About us
Advance Cairns is the peak independent advocacy and economic development organisation for Far North Queensland. We are a member-based, non-partisan organisation working beyond election cycles to deliver a stronger, more prosperous future for the region.
Our advocacy spans a vast and economically diverse area of 380,000km2, slightly larger than the size of Japan, and impacting a population of about 280,000 people. The region stretches from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Strait in the north, and west to the Northern Territory border. It is Queensland’s largest region, covering over 20% of the state and 26 local government areas.
Operating on a membership-based model, Advance Cairns represents leading businesses, employers and local governments committed to securing a legacy of economic growth and success for the region.
Under this model and as a collective voice, members have the opportunity to actively influence the strategic direction of Advance Cairns and ultimately the future of Far North Queensland.
Advocacy priorities
Advance Cairns' priorities result from extensive consultation with regional stakeholders, our members, and the wider business community, as well as engagement across three levels of government. These priorities are key to unlocking the potential of Far North Queensland.
Road Connectivity
Defence, Maritime and Pacific Engagement
Health, Education, Research and Innovation
Aviation Food and Water Security
Climate Resilience and Adaptation
What we do
For more than 20 years, Advance Cairns has played a vital role in supporting the progress of Far North Queensland. Countless regional milestones achieved in the past two decades have been a direct outcome of advocacy led by Advance Cairns and supported by our members.
Initiatives such as securing a multi-million dollar investment in the marine sector, developing a strategy to boost high-quality food exports from the region, spearheading the construction of the Regional Trade Distribution Centre, and advocating for the expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre continue to yield ongoing and long-term economic benefit and opportunities for regional businesses.
In times of crisis, we have collaborated with the government and agencies to support disaster response and recovery efforts.
We drive business connections and opportunities through targeted networking events, strategic trade missions, high-level delegations, and tailored introductions, all designed to cultivate relationships that lead to material business growth and broader economic benefits.
While Advance Cairns takes the lead, our success hinges upon the collaborative support of our stakeholders and members. Together, we can sustainably propel growth and prosperity for our region.
Provide a cohesive regional voice and advocate for government investment to unlock funding and policy reforms that maximises the economic potential of Far North Queensland.
Collaborate closely with our members to actively propel support for transformative initiatives and catalytic projects.
Engage with industry to execute the region's economic development strategy, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.
Connect members through high-value events and networking opportunities designed to inform and foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Advocacy in action
Securing commitments and investments by the state and federal governments, as well as private investors, highlights the power of collaborative advocacy. The achievements below are a selection of advocacy wins that demonstrate by working together, we can achieve significant outcomes that benefit the future of our region, not only for ourselves but also for our communities and future generations. Scan the QR code to learn more about our advocacy efforts and to access our latest publications.
CAIRNS TROPICAL ENTERPRISE CENTRE, JCU
Currently under construction, the $50m project forms part of the Far North Queensland Health and Innovation Precinct and will support 150+ jobs during construction.
Funding: $60m Australian Government ($50m CTEC, $10m land acquisition)
REGIONAL
TRADE DISTRIBUTION
CENTRE
The project provided 200+ jobs during construction, supports our vision to double high-value food exports by 2032 and a lynchpin investment in expanding our regional economy through trade.
Funding: $10m Queensland Government
ATHERTON HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT
The new Clinical Services Building provides vital services for the growing Tablelands community to ensure residents have access to the essential care they need.
Funding: $86.4m Queensland Government
CAIRNS HEALTH AND INNOVATION CENTRE
The Cairns Health and Innovation Centre will incorporate research, education and training facilities and will be part of the transition to Cairns University Hospital.
Funding: $60m Queensland Government
EDMONTON TO GORDONVALE DUPLICATION
The Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor project involved 200 million hours work by 300+ local suppliers and contractors. It brings major efficiencies to the region in the southern corridor.
Funding: $535m ($428.01m Australian Government + $106.99m Queensland Government)
CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE
The redevelopment is expected to bring 35,000 + delegates to Cairns and boost economy by $100m annually. It cements the region’s business events sector and adds depth to our leisure tourism offering.
Funding: $176m Queensland Government
Become a member
Advance Cairns members are committed to securing a legacy of prosperity, and sustainable growth for Far North Queensland. Your membership will position you alongside industry leaders and local governments across the region, demonstrating the power of working with a shared vision showcasing and a commitment to moving beyond talk and into action. The extent of your engagement is ultimately up to you, but this is an opportunity to be part of major strategic discussions that are shaping our region’s future.
Be part of the change and ensure your voice is heard by joining the region's leading advocacy organisation. Contact CEO Jacinta Reddan at 07 4080 2900 or ceo@advancecairns.com to discuss the benefits of membership. Stay updated on our activities and events by following us on social media and signing up to our e-newsletters.
CONTRIBUTE TO REGIONAL GROWTH THROUGH ADVOCACY AND POLICY CHANGE
Advocacy remains central to our mission. We forge strong collaborations with our members, strategic partners, and the wider business community to deliver unified and impactful outcomes.
Drive government support for catalytic projects and vital policy change, using your voice to secure a prosperous future for Far North Queensland.
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS EVENTS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with influential leaders and fellow members at our events to broaden your network and gain critical member intelligence.
As a member you will receive one complimentary ticket to all events, workshops, and networking sessions, as well as discounts for additional member attendees.
UNLOCKING PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY
Members form a dynamic, connected business community, ready to capitalise on opportunities and enhance the region's prosperity.
Link your business to transformative projects by participating in trade missions, delegations, and ministerial roundtables, paving the way for successful tenders and investment ventures that will unlock the economic potential of Far North Queensland.
Membership levels
PRICES ARE FOR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FROM 1 JULY 2024 (INCLUSIVE OF GST)
* Community Membership reserved for not-for-profit, community based groups and social enterprises.
Invitations to member events
One (1) complimentary ticket to general member events
Receive all communications
Use of Advance Cairns member logo
Opportunity to host ‘member to member’ roundtables
Voting rights at Annual General Meeting
Eligible for Board nomination
Eligible for Advisory Council nominations
Invitations to join delegations and trade missions
Contribute to regional strategy
Invitations to private meetings with senior politicians and officials
Opportunity to host an Advance Cairns networking event (additional cost)
Opportunity to be a key spokesperson/ industry expert on relevant media issues
Includes Advisory Council membership
Drive regional strategy
Access signature events with senior politicians
Profiled at one (1) membership event per annum (option to present)
Participation in key parliamentary visits
Eligible to present to national /international investors and government
Pull-up banner / logo recognition on all communications and at all events
Opportunity to promote business to the Advance Cairns member database
Entitled to appoint one (1) representative as a Board Director
Our members
PLATINUM MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
PREMIER MEMBERS
Alive Pharmacy Warehouse
Brilliant Technologies
CQUniversity
Halpin Partners Accountants
Norship
Sea Swift
Skytek
TAFE Queensland
GENERAL AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
AAB Equipment
Access Community Housing Company
AFL Cairns
AFL Cape York House Foundation
Air Freight Handling Services
Anglicare North Queensland
ANZ
Aurecon Australasia
Babinda Electrics
BDO
Big Cat Green Island
Brazier Motti
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Cairns Aviation Skills Centre
Cairns Bank
Cairns Convention Centre
Cairns COUCH Ltd
Cairns Private – Ramsay Health
Cairns Wholesale Paint
CaPTA Group
Catholic Education Services Cairns
CBRE
Chapman Group
Cook Shire Council
Crystalbrook Collection Cairns
CSF Industries
Dawsons Engineering
Downer Group
Elite Executive
EMBECA
Energy Queensland
Experience Co.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation
FGF Developments
Flinders Shire Council
Fowler’s Group
GHD
Grant Thornton
Haz-Elec Industries
HEH Civil
Herron Todd White Cairns
Hilton Hotel
Holding Redlich
Jet Zero Australia
Launch Y(E)P
Mac Farms
MacDonnells Law
MAF International
Maxitool
MiHaven
Miller Harris Lawyers
Mission Consulting Solutions
MSF Sugar
nbn Co
Tropical Reef Shipyard
Westco Motors Cairns
Norsta Maritime
Pacifica Chartered Accountants
Peters Bosel Lawyers
Power & Data Support Services
PVW Partners
Queensland X-Ray
Rattle + Hum
Reef & Rainforest Research Centre
Richard Ireland Pty Ltd
SBJ Joint Venture
Scyne Advisory
Selectability Cairns
Shangri-La Hotel
Skytrans
Tablelands Regional Council
Tallangalook Shorthorns & Santa Gertrudis
Terrain NRM
The Benson Hotel
The Reef Hotel Casino
The Wallace Family
Trinity Anglican School
Ventia
Watpac Construction
Westpac
WGC Lawyers
Member list as of June 2024. Visit our website for updated information.
RICHARD BARKER
SHARON DAWSON Chief Executive Officer, Cairns and Mackay Airports
Cairns Airport is a member of Advance Cairns because we find it to be very effective at gaining access to high level federal and state politicians, which enables us as a region to speak with one voice. When it relates specifically to aviation, Cairns Airport advocates for our aviation partners, rather than the airport itself. The current campaign for the Common User Hangar is a good example. The beneficiaries are smaller companies who do not have the financial resources to build new hangar space without support. Advance Cairns provides a platform for smaller and medium sized businesses to gain access that they would struggle to achieve on their own.
Chief Executive Officer and Director, Dawsons Group of Companies
Our membership at Advance Cairns is not about what direct benefit Dawsons can derive, it's not transactional or service based. We're members because I have a fundamental belief that a rising tide floats all boats. And what is good for the broader regional economy is good for all of us. Advance Cairns provides the apolitical voice and platform for our region to advocate to all levels of government on transformational infrastructure, business levers and economic enablers. We're helping to grow the pie!
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND NEEDS STRONG VOICES TO GUIDE OUR REGION TO CONTINUED SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION AND HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD BY JOINING THE REGION'S LEADING ADVOCACY ORGANISATION.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
Advance Cairns acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.