Invest in the Cassowary Coast

The Cassowary Coast is a prime location for business and lifestyle, offering vast natural beauty, strong industries, and exciting investment opportunities. Located between Cairns and Townsville, our region covers 4,700 square kilometres of coastline, waterways, national parks, and thriving towns. With a population of 31,000, we have a strong entrepreneurial spirit—94% of businesses are small businesses.

Why Invest Here?

The Cassowary Coast is open for business, welcoming industries that support economic growth and sustainability. We offer:

  • Untapped growth potential
  • Competitive business costs
  • Access to major transport networks (roads, air, ports, and rail)
  • A willing local workforce
  • Reliable energy and telecommunications
  • Affordable housing and an exceptional lifestyle

Learn more about investing in Queensland: Invest Queensland
Learn more about investing in Australia: Australian Trade Commission

 

 

Key Investment Opportunities

Our region is ideal for industries that align with sustainability, innovation, and tourism. Opportunities include:

  • Eco-resorts, hotels, and tourism ventures
  • Marine, air, and land-based tourist operations
  • Indigenous tourism, food, arts, and crafts
  • Renewable energy projects (bio-energy, hydro, etc.)
  • Agriculture and food processing (sugar, bananas, tropical crops)
  • Commercial and recreational marine and aviation infrastructure
  • Research, education, and training facilities
  • Retail, lifestyle, and aged-care developments

 

 

Development Incentives

A Development Incentive Scheme has been introduced to encourage investment in the Cassowary Coast region. Key benefits include:

  • 50% reduction in infrastructure charges for eligible developments
  • Applies to developments approved from 13 December 2016 and completed by 14 December 2018
  • Focus on commercial, industrial, and tourism projects, with some infill residential development

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to stimulate investment and support economic growth in the region.

Click here to review Council’s policy Reduction in Infrastructure Charges Policy(PDF, 546KB)
To request a reduction in infrastructure charges complete the Request Form for Reduction in Infrastructure Charges(PDF, 226KB)

 

 

Connect with Council

Need assistance? Contact our Economic Development Team at:

 

 

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