Cairns Local Economy

While the Cairns economy was affected by the recent Global Financial Crisis, the Cairns region has been growing at a rapid pace. In 2009, Gross Local Product was over 8 billion and the gross local product per person has more than doubled between 2001 and 2009, highlighting an increase in wealth generated by the local economy and its residents.

Tourism is a significant component of the Cairns economy. However, the top three sectors contributing to Cairns’ output are Manufacturing, Property & Business Services, and Transport & Storage.

The innovation of local expertise is clearly shown in the fields of tropical health, medical research and scientific advance. The economic outlook for the region is diversifying as the growing population expands into untapped markets, creating new opportunities within many sectors.

The Cairns Sea Port is diversifying as a distribution centre for coastal communities in the Torres Strait Islands, Gulf of Carpentaria and Papua New Guinea. It provides remote access for Regional Commodity Exporters and the expanding Mining & Resource industries.

The cruise ship industry now has a significant presence in Cairns and Queensland with the number of liner visits to the region doubling in the last four years. With $13.6 million spent on the new Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, it will drive further jobs, investment and economic development in Cairns and the region.

Cairns International Airport handles over 130,000 aircraft each year and with a recent $250 million upgrade, it has strengthened its position as one of the best in the country. With the goal of establishing Cairns as an aviation maintenance hub for the Asia Pacific region, its future growth will be assured.

The current boom in mineral/metals prices has strengthened the region’s interest in resource deposits and will ensure continued growth. Fulfilling another lucrative niche in the industry, Cairns is establishing it self as a FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) centre, servicing mining ventures throughout Queensland, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

The region’s abundant water resources continue to enhance the region’s production of tropical fruits, dairy, beef, sugar and seafood. Sugar production / prices will continue to play a significant role in the regions economy.

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