Cairns Marine Precinct

The Cairns Marine Precinct is a critical enabler of the Far North Queensland economy and is central to building a sustainable, diversified future for the region. A leading maritime maintenance, repair and overhaul destination for vessels nationally and internationally, the precinct is home to a large and diverse marine sector including Defence and Border Force, a world-renowned tourism-reef fleet, commercial fishing and shipping, specialist boat builders and an active cruising yacht squadron, while also playing host to superyachts and cruise liners visiting the region. The precinct also offers education and training pathways delivered by the TAFE Great Barrier Reef International Marine College which are building the workforce for the future as well as playing a key role in capacity building across the Pacific.

Benefits to the region

Greater integration and collaboration between the Department of Defence and defence industry.
Support and create increased sovereign capability and strong and resilient supply chains.
Support industry through provision of long-term continuous sustainment programs.

Maritime Common User Facility

The Cairns Marine Precinct (CMP) faces soaring demand globally and locally for its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, operating at full or near capacity.

To address this, both federal and state governments pledged $360m for a Common User Facility (CUF) to bolster CMP's capabilities, crucial for future defense and maritime industry growth. Urgent collaboration is needed to expedite the CUF's delivery, securing ample funding for the project.

This initiative gains significance amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, emphasising the Indo-Pacific engagement focus. Rapid action is imperative to capitalise on the CMP's potential and meet the escalating market demand in the evolving global landscape.

Funding
This project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 50:50 basis. Works were set to commence in late 2023, weather and other circumstances permitting. Accelerated delivery is required.

Australian Government
$180 million
Queensland Government
$180 million
Australian Government
$180 million
Queensland Government
$180 million

TAFE Queensland Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

The TAFE Queensland Great Barrier Reef International Marine College, located within the Cairns Marine Precinct, continues to expand its range of industry-leading marine training capabilities, offering domestic and international students specialised maritime training, including the delivery of Defence’s Pacific Maritime Training Services.

The provision of mandatory training for mariners across commercial and defence vessels, a material maritime skills shortage and the anticipated training required to support Regional Maintenance Centre North East, combine to see the current campus unable to meet growing demand.

In the 2023-24 Queensland Budget, the government committed $16m to deliver an extra 2,675m² for a new workshop, additional classrooms, staff facilities and a boat shed as well as increased training opportunities.

Funding
This project was funded by the Queensland Government. Construction expected to commence in Q1 2024 with completion by mid-2025.

Queensland Government
$16 million
Queensland Government
$16 million

Defence & Defence Industry

HMAS Cairns, Australia’s northernmost naval base on the eastern seaboard, plays a crucial role in national defence and security, supporting over 900 Navy and civilian personnel. With the recent Defence Strategic Review (DSR) highlighting the need to upgrade northern bases, the Australian Government has committed $240 million to expand HMAS Cairns to accommodate new Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels.

However, the defence industry faces uncertainty due to delays in releasing the Surface Fleet Review, which is vital for enabling industry preparation and maintaining Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities. Expedited clarity and engagement are urgently needed to support future Defence operations.

Cairns Shipyard Investment

The Cairns Marine Precinct (CMP) is grappling with rapidly increasing demand both domestically and globally, pushing local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers to their limits. To address the anticipated market needs through 2055, the federal and state governments have committed $360 million towards the development of a maritime Common User Facility (CUF). While this investment promises significant growth opportunities for the region, the CUF is not expected to be operational until late 2028 at the earliest. Consequently, a $12 million investment is urgently needed to upgrade existing infrastructure and support the region’s three major shipyards in the interim. This funding would enhance the precinct's capacity to meet current demand, particularly with the ongoing regeneration of Australia's naval capabilities. Additionally, it would enable the Cairns Marine Precinct to maintain its critical role in supporting the national defence and maritime sectors while advocating for the home porting of at least four Offshore Patrol Vessels at HMAS Cairns.

Precinct map
Explore more

Office of the Pacific

Support and enhance government coordination and drive implementation of our regional activities with our Pacific neighbours.

National Land Transport Network

Improved connectivity between Cairns and the region’s agricultural production hubs on the Atherton Tablelands.

JCU Purpose-Built Student Accommodation

Promote continued growth in the education sector, increase economic diversification and address immediate housing needs of Cairns.