General News
30 September, 2025
Council’s $463m spend up
CAIRNS Regional Council spent a record $463 million locally in 2024/25.
The council said it supported over 4500 jobs and delivered a $1 billion impact to the region’s economy.
The annual State of Procurement Report showed that last financial year the local spend equalled 89% of the organisation’s total $519m expenditure, creating a “ripple effect” across the economy.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds told last week’s ordinary meeting that the result demonstrated just how critical the council was to the region’s prosperity.
“(The) council’s commitment to spending locally wherever possible means that we are keeping money in Cairns, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs,” he said. “When you combine (the) council’s expenditure to that of workers, businesses and industry re-spending locally, it creates a ripple effect to generate a further $615 million in indirect benefits – a total economic impact of over $1 billion.
“These figures highlight the vital role (the) council plays in building confidence and resilience across our economy and ensuring Cairns remains a strong, sustainable and thriving community.”
The report confirms that the council is one of the largest employers in Cairns, with more than 1300 staff, and a driver of growth across industries from construction to tourism.
“This is proof that (the) council is more than just roads, rates and rubbish, we are one of the largest and most reliable economic engines in Cairns,” Cr Olds said.
“By choosing local suppliers wherever possible, (the) council is helping build a stronger, more resilient Cairns’ economy.”
Other key highlights from the 2024/25 State of Procurement Report include:
Council activity facilitated 4545 local jobs – around 10 jobs for every $1 million spent
A total economic contribution of $1.078 billion, representing 4.6% of Cairns’ Gross Regional Product
Significant investment across employee wages, local services, and capital works projects such as transport, water, and community facilities
The local spend has grown steadily from $338 million in 2021/22 to this year’s $463 million.
