Economic development strategy

Cairns Regional Council - Economic Development Strategy 2022 -2026

The core objective of economic development is to make life better for all people. In Cairns we have an excellent foundation on which to build a robust economy for the future: two world class universities and dedicated industry training facilities, globally connected air and sea ports, a diverse economy, a multicultural community, two UNESCO world heritage sites, and a tropical lifestyle.

Download the Strategy ( PDF, 16.06 MB ) or view it in the flipbook below.

Building on these strengths, the Cairns Regional Council Economic Development Strategy 2022-2026 ( PDF, 16.06 MB ) aligns directly with our recently endorsed Corporate Plan and has been developed following significant consultation and engagement with key stakeholders who contribute to economic development in our region.

Continued wealth and job creation are key priorities within our strategy, which consists of four pillars:

• Priority Industries/Sectors
• Geographic Areas of Focus
• Economic Initiatives
• Major and Economic Events

By delivering and supporting actions in the four pillars, Council has set targets for the Cairns economy by 2026. The targets are:

• Increase GRP to $13 billion per annum
• Create 15,000 new jobs
• For Cairns to be recognised as a leader in the Smart Green Economy

Priority Industry Profiles

Council has commissioned independent economic analysis to track the performance of the priority industries identified in Council’s Economic Development Strategy over time.

Our Economic Development Strategy also identifies agriculture, mining and energy (in particular renewables) as regionally significant industry sectors for Far North Queensland.

Cairns, as the primary service centre in the FNQ region, plays an important role in supporting the continued growth and development of these regionally significant industry sectors.*

*In 2022/23, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing contributed approximately $1.7 billion to the Far North Queensland regional economy each year and employs over 8,200 people. Similarly the Mining industry is significant for the wider region, contributing approximately $2.1 billion to the regional economy.

You can view digital versions of the industry profiles at Cairns economy.id. Profiles are available for Manufacturing, Education & Training, Healthcare & Social Assistance, Construction, Marine & Defence, Aviation, Arts & Culture, and Tourism industries.