Business Chamber Queensland brings Ahead of the Game to the Cairns

By Business Chamber Queensland

Business Chamber Queensland is bringing its Ahead of the Game event series to Cairns on 28 August, as local businesses are urged to prepare for the wave of opportunities emerging across the region.

As a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games co-host city, Cairns will host the Olympic football preliminary rounds and potentially indoor sports at Cairns Convention Centre. The city will also welcome the inaugural T20 Gold Clash in November, further reinforcing its global profile as a major events destination.

With tourism and construction continuing to boom in the Far North, opportunities are emerging across aviation, marine and defence, health, education and screen production, supported by the region’s strong agriculture and mining sectors.

Alongside growing demand for locally grown and manufactured products and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Far North Queensland is entering a period of significant economic growth.

Major investments include Bruce Highway upgrades, the Cairns Hospital Campus Master Plan, expansion of the Cairns Marine and Defence Precinct, the Cairns Aviation Project, upgrades to the Cairns Western Arterial Road, and CQUniversity’s new CBD campus. Together, these projects are positioning the region for increased investment, visitation and global attention.

Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper said Cairns and North Queensland were entering a significant period of economic growth, underpinned by a boost in tourism, critical minerals projects, and global event opportunities.

“This is a rare, transformative moment for local businesses, but success will depend on being prepared, competitive, and ready to scale,” Ms Cooper said.

“This provides businesses with the information, insights and tools they need to prepare, participate and prosper as a result of these unprecedented opportunities.”

The half-day program will feature a panel session, practical workshops and networking opportunities, covering strategic partnerships, procurement readiness, workforce planning, artificial intelligence, branding and business visibility.

The panel speakers are:

• Councillor Amy Eden, Cairns Mayor
• Luke Bird, Chair and General Manager HEH Civil; Chair, Advance Cairns
• Mark Olsen, CEO Tourism Tropical North Queensland
• Dominique Lamb, Director of Community Affairs to the President of Brisbane 2032.

Ms Cooper said initiatives such as Ahead of the Game were critical to ensure businesses could step into procurement opportunities with confidence, win work and ensure regional Queensland captures the long-term economic benefits of the Games.

“Businesses that invest in their readiness now will be best placed to secure contracts, attract investment, build strategic partnerships and participate in the projects and major events shaping the future of Far North Queensland,” Ms Cooper said.

Ahead of the Game: Cairns will be held on 28 August at Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns.

ENDS

Business Chamber Queensland media contact

[email protected] | 0499 988 218