Business regulations & permits

Council regulates many business activities including food and dining, accommodation, personal services, advertising, commercial filming and busking.

Invest in Cairns

Cairns offers lucrative investment opportunities in tourism, international education, agribusiness, marine services, property and more.

Doing business in Cairns

Resources, information and support to start and grow your business in Cairns

Business news & updates

Stay up to date with investment and business opportunities in Cairns by subscribing to our monthly e-update.

Economic Development Strategy

Council has strategies for a strong, diversified and sustainable regional economy that supports new and existing industry, investment and business activities.

Cairns Resilient Businesses Network

Join the Cairns Resilient Business network and be prepared for any disaster.

Last Updated: 28 March 2025

Latest News > All News

Discover your future at the Council Careers Fair

Residents interested in exploring career opportunities in local government are invited to attend Cairns Regional Council's Careers Fair on Wednesday...

General Updates
21 July 2026

Council analyses Queensland State Budget

Long-term Council priorities were among projects included in over $1.1 billion of funding announced for Cairns in the recent Queensland...

Business & Economy
16 July 2026

Climate Strategy and Energy Policy updated

Cairns Regional Council has completed a mid-term update of its Climate Change Strategy 2030, reflecting significant progress achieved since the...

Environment & Sustainability
15 July 2026