Backing tourism, events and sporting activities

Targeted investments designed to attract visitors, support events and promote sporting activities are key component of Council’s 2026/27 Budget.

As part of a targeted focus to strengthen the region’s long-term prosperity, more than $5.6 million has been committed to initiatives that directly drive visitation, create jobs, and strengthen Cairns’ reputation as a leading destination for tourism, events and business.

Mayor Amy Eden said the Budget reflects Council’s commitment to building a robust, future-focused economy, supporting community experiences, and delivering events, while remaining responsible with ratepayer funds.

“Cairns thrives when our economy is strong, diverse and growing,” Cr Eden said.

“This Budget is about investing where it counts. It is about fostering industries and experiences that bring people here, supporting local jobs, and delivering economic return for our community.”

Support for the tourism industry

Tourism continues to be a critical part of the local economy, contributing around $2.1 billion directly and indirectly to the economy, and supporting almost 18,500 jobs directly and indirectly.

“Tourism is critically important for Cairns, and we are determined to keep building on that strength,” Cr Eden said.

“Our focus is on ensuring we remain competitive, visible and desirable in a global market.”

A key investment includes over $3.6 million for Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), ensuring Cairns remains front of mind for travellers worldwide.

“In a fiercely competitive market, strong destination marketing is essential,” Cr Eden said.

“We’re backing TTNQ to keep showcasing Cairns as one of the world’s premier tropical destinations.”

Council is also allocating almost $1.6 million to attract and deliver major events such as IRONMAN Cairns, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and 7 Cairns Marathon.

“A thriving city attracts major events, and major events help create a thriving city. The relationship works both ways,” Cr Eden said.

“Major events aren’t a cost. They’re an investment,” Cr Eden said.

“They bring money into our economy, but just as importantly, they bring experiences into our community.

To ensure that the Cairns remains a safe and inviting destination for visitors and locals, Council invests $5.2 million annually its City Safe program in the CBD.

This commitment encompasses 377 cameras protecting the public in the CBD, including monitoring 25 cameras along the marina boardwalk under management of Ports North.

Security is complemented by a dedicated CCTV monitoring room, 24-hours patrols and a close working relationship with Queensland Police Service.

Backing the city to become a sports hub

Building on this momentum, Council is actively positioning Cairns as Australia’s premier destination for women’s sport, recognising the growing global audience and participation in female sport.

“Our vision isn’t just to host women’s sport. It’s to become the place where women’s sport comes to grow, train, compete and thrive,” Cr Eden said.

We want Cairns to be known as Australia’s home of women’s sport. Not because we said it, but because we built the pathways, attracted the teams, hosted the events and created the opportunities to make it true.

The Cowboys are a critical part of that journey. Their NRLW program gives Cairns something we’ve never had before – an elite women’s team based in our city and a visible pathway for the next generation of girls coming through.

Success leaves clues. When one elite women’s sporting organisation chooses Cairns, others start asking why. That’s the conversation we’re beginning to see.”

Council has established a strategic investment fund and program to oversee a coordinated approach to attracting elite women’s teams, events, programs, training camps, and other opportunities to the city.

The Destination Women’s Sport Investment Program aims to create more funding opportunities for the local sporting community, ensuring grassroots clubs and organisations benefit alongside elite sporting attractions.

Council’s ambition aligns with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Cairns earmarked for preliminary football (soccer) matches, and expected to a host events, training camps and international teams in the lead-up.

“The green and gold runway to 2032 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Cr Eden.

“By investing now, we are ensuring Cairns benefits from increased visitation, global exposure and long-term economic legacy projects, such as the redevelopment of Barlow Park, in the lead-up to the Olympics.”

Investing industry and partnerships

Beyond major events, Council is investing over $380,000 in key organisations including the Cairns Taipans and Study Cairns, supporting industry diversification and strengthening economic resilience.

There is also funding for the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Tradelinked and Babinda Takforce.

“These partnerships help grow key business and sectors like education, marine and professional sport, and reinforce Cairns as a globally connected and opportunity-driven city,” Cr Eden said.

Cr Eden said the impacts of these investments extend well beyond immediate economic returns.

“When we bring world-class athletes, events, creatives and industry leaders to Cairns, this is an investment in inspiration,” she said.

“It shows our young people what’s possible and helps build the next generation of local talent.”

Funding assistance for local events, arts and culture

Council continues to foster local arts and cultural activities through more than $5.7 million in grants and funding partnerships.

This includes ongoing support for Cairns Art Gallery, the Cairns Historical Society, and Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, as well as sponsorship of Cairns Pride and NQ Sports Foundation.

There is also $956,000 allocated for Cairns Festival 2026, which this year will align with the city’s 150-year celebrations. Notably, this will include the return of the iconic “Fun in the Sun” parade, to help recreate the spirit of Cairns’ early festival days while celebrating today’s vibrant city.