Point of Sale (POS) System (CPAC + MMP)
Council invites submissions for a SaaS POS system across CPAC and Munro Martin Parklands, including software and hardware for sales, payments, inventory, analytics, and reporting.
Closes: 4.30 pm, Friday, 3 July 2026
Caroles in the Park Artistic Director Services
Council invites qualified individuals or organisations to provide Artistic Director services for the Carols in the Park Christmas event, including planning, curating, coordinating and delivering a vibrant program reflecting Cairns’ diverse community.
Closes: 4.00 pm, Friday, 10 July 2026
Supply and Deliver Excavator
Council is inviting submissions from suitably qualified and experienced suppliers for the supply, construction, assembly, and delivery of one (1) x excavator.
Closes: 4.30 pm, Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Workshops, Training and Industry Events
FNQ DAMA Information Session for FNQ
Cairns Chamber of Commerce invites FNQ employers to a session on the FNQ DAMA: a tailored migration program for businesses address critical skill shortages.
When: Wednesday 1 July, 10-11am or 11.30-12.30pm
Where: Cairns Chamber of Commerce Office, The Pier Shopping Centre
Free event, in person | 10-11 am: Register here
Free event, online | 11.30-12.30 pm: Register here
Impact 10X | How to Boost Sales using AI
Boost sales, lift conversions, and scale your business with AI, without increasing overhead.
Delivered by JCU and Mindesigns, with support from the Queensland Government’s Regional Enablers Program.
When: Wednesday 15 July, 10.00 am to 11.00 am
Where: JCU Ideas Lab, Building D4, James Cook University Smithfield Campus
Cost: Free | In person or online: Register here
July Business Luncheon | An Economic Outlook
Hear from Pete Faulkner, Partner, Conus Consultancy Services, on the rapidly changing economic outlook as inflation, rates, and geopolitics reshape conditions.
Learn what it means for the future of Far North business.
When: Friday 31 July, 11.30 am to 2.00 pm
Where: Reef Hotel Casino
Cost: $95 | Register here (Registration closes 24 July)
Last chance! Cairns businesses are invited to take part in National Science Week - STEM in the Tropics, on 15 August at Tanks Arts Centre, by showcasing how STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) and innovation drive your everyday work.
From new technologies to sustainable engineering, data-led decisions and creative problem-solving, Inspiring Australia Queensland wants to highlight local business stories. Participating businesses will also deliver a simple hands-on activity for community members of all ages. Expression of Interest (EOI) open until all places are filled.
Grants and Business Support
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: Tuesday 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 includes businesses, or businesses within 250m of a commercial premises, impacted by crime in the past 5 years. A minimum 50% co-contribution is required.
Closes: Tuesday 30 June 2026 unless funding is exhausted earlier. Find out more
Regional Business Gateways Program
Up to $250,000–$600,000 for councils, chambers of commerce, industry/trade groups, and not-for-profits in regional Queensland to deliver projects collaborative, community-led projects that strengthen small business capability and regional economies.
Closes: Friday 17 July 2026. Find out more
First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants
Grants of $5,000 to $80,000 is available to support First Nations organisations and groups to access technical advice and build capability for clean energy projects, strengthening project readiness and industry engagement.
Closes: Thursday 3 September 2026. Find out more
Fee-Free TAFE – Gain new skills or enhance existing skills
Those eligible can obtain fee-free training to gain skills or upskill in high‑demand industries including priority skills, nursing, and construction.
Search the Queensland Skills Gateway for funded qualifications.
Closes: Thursday 31 December 2026. Find out more
Local Skills Solutions Program
Up to $250,000 (ex GST) per project 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
45 by 45 Ecotourism Projects | EOI Open
Have a world-class ecotourism project? EOIs are now open through the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Be part of a pipeline shaping Queensland’s tourism future in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. EOI closes 9 August 2026. Find out more
News in Brief
Local Resilience Action Plan (LRAP)
The Local Resilience Action Plan (LRAP) is a strategic tool, developed by the Queensland Reconstruction Agency (QRA) to support local government to prioritise their disaster risk reduction and disaster resilience projects.
Council has included a submission to the QRA referencing 10 projects that make Cairns more resilient in the face of disaster. This includes critical works on University Reservoir and Lower Kamerunga Bridge that form a broader funding package.
More information can be found here.
Cairns Festival Grand Parade Call Out
Join in the Grand Parade on Saturday 29 August to celebrate Cairns turning 150.
If you or your business are ready to enter a float in the parade, you can register and find out more here!
$24 million investment in critical water infrastructure underway
Remediation works are progressing to bring two of Council's largest reservoirs back into service, strengthening water storage capacity ahead of the next wet season.
The project includes major roof replacement works to improve durability and extend the life of these critical assets, helping safeguard water supply during periods when treatment pauses due to maintenance or heavy rain.
Brisbane 2032 Procurement Video
This short video explores how the Brisbane 2032 Procurement Program works and where opportunities are emerging. Learn how SMEs and diverse suppliers can get involved through Gateway by ICN.
Get practical steps to position your business and respond to upcoming opportunities. Watch the video here
Industry in focus
This section features a monthly industry overview and key economic data for priority industries identified in Council's Economic Development Strategy.
In 2023/24, the Construction Industry in Cairns was estimated to have generated $779M in direct plus an additional $974M in indirect impacts for a total contribution of $1,753M in Value Added. The industry supported 7,602 jobs directly and an additional 8,663 in indirect employment.
By the numbers
- Unemployment rate Cairns LGA (Dec 25): 4.7%
- JobSeeker recipients (Apr 26): 8,405
- Monthly job advertisements Far North Queensland (Apr 26): 5,996
- Total value of building approvals (2025-26 Apr FYTD): $1,802 million
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (May 26): 376,582
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (2025-26 May FYTD): 4,509,350
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