Industry and Economic Development Fund
Cairns Regional Council’s Industry and Economic Development Fund provides assistance to organisations in support of specific industry and economic development activities and to support the Economic goals of the Cairns Regional Council Corporate Plan, specifically; Economy: A strong, diversified and resilient regional economy that supports the growth of new and existing industry, business activities and provides long term employment opportunities and to support the delivery of Council’s Economic Development Strategy.
What can the Industry and Economic Development Fund be used for?
Projects that fit the criteria of this grant are wide-ranging and varied. Grants have previously been awarded to the following organisations to deliver projects:
- Babinda District Community Association - Business Plan for Babinda Museum
- Mulgrave Shire Historical Society Inc - Business Plan for the organisation
- Cairns Mountain Bike Club Inc - Economic impact of Mountain Biking in Cairns project
- Tradelinked Cairns Incorporated - support Cairns-based not-for-profit associations to join Tradelinked Cairns Incorporated's business delegation to Papua New Guinea
- Regional Development Australia Tropical North Inc Auspicing for the Tropical North Queensland Regional Food Network - Plating up the FNQ Food Industry project
- Cairns Chamber of Commerce Incorporated's Tradelinked Cairns-PNG-Pacific Subcommittee - the Far North Queensland Export Capability Profile to Service the Pacific Region Project
- Cairns Aviation Skills Centre Limited (CASC) - Economic impact analysis of businesses located at the Cairns Airport
- Gordonvale District Chamber of Commerce – Economic Development Plan for Gordonvale
Refer to the Help Guide for Applicants and Applicant Frequently Asked Questions for assistance with the Smartygrants online application process.
More information
For enquiries, please contact the Economic Development team via email economicdevelopment@cairns.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 4044 3284.
How to apply
Applications must be completed via Council's online portal.
Last Updated: 24 August 2026
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