General News
13 January, 2026
Hardware store to hire 140
A DEVELOPMENT application for a third large Bunnings store in the Cairns region at Edmonton has been lodged with the regional council.
The $41 million store is proposed for a sugar cane paddock on the corner of the Bruce Highway and Swallow Rd.
A Bunnings spokeswoman said the new store would represent an investment of more than $41m, spanning more than 12,900sqm and create about 140 new operational jobs in the local community. It is also expected to create 120 construction jobs.
“The proposed new store would feature the latest store layout, nursery, a timber trade drive through and parking for around 260 cars,” she said.
“We look forward to working with the authorities throughout the DA process”.
Property Projects Australia (PPA), acting for Bunnings Group Ltd, has filed the development application with the council to transform the site.
The project will involve significant traffic flow changes and includes the construction of a new road that will connect Swallow Rd to future industrial developments further south as well as a new roundabout at the Swallow Rd and Hargreaves St intersection.
Land along the site’s western boundary is earmarked as a future state transport corridor for potential highway upgrades.
PPA said there had been “positive pre-lodgement feedback” provided by both the council and the State Assessment and Referral Agency prior to the application being lodged.
“The key driver for this project is to establish a facility which brings one of Australia’s most trusted brands to an emerging area,” their application said.
“This development will be beneficial for local industry by providing access to a wide range of hardware and trade supplies.
“This sector continues to experience strong growth and a high level of demand is predicted within Cairns.
“While traditionally specialising in hardware, the sector now caters for a wider aspect of the home improvement market from do-it-yourself customers to commercial builders and contractors,” PPA said.
The application said Bunnings would participate in and contribute to the local economy with community groups raising money through sausage sizzles and employees involved in hands-on projects and activities with local schools and community groups, painting and maintenance projects and creating vegetable and herb gardens.
The hours of trading are proposed for between 6am and 9pm, seven days a week.
