Far North Queensland

The Far North Queensland region is the largest and fastest growing area in Northern Australia, with the highest number of registered businesses and the greatest number of people employed within the marine and aviation sectors.

The region stretches from Cardwell to the tip of Cape York and across the Torres Strait to the Papua New Guinea. The region features two world heritage listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

The region enjoys abundant natural resources and is the gateway to one of Australia’s largest agricultural and renewable energy zones. Cairns is also the commercial centre and export hub for a growing regional economy.

James Cook University and CQUniversity have excellent learning and research facilities across numerous disciplines. The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre and Great Barrier Reef International Marine College (TAFE QLD) provide industry specific training in established sectors with significant growth potential.

Marine and Defence is a growing industry for Cairns with significant development potential, which will be driven by investment in the Cairns Marine Precinct and HMAS Cairns.

Key regional industries include tourism, agriculture, mining, health, education, marine, aviation and construction.