Opinion: Now is the time to get Ahead of the Game 

By Business Chamber Queensland

Cairns is undergoing one of the most significant periods of transformation in its history, with billions of dollars in infrastructure investment, strong tourism growth and major events reshaping the region’s economy and future.

A thriving visitor economy, unprecedented infrastructure development and growing demand for local goods and services are creating opportunities that could benefit local businesses for generations.

As a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic co-host city, Cairns is also strengthening its position as a critical hub for health, defence, education and research.

Today, Cairns generates $12.8 billion to the economy. Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the region also has billions of dollars in projects committed in its development pipeline over the next decade.

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, plus new critical minerals and tourism ventures. Together, these projects are preparing the region for increased investment, visitors and global attention.

Growth of this scale creates opportunities beyond major contractors. Demand will extend across transport, freight, warehousing, catering, cleaning, maintenance, fabrication, fit-outs, security, training, tech, accommodation, signage, uniforms and professional services.

Yet despite the optimism surrounding North Queensland’s future, many local businesses are telling us they are unsure where to begin. They hear about the Olympics, major projects and procurement opportunities, but they are asking practical questions: How do I become tender ready? How do I scale? What partnerships do I need? How do I position my brand to compete?

They also tell us it is hard to think about growth or look to the future when they are managing through a complex and challenging business environment day-to-day.

This is why Business Chamber Queensland developed the Ahead of the Game series – a program designed to support businesses to build the capability needed to respond to an evolving economy and play a meaningful role in the growth of the region.

We have worked directly with the Queensland Government, Brisbane 2032, private investors and our counterparts at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce to

understand how businesses can best position themselves to seize emerging opportunities.

Here in Cairns, Ahead of the Game is connecting local businesses with practical advice, valuable insights and tangible opportunities.

This is a defining moment for the city. It is an opportunity to strengthen local supply chains, build capability, attract talent, grow the visitor economy, and reinforce North Queensland’s role as a reliable engine room for a state preparing to welcome the world.

The potential before Cairns is extraordinary. Investment is being committed, projects are moving from planning to delivery and global attention is turning to Queensland.

The businesses that act now by building capability, forming strategic partnerships and preparing for future demand will help shape the region’s next chapter.

That is why now is the time to get ahead of the game.