More to Cairns than tourism
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Healthcare and social assistance is Cairns' biggest employer
Tourism has always been a huge part of the Cairns local economy, but contrary to popular perception, Cairns has one of the most diverse economies in Australia.
Figures from the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, show that Health Care and Social Assistance is the largest employer in Cairns, accounting for 19% of employment in 2022/23. Education and Training is close behind at 10%.
Retail, construction, public administration, transport, manufacturing and professional service industries are also well-established employers.
As the capital of Far North Queensland, Cairns is the primary service centre for the wider region, which has established
economic strengths in Mining, Renewable Energy, and Agriculture.
Cairns has an opportunity to both benefit from and add value to these industries.
Marine and Defence
In addition to the large number of vessels in the reef fleet, which supports tourism, Cairns is also the location of HMAS Cairns naval base. HMAS Cairns has a primary responsibility to provide maintenance, logistic and administrative support for Cairns based units. Cairns-based Norsta Maritime has also been awarded the Regional Maintenance Centre Northeast contract as part of the Australian Department of Defence’s Plan Galileo. The Australian Pacific Patrol Boat Systems Office is also based in Cairns.
Supporting this local maritime Maintenance Repair and Overhauls (MRO) capability is also the three privately operated shipyards: Tropical Reef Shipyard, Norship, and Austal.
The sector is also supported by TAFE Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College in Cairns, which has also been awarded the contract to deliver the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Training Services Program.
Aviation
Cairns is globally connected through the Cairns International Airport, which has direct flights to Japan, Singapore, Bali, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Hong Kong. While this excellent connectivity does support tourism, the aviation sector also supports the export of goods from around the region, and significantly, the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) side of the airport supports high value jobs in the sustainment of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
The Aviation sector is also supported by the training delivered through the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre and Aviation Australia.
Tradies in demand in Cairns - try the construction industry or relocate your business
Currently, tradespeople are like gold dust so if that’s your industry, you will likely be spoilt for choice. Job vacancies in the 'trades and services' categories are consistently topping the list of available jobs advertised in Far North Queensland.
There is strong population growth supporting residential housing in the south and north of the city. Cairns also has a large investment pipeline of non-residential construction including major new health, cultural/arts, education, aviation, and maritime/defence facilities, which will continue to drive the construction industry over the next few years.
Vibrant start-up culture and online business hub
If you’ve been itching to start a business, give it a go in Cairns. You’ll find all the support you need right here and with a smaller population, there is a little less competition, giving your product or service a greater chance to shine. The work-from-home and online business culture in Cairns is strong. Last time the State Government measured the state's start-up scene, Cairns had the highest number of start-ups per capita of Queensland's regions (1 for every 5300 people). We also have many new, established and innovative co-working spaces where people can find support for new ideas and build networks.
Smart, green and innovative
Cairns is taking steps to position itself as the obvious location to lead the development of the smart green economy, aligned with the Federal Government's Future Made in Australia initative. With many innovative local businesses already making a difference to the planet and the economy, Cairns is a region that supports a strong collective of professionals, scientists and innovators with a focus on promoting sustainable living, energy and working solutions.
Our natural world is what makes life great for many Cairns folk, and we're determined to protect it. Cairns has a competitive advantage in this growth area, with plentiful renewable resources, along with our deep desire to protect our natural assets.
Tourism - a strong and hopeful future
Cairns is one of few places in the world where two World Heritage areas meet. We are the gateway to many amazing sights, experiences and big nature on both land and sea. We have an advantage over many of our competitor destinations because our natural assets are unique, significant and have timeless appeal.
Confidence in the future of the tourism and industry in Cairns can be seen in the substantial works which have taken around Cairns in recent years, which has also created opportunities in the construction industry.
The Cairns Convention Centre, our biggest venue for conferences and conventions, recently underwent significant expansion and refurbishment. The 10,000sqm expansion by the Queensland Government includes significant increases in capacity and upgrades to meeting spaces in the existing centre.
Similarly the iconic Cairns Esplanade Dining Precinct also received a recent facelift, creating a unique tropical dining experience for our residents and visitors.
There are also exciting projects in the pipeline such as the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park expansion to accommodate approx. 80km of trails, and the Wangetti trail which will see Cairns and Port Douglas connected with an iconic trail for bikes and walkers.
Cairns also attracts and is home to thrilling major sporting and cultural events throughout the year, including Crankworx, Cairns IRONMAN, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), Understory Film Festival, Cairns Italian Festival, Shine on Gimuy, and the Cairns EcoFiesta. There is always something happening in Cairns!