Council’s local spend delivers $1 billion economic boost

Cairns Regional Council’s record $463 million local spend in 2024/25, supported over 4,500 jobs and delivered a $1 billion impact to the region’s economy.

The annual State of Procurement Report reinforces that Council’s local spend, which last financial year equalled 89% of the organisation’s total $519 million expenditure, creates a powerful “ripple effect” across the economy.

Deputy Mayor Brett Olds, who chaired Wednesday’s Ordinary Meeting, said the result demonstrates just how critical Council is to the region’s prosperity.

“Council’s commitment to spending locally wherever possible means that we are keeping money in Cairns, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs,” Cr Olds said.

“When you combine Council’s expenditure to that of workers, businesses and industry re-spending locally, it creates a ripple effect to generate a further $615 million in indirect benefits – a total economic impact of over $1 billion.

“These figures highlight the vital role Council plays in building confidence and resilience across our economy and ensuring Cairns remains a strong, sustainable, and thriving community.”

Key highlights from the 2024/25 State of Procurement Report include:

• Record local spend of $463 million
• Council’s activity facilitated 4,545 local jobs – around 10 jobs for every $1 million spent
• A total economic contribution of $1.078 billion, representing 4.6% of Cairns’ Gross Regional Product
• Significant investment across employee wages, local services, and capital works projects such as transport, water, and community facilities.

The report confirms that Council is one of the largest employers in Cairns, with more than 1,300 staff, and a driver of growth across industries from construction to tourism.

“This is proof that Council is more than just roads, rates and rubbish, we are one of the largest and most reliable economic engines in Cairns,” Cr Olds said.

“By choosing local suppliers wherever possible, Council is helping build a stronger, more resilient Cairns’ economy.”

Background:

• Local spend has grown steadily from $338 million in 2021/22 to this year’s $463 million
• Where local options don’t exist – such as for specialised equipment or state government charges – Council still encourages local benefits wherever possible, such as accommodation, hospitality, and labour hire.
• Independent modelling was conducted by .id (Informed Decisions) using industry-recognised economic multipliers tailored to the Cairns economy.