Strengthening Far North Queensland

This vast tropical region covers 272,215 km² over 21 local government areas, from Cassowary Coast in the south to the Torres Strait Islands in the north. It includes the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage listed areas.

Far North Queensland is home to 303,102 residents¹, expected to increase to 378,000 residents by 2041. This multicultural region includes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of approximately 41,000. In Cairns, more than 21% of people were born overseas and 72 languages are spoken².

As Queensland’s gateway to Asia-Pacific, the region is well-connected to domestic and international markets. It features direct international air and sea access through the Cairns International Airport and Ports North. The Regional Trade Distribution Centre at the Cairns Airport brings increased airfreight export solutions to the region.

The Far North Queensland regional office is one of eleven regional offices across Queensland helping businesses to mature, grow and invest.

Key features of Far North Queensland

Population

303,102 (2024) – expected to increase to 378,000 by 2041.

Strengths

Far North Queensland has an economically diverse and resilient economy, with a strong culture of innovation. The Gross Regional Product is $19,964 billion in 2023/24³. Some the region’s key industries include:

Construction

• Construction is the largest industry by output – 12% of total output⁴.

Health care and social assistance

• This is the foremost contributor to employment in the region, employing over 25,000 people⁴.
• Facilities include a large public hospital, six smaller regional public hospitals, 18 regional health centres, a smaller private hospital, strong allied health services and a large pharmaceutical holistic health sector.
• Dugurrdja Health Precinct will provide an innovative and transformational approach to sustainable healthcare with global reach.

Manufacturing

• Food manufacturing is the largest employer in the sector, with over 2,100 regional employees⁴.
• Other major manufacturers include transport equipment manufacturing, metal products and machinery manufacturing.

Mining

• Diverse mineral deposits and natural endowments
• Abundance of critical minerals including copper, nickel, tungsten, graphite, vanadium, silver, gold, silica and rare earths
• Major miners in the region include Rio Tinto, Glencore and Metro Mining

Education and training

• Two universities in the Far North: James Cook University (JCU) and Central Queensland University (CQU)
• Specialised skills colleges and centres, including:
  • Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
  • Cairns Aviation Skills Centre
  • Queensland TAFE campus.

Defence, maritime and aviation

• HMAS Cairns is the home port for six naval vessels, supported by Navy and civilian personnel.
• Home to the Regional Maintenance Centre – North East for sustainment of Defence vessels.
• Three major slipways provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to Defence, Australian Border Force, commercial and private vessels.
• Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility being developed by the Queensland Government, in partnership with the Australian Government.
• The General Aviation precinct at the Cairns Airport is home to aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services providers with specialist capabilities.
• Download the North and Far North Queensland Maritime Industry Supply Chain Report ( 3.4 MB) to explore the regions’ capabilities in supporting the maritime industry.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

• There is abundant fertile agricultural land and rainfall.
• The region has a diverse horticulture sector.
• There is a controlled timber plantation industry and investment.
• Given the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, there is controlled fishing and land aquaculture.

Tourism, arts and culture

• Three million tourists visit each year.
• The region is a premier superyacht and cruise ship destination, aided by the strong marine infrastructure.
• Popular conference and business event locations include an upgraded Cairns Convention Centre.
• There is a vibrant arts and culture industry, including rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage. Some of the key arts infrastructure include the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, and the Screen Queensland Studio.

Major projects

A strong capital program of private, government, mining and energy projects will be delivered in the Far North Queensland region, find out more about Far North Queensland Major Projects Pipeline.

State development area

The Cairns South State Development Area was established to help economic growth and diversification of the Cairns economy and support job creation for the long-term needs of the Cairns region.

The 1159-hectare area provides land for regionally significant industrial development.

Events and activities

View upcoming events and opportunities in the region. Our workshops and industry briefings support businesses at all stages of project supply chains.

You can also view pre-recorded sessions on how to promote your business’ products and services to others.

Far North Queensland Industry Breakfast

The FNQ Industry Breakfast provides information on current and upcoming projects and related supply-chain opportunities in the region. Register to be notified of future FNQ Industry Breakfast events.

Contact us

Contact our Far North Queensland regional offices.

References

1. ABS 2024 ERP
2. ABS Census of Population 2021
3. NIEIR, June 2025
4. NIEIR, 2023/24