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.
Building on these strengths, the Cairns Regional Council Economic Development Strategy 2022-2026 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
Cairns Regional Council has commissioned independent economic analysis to track the performance of the priority industries identified in Council’s Economic Development Strategy over time.
Council’s 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.*
*Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing contributes approximately $1.6 billion to the FNQ economy each year and employs over 8,700 people. Similarly the Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Services, and Mining industries are significant for the wider region, contributing approximately $525 million and $470 million respectively to the regional economy.
Please download the industry profiles below, or view the digital versions at Cairns economy.id.
The Cairns Regional Council Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022 sets out how Council will deliver on its strategic objective of a strong, diversified and resilient regional economy that supports the growth of new and existing industry, business activities and provides long-term employment opportunities.
The strategy identifies the 10 key actions that will underpin the achievement of this objective:
- Preservation, conservation and promotion
- Trade and investment
- Events
- Resources
- Development and diversification
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Shared Vision
- Government relations
- Collaboration
- Targeted activities
Babinda and Gordonvale Economic Development Plans
Council is committed to the sustainable growth of the Babinda and Gordonvale townships, and has developed Economic Development Plans for both communities. These plans aim to stimulate economic activity, employment, population growth and investment, effectively promote the towns and local businesses, and improve liveability.
The key strategies and actions identified within each plan relate to:
- Tourism development and promotion
- Business and industry development
- Improved connectivity
- Cooperation between all levels of Government in the delivery of services.
Council will work in partnership with key stakeholders to deliver on these plans in a timely manner.
Last Updated: 6 July 2023
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