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Book today: Tenders, Energy Savings and Jobs for Sustainable Success
Workshop + presentation + hydro tour option
The game has changed for Cairns businesses. Sustainability, ESG and local content are no longer just policy concepts — they directly influence who wins work, how tenders are scored and where commercial risk sits in real procurement decisions.
Hear from three expert speakers covering tender readiness, energy savings for your business and future jobs in the renewable energy sector, and walk away with clear, actionable steps to improve your tender readiness over the next 30 - 90 days.
At this event you will:
✔ Learn how sustainability and ESG impact real procurement decisions
✔ Understand how to position your business to stay competitive
✔ Discover ways to reduce electricity costs
✔ Explore job opportunities in the renewable energy sector
When: Friday 27 February 2026, (Event: 8:00am - 10:00am) + (CleanCo tour: 10:30am - 1:00pm. Pick up and drop off at Council Chambers)
Where: Civic Reception Room, Council Chambers, Spence St
Cost: $15.00 for Workshop only, or $15.00 for Workshop and Tour (limited places)
Brought to you by Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Cairns Regional Council, through the assistance of Queensland Government funding.
Council tenders and procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Services
Council invites submissions from Testing Providers for the provision of drug and alcohol testing services for individuals engaged in any capacity to perform work on Council’s behalf. Closes 4:30pm, 29 January 2026
Disposal of 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, 31 January 2026
Corporate Workwear
Council invites tender submissions for the supply of ready-made apparel suitable for corporate workwear to approximately 778 employees (comprising approximately 369 men and 399 women). Closes 4:30pm, 6 February 2026
Cleaning Services to Creative Life Facilities
Council invites submissions from qualified and experienced contractors for cleaning services to high-profile venues, business facilities and amenities that cater to events, festivals and functions. Closes 4:30pm, 10 February 2026
Removal and Disposal of Hazardous Fluid and Recycling of Impounded Vehicles
Council invites submissions and competitive rates from suppliers to provide services associated with the removal and disposal of hazardous fluid and the recycling of impounded vehicles and other items. Closes 4:30pm, 10 February 2026
Wet and Dry Hire (Supplier Refresh)
Council invites submissions from qualified Contractors for mobile and fixed plant hire to support construction and maintenance of local infrastructure and assets. Refresh for new suppliers only. Closes 4:30pm, 24 February 2026
Workshops, training and industry events
Pitch, Tender, Succeed
Stand out and secure more opportunities in two Business Queensland workshops. Learn how to create a strong capability statement, deliver a compelling pitch, and prepare comprehensive, conforming bids for tenders.
Pitch and Capability Statement Workshop
When: 4 February, 9:00am - 11:30am
Where: Ports North Building, Ground Floor
Cost: $25 | Register here
Tendering for business workshop
When: 18 February, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Ports North Building, Ground Floor
Cost: $25 | Register here
FNQ DAMA Information Session for Employers
The FNQ DAMA is a skilled migration program that is tailored to meet the unique workforce needs of Far North Queensland. It differs in many ways from standard skilled migration pathways.
In-person session
When: 4 February, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Cairns Chamber of Commerce Office
Cost: Free | Register here
Breakfast Workshop Summit Thinking: Sustainable High Performance
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.
When: 5 February, 8:00am - 10:00am
Where: Rydges Esplanade
Cost: $40 Non-members | Register here
ATO Masterclass Series
Gain practical guidance and insights to help strengthen your businesses operations and meet obligations with confidence through this seven-week Masterclass series by the Australian Taxation Office. All events are ONLINE and FREE:
When: 11 February - 25 March, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Register here for the full series, or a single webinar.
Grants and business support
Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program
Reimbursement for eligible small/family businesses covering construction apprentice wages during training (up to 32 weeks total). Open to the first 2,000 employers hiring an eligible apprentice from 1 July 2025.
Find out more
Business Growth Fund Program – Round 7
$50,000–$75,000 (ex GST) for small and family businesses to purchase specialised equipment that boosts productivity, efficiency, market share or export capacity. Requires a 50% co‑contribution. Closes 30 January 2026
Find out more
Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) Program – Round 5
$1,000,000–$2,000,000 for projects that boost girls’ and women’s participation in STEM and entrepreneurship. Open to businesses, research organisations, VET/TAFE providers and not‑for‑profits. Closes 18 February 2026
Find out more
Agricultural Traceability Grants Program (TGP) – Round 4
$4,000,000 available - with $2 million allocated in 2025–26 and $2 million in 2026–27 - for projects improving agricultural supply‑chain traceability and export competitiveness. Open to industry, research, not‑for‑profit and Indigenous organisations. Closes 18 February 2026
Find out more
Youth Week grants
Up to $10,000 (incl. GST) for young people aged 12–25 to design and deliver impactful community events during Youth Week 2026 (11–19 April 2026). Open to individuals and groups, these grants empower young people to showcase their skills, achievements, and contributions to their community. Closes 22 February 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
Secure Communities Partnership Program Round 2 – Small Business
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 June 2026
Find out more
Fee-Free TAFE – Gain new skills or enhance existing skills
Free training for eligible Queenslanders to upskill or start careers in high‑demand industries, including priority skill sets, nursing, apprenticeships for under‑25s and construction apprenticeships for over‑25s. Search the Queensland Skills Gateway for funded qualifications. Closes 31 December 2026
Find out more
First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program
The First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovative businesses in Queensland who are established and looking to scale. Closes 4 Feb 2027
Find out more
Female Founders Co-investment Fund
Grants (from $50,000 to $200,000) are available to support early-stage investment rounds to women-led Queensland businesses. To qualify, they must provide a 1:3 funding match and secure a minimum of $150,000 in external investment. Closes 30 June 2027
Find out more
Australian Government Self-Employment Assistance Program
Free 12‑month support to start or grow a business, including mentoring, workshops, accredited training and financial assistance. Funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Closes 30 June 2027
Find out more
Do you know a woman in your workplace who is making a real difference?
Nominate an outstanding woman from your workplace or community for the 2026 Cairns Regional Council International Women’s Day Awards and help recognise the incredible contributions women make in Cairns. Closes 27 February 2026
Cairns Water Update: How You Can Help
Businesses and residents are reminded to continue to be water wise this storm season. Heavy rains can disrupt our water treatment process and supply, so it’s critical we all play our part in conserving water. Visit our website to find out more about current restrictions, weekly water usage in Cairns and more.
Have your say: help shape Queensland's first Women's Economic Security Strategy
The Queensland Government is calling on women and girls across the state to share their experiences and ideas to help shape Queensland’s first Women’s Economic Security Strategy. Your feedback will help identify key issues including education, employment and training, create actions to improve women's economic security, and help remove barriers to economic empowerment. Closes February 2026
News in brief
Cairns set to host new major mountain bike event
Council is proud to support the 2026 Oceania Continental Series Finale, a brand-new mountain bike event bringing international-level competition to Smithfield Mountain Bike Park from 16−19 April.
The event will deliver the finale of the UCI Oceania Continental Series in downhill and cross-country Olympic (XCO), form part of the AusCycling National Series, and provide racing opportunities for junior and emerging riders.
Global composer to create musical tribute to Cairns
Young composer Sam Wu, who grew up in Melbourne and now calls Washington home, will create a major new musical work celebrating the 150th anniversary of Cairns–Gimuy as a city, with its world premiere to feature as a highlight of the Opening Night Concert of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in 2026.
Cairns 150 is officially underway
This year marks 150 years since our city’s founding in 1876. Throughout 2026, a city-wide program will celebrate our past, showcase who we are today, and look ahead to the next chapter of Cairns’ story.
Planning a Cairns-themed event or celebration? Get in touch with Project Lead Jen Houston via email: j.houston@cairns.qld.edu.au, or phone 4044 3690 to be involved.
Want to see what’s coming up? View the full Cairns 150 program and planned events.
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 local manufacturing industry directly contributed $452M and supported approximately 3,873 jobs in Cairns.
By the numbers
- Unemployment rate Cairns LGA (Sept 25): 4.4%
- Jobseeker recipients (Dec 25): 8,210
- Monthly job advertisements Far North Queensland (Dec 25): 5,725
- Value of building approvals (2025-26 Nov FYTD): $535 million
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (Dec 25): 409,534
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (2025-26 Dec FYTD): 2,672,258
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