Cairns and Far North

The Cairns and Far North Queensland Centre of Enterprise region covers an enormous geographical and economically-diverse area. The region's strengths are centred on worldwide recognition as an international tourist destination, tropical location and the natural attractions of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. Its tropical location also underpins the region's enviable lifestyle that attracts businesses, tourists and residents. 

The competitive advantage of the region in tourism and primary industries has driven specialisation in aviation services, marine services and in defined areas of tropical expertise.  Accordingly the region has identified these three sectors as key areas for initial development under the Centres of Enterprise initiative. Tourism is recognised as a significant driver within each of these industries.

Centres of Enterprise target sectors

Aviation services

Cairns and the Far North has the opportunity to become a centre for aviation excellence in the Asia-Pacific by capitalising on the region's considerable aviation servicing/maintenance base. This is one of the most diverse in Australia, providing a wide range of services, including avionics, heavy engineering and training, for both international and domestic clients.

Cairns and Far North Queensland Centres of Enterprise Aviation Services Industry Action Plan

Tropical expertise

The region's tropical expertise industry has benefited from recent investments in research and development infrastructure, public institutions and tropical expertise which resides in local firms. Opportunities exist to sell tropical expertise to Australia and the world through Tropical Health, Environmental Management, Tropical Agribusiness, and Tropical Living (encompassing Indigenous Culture, Built Environment/Disaster Management, Tourism and Education).

Cairns and Far North Queensland Centres of Enterprise Tropical Expertise Industry Action Plan

Marine services

Opportunities exist to build the region's reputation as a world-class centre for marine services by capitalising on its well established marine tourism industry, growing super yacht visitation, naval base and world-class maintenance, refit and boatbuilding capabilities.

Cairns and Far North Queensland Centres of Enterprise Marine Services Industry Action Plan

Further information on the aviation and marine sectors can be found on the Department's key industries pages.  

Further information on tropical expertise can be found on the Department's Q-Tropics site