Investigating the potential of green industries

Published: 26 August 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Positioning Cairns and the Far North as the green capital of Australia could be the catalyst to unlock significant economic investment in the region.

Council today has endorsed the concept, outlined in the Cairns & FNQ: Becoming the Capital of the Smart Green Economy in Australia document.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said it was appropriate Council investigated the potential benefits of projects that could deliver economic returns as well as environmental and social dividends.

“Attitudes across the globe are changing; more and more decisions are being made not just based on economic benefits, but also the impacts to the environment,” Cr Manning said.

“Advances in technology mean that today, economic development and environmental management can complement each other.”

“Becoming the capital of the Green Economy in Australia could help diversify our economy, attract new private and public sector investment, and create jobs and economic growth,” Cr Manning said.

“Our region already has many competitive advantages in this area.

“We already have an international reputation as the gateway to two world heritage listed natural assets (the Great Barrier Reef and the wet tropic rainforest); we have an abundance of renewable energy resources; significant First Nations population with proven experience in natural resource management; and close proximity and connectivity to Asia and the Pacific.

“Leveraging these advantages and elevating Cairns and the Far North as leading Australia’s green economy, could deliver medium to long term economic returns, and grow innovation and diversification.”

Council will seek funding from the Queensland and Federal Governments to progress the proposed feasibility study outlined in the Cairns & FNQ: Becoming the Capital of the Smart Green Economy in Australia document.

See the full Cairns & FNQ: Becoming the Capital of the Smart Green Economy in Australia document at https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/building-planning-business/advocacy