Business, Industry & Resources

The Cairns region boasts a strong economy, home to around 27,000* businesses primarily in construction, property/business services and  retail trade.

The high visitor activity and fly-in fly-out operations to surrounding mines have also led to a higher proportion of transport/ storage, accomodation, cafe and restaurant businesses in Cairns when compared to the rest of Queensland.

Cairns, as the hub of Tropical North Queensland, is a sophisticated business centre which incorporates all the essential elements of a modern commercial environment.

Cairns city is the regional hub for numerous government departments including the Department of Employment Economic Develoment and Innovation. 

The Queensland Government and Australian Government web portals are useul tools for locating Cairns based government services.

Advance Cairns is the region's peak economic development agency facilitating connections between private enterprise, industry, community and government agencies. Advance Cairns has produced the Cairns Prospectus - A Regional Profile, outlining the business opportunities available in the Cairns region.

Regional Development Australia a partnership between the Australian, state and local governments has established a committee representing Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands to support the growth and development of the region.

The Cairns region is renowned as a national leader in the facilitation of economic and business development through the establishment of industry clusters.

Businesses and research organisations have developed specialist skills and knowledge to adapt to the environmental challenges presented by the tropics. This body of knowledge and skills is called Tropical Expertise.  Austropex and Troplinks play important roles in the development and promotion of  goods and services that cater to the tropical environment and living.

Cairns is serviced by one major regional newspaper,The Cairns Post which is published daily excepting Sunday. There are also a small number of weekly news publications available.

One of the major venues for business events is the Cairns Convention Centre which was officially opened in 1996. The centre is a purpose built, international standard, meetings facility ideal for exhibitions, banquets and conventions.

Cairns offers an excellent array of shopping experiences unequaled outside the capital cities. Major retailers including Myer and DFO compliment national chains and niche stores.

The region also offers a wide range of local and international dining experiences. Tropical foods including exotic fruits, seafood and local produce provide delights for diners and business opportunities for residents.

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce is one of the leading business organisations in Cairns, established for over 100 years and a representative of the local business community. It plays a key role in assiting the local business community. The Cairns Business Women's Club brings business women together to offer mutual support, inspiration, advice and assistance through its monthly lunches, newsletters and annual awards.

Other industry bodies with a presence in the region include the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) , the Australian Institute of Management (AIM), the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

The Cairns Regional Council provides links to various government agencies, business and economic development groups and business regulations.

*based on active ABN for postcode 4870 as at 01/06/10