Far north to unlock potential of the Smart Green Economy

Cairns and Far North Queensland is leading the charge towards a smarter, greener economy.

With two World Heritage Sites on our doorstep and abundant renewable energy sources, the region is perfectly situated to unlock the full potential of green economic initiatives.

Cairns Regional Council has joined forces with industry leaders to shine a spotlight on the Far North’s smart green potential through a new website, case study videos and suite of promotional material.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the region was rich with world-class tropical expertise and innovation.

“From our lush rainforests to the sparkling Great Barrier Reef, the landscapes are our greatest assets in a smart green economy,” she said.

“We’ve got the expertise, innovation, and the green capabilities to match, with our smart green economy leading the transition to low-carbon, nature-positive practices.”

“Our location also provides unparalleled access to trade and international travel.”

Globally, green, sustainable and circular economies are forecast to inject significant economic benefits to regions.

According to the Global Commission on Economy and Climate, a new climate economy, based in part on circular economy principals, could deliver at least $37 trillion in global economic benefits by 2030.

In Australia, investment in renewable power is forecast to reach more than $186 billion by 2050 as the rate of new wind and solar entering the market increases to account for 92 per cent of all generation.

Cairns needs to ensure that it is well positioned to leverage global growth in the smart green economy to benefit from investment in this sector.

Advance Cairns CEO Jacinta Reddan said Cairns enjoys the unique advantages of being next to the world’s most precious natural assets.

“Our region’s potential to tap into the multi-billion-dollar global market of sustainable investment is real,” she said.

“The Smart Green Economy is a wonderful avenue to put Cairns and FNQ in the spotlight for green investing and builds on our global green brand.”

Regional Development Australia Tropical North CEO Sonja Johnson said everyone was working towards unlocking the region’s potential for growth.

“Our vision is for the Tropical North to be a thriving, smart green economic gateway to Asia and the Pacific,” she said.

“By positioning ourselves as a smart green economy, Cairns stands ready to benefit for growing investment in sustainability.”

At the heart of the Smart Green Economy are three key areas that promise to unlock value across the board:

Net Zero Energy Systems:

Cairns and FNQ are uniquely positioned to power the journey to net zero emissions. With abundant solar and wind resources, we’re ready to harness the energy of the tropics. Coupled with our strong manufacturing and research skills, we’re set to lead the way in deploying efficient, large-scale energy technologies.

Circular Economy Activation:

Across our region, circular economy initiatives are taking root. We’re seeing innovative solutions emerge—whether it’s turning waste into resources through manufacturing and construction or transforming food waste into valuable compost. Cairns and FNQ are showing how we can reduce, reuse, and recycle in ways that make economic and environmental sense.

Biodiversity & Carbon Markets:

As the demand for genuine climate action grows, buyers are increasingly looking for robust carbon credits. Our region’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty put us in a prime position to meet this demand. We’re not just participating in the carbon market; we’re setting the standard.

Cairns and FNQ are ready to seize the opportunities ahead, blending our rich heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

Smart Green Economy collaborators include:

Advance CairnsCairns AirportCairns Regional CouncilCitizens of the Great Barrier ReefCQUniversityDepartment of State Development and InfrastructureEnviroplas RecyclingFar North Queensland Regional Organisation of CouncilsGreen CollarJames Cook UniversityJet Zero AustraliaMSF SugarMungalli BiodynamicRegional Development Australia Tropical NorthTerrain NRMWet Tropics Management Authority