Trade & Investment

Overview

RDA Tropical North connects regional businesses, councils and industry sectors with international trade partners, financial markets and potential investors.

The Far North Queensland region is the largest and fastest growing area in Northern Australia, with the highest number of registered businesses and the greatest number of people employed within the marine and aviation sectors. (FNQROC Economic Profile 2019). Unemployment is decreasing across the region with Cairns experiencing its lowest unemployment rate on record; employment growth was at 7.1% in March 2019 (Conus June 2019).

The region stretches from Cardwell to the tip of Cape York and across the Torres Strait to the Papua New Guinea. The region features two world heritage listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Key regional industries include tourism, agriculture, mining, health, education, marine, aviation and construction and Gross Regional Product (GRP) is estimated at $15.21 billion (National Institute of Economic and Industry Research 2018).

Major Infrastructure

Cairns International Airport
Two major universities – James Cook University and Central Queensland University
National and state highway system
Nine ports
Cairns Convention Centre
Freight and passenger rail services

FNQ Trade and Investment Group

Co-chaired by Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ) and Regional Development Australia Tropical North, FNQTIG provides an opportunity to develop initiatives supporting greater trade and investment outcomes and collaboration across Far North Queensland. Core members include local government, representative agencies from state government and organisations with a significant interest in trade and investment.

Enquire About Joining The Group