Advocacy
Advance Cairns plays a pivotal role in shaping government policies and decisions as a trusted, non-partisan advocate for Cairns and the wider Far North Queensland region. We achieve this by developing strategic policy positions that drive regional growth and development, championing the interests of Far North Queensland, and enhancing the influence of our members and partners.
Our priorities at Advance Cairns are the result of comprehensive consultations with regional stakeholders, our members, and the broader business community, as well as engagement with all three levels of government. These priorities are essential for unlocking the full potential of Far North Queensland and ensuring sustainable regional advancement.
Far North Queensland, the most populous region in Northern Australia and boasting one of the most diverse regional economies nationwide, continues to play an outsized role in contributing to the prosperity of Queensland.
No region in Australia is more internationally connected than Cairns and Far North Queensland; our geographic proximity and unique connections to the Asia Pacific and beyond are what truly makes Cairns Australia’s most global regional city. It is this proximity which provides the opportunity to capitalise on our world class produce and exports as well as advances in aviation technology, further deepening and strengthening these international connections.
Tropical North Queensland’s unique advantages brings with it increasing population pressures requiring strategic investments into health, regional connectivity and food, water, and housing security that will sustain us to 2034 and beyond. The priorities outlined below enable the region to enhance its liveability, sustain a growing population and foster economic growth while continuing to play host to millions of national and international tourists. By 2032, the region will require an additional 65,000 beds to provide for tourists alone. And tourists and residents alike depend on secure and safe water supply, reliable connectivity and access to health services.
How we invest and plan for our future is critical to ensure a prosperous, climate resilient future.
These priorities, supported by government, will be fundamental in delivering a prosperous future for the Far North Queensland region.
Submissions and publications
FY2025-26
2025 Northern Australia Economic Reform Roundtable
(Submitted in August 2025)
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FY2024-25
2025 Federal Election Priorities
(Submitted in March 2025)
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Roadmap 2035: A Framework to Strengthen Far North Queensland
(Published in February 2025)
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2025-26 Federal Budget Submission
(Submissed in February 2025)
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2025-26 Queensland Budget Submission
(Submissed in February 2025)
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2024 Queensland Election Priorities
(Submitted in September 2024)
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FY2023-24
2024 Tropical North Queensland Priorities: Brisbane Delegation - Delivering a Sustainable Future
(Submitted in February 2024)
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2024-25 Queensland Budget Submission
(Submitted in March 2024)
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2024-25 Federal Budget Submission
(Submitted in January 2024)
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2024-25 Queensland Budget Submission
(Submitted in November 2023)
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FY2022-23
2023-24 Budget Submissions
(Submitted February 2023)
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Federal Budget Submission (August 2022)
FY2021-22
Federal Budget Submission (February 2022)
Regional Priorities (Februrary 2022)
Queensland Budget Submission (March 2022)
FY2020-21
Federal Budget Submission (February 2021)
Queensland Budget Submission (February 2022)
FY2019-20
Federal Budget Submission (February 2020)
Queensland Budget Submission (February 2020)
Queensland Election Priorities (July 2020)
Invest Cairns: World's eyes on tropical jewel (November 2019)
Northern Australian Alliance Priorities (November 2019)
FY2018-19
Federal Budget Submission (February 2019)
Queensland Budget Submission (March 2019)
