Smart Green Economy
The Cairns Smart Green Economy project is a multi-stage strategic planning and feasibility study designed to position Cairns and the Far North Queensland (FNQ) as a leader in the Smart Green Economy in Australia. By leveraging global growth in the Smart Green Economy and the region’s existing competitive advantages, Cairns is well-positioned to benefit from public and private sector investment that supports sustainable economic and employment growth, innovation, diversification and resilience.
At a concept level, the term, 'Smart Green Economy' term broadly includes, but is not limited, to the following sectors:
- Renewable energy/fuels
- Circular economy
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Education and training
- Tropical expertise
- Sustainable advanced manufacturing
- Technical and professional services
- Natural resource management
- Science, technology and innovation.
The opportunity was summarised in the Cairns & FNQ: Becoming the Capital of the Smart Green Economy in Australia concept paper (see document at bottom of this page) which was unanimously endorsed by Council in August 2020. Through cross-sector collaboration and engagement, the project aims to identify opportunities that are likely to:
- attract and stimulate private investment;
- support sustainable economic growth;
- generate employment; and
- and deliver economic diversification and resilience in the region.
Consultation
This project is led by Council and a Project Reference Group consisting of stakeholders representing key sectors in FNQ. Working with consultants Ernst and Young (EY), Council engaged in community and industry consultation to identify and prioritise initiatives related to Smart Green Economy clusters.
Council sought feedback from the community in March 2022 through a targeted stakeholder survey identifying and analysing opportunities throughout the region within the Smart Green Economy clusters. More than 80 responses were received. These responses, along with extensive research and conversations with industry, have informed subsequent stages of the strategic plan to refine and value the Smart Green Economy concept.
Initial stages of the strategic plan were undertaken in 2022 to gain a thorough understanding of the potential opportunity, agree upon and clearly define the concept opportunity statement, secure stakeholder support, and quantify and analyse the value of the opportunity (economic, environmental and social) for each sector/cluster.
Stages 1 - 3 Summary
Cairns and FNQ can transform the way in which it operates now and into the future by pursuing interlinked opportunities aligned to the region's unique strengths and prominent 'green' market trends.
EY were engaged in February 2022 to deliver the first three stages of the project:
- Stage 1 – Situational analysis
- Stage 2 – Concept definition & support
- Stage 3 – Valuing the opportunity
Financial co-contributors for this project include Queensland Department of State Development, Local Government, Infrastructure and Planning, FNQROC, Wet Tropics Management Authority, James Cook University, CQUniversity and Terrain NRM.
Key findings
Cairns and FNQ have a unique value proposition for a Smart Green Economy, which includes:
- First Nations connection to Country
- Iconic natural environment
- Green capability
- Tropical expertise and innovation
- Access to trade and international travel
- Positive policy and community landscape.
The Smart Green Economy concept consists of three main clusters, underpinned by knowledge and expertise across sectors, which represent the greatest opportunity to unlock economy-wide value. They are:
1. Net zero energy systems | 2. Circular economy activation | 3. Biodiversity & carbon markets |
| A pathway to achieving Australia's ambition of net zero emissions requires a large-scale deployment of all available and efficient energy technology. Cairns and FNQ are in a strong position to face these challenges with an abundance of solar and wind resources, manufacturing and research skills and tropical expertise. | Circular economy initiatives are emerging across the region, including reuse of materials through manufacturing and construction, innovation around food waste and composting. | Buyers are increasingly seeking robust carbon credits to demonstrate real climate action and Cairns and FNQ are at a natural advantage to leverage these opportunities. |
Read the Stages 1-3 summary paper here
Next steps:
Council in collaboration with the Project Reference Group will undertake further detailed stakeholder engagement to identify strategic projects/initiatives for each of the three clusters areas.
The project has enjoyed strong stakeholder support and collaboration to date and this support will be critical going forward (including from all three levels of government) if the region is to fully realise the potential opportunities in the Smart Green Economy.
Read the original Smart Green Economy concept paper
Last Updated: 12 July 2023
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