Growth of agricultural exports from FNQ through enhanced supply chains

Project locations: Cairns, Mareeba, Atherton, Mourilyan, Cooktown, Karumba, Weipa

Project partners: Advanced Cairns Limited ; Cairns Airport Pty Ltd ; Far North Queensland Corporation (Ports North) ; Air Freight Handling Services Pty Ltd ; Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) ; James Cook University ; Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC)

Project summary and impacts

This project examined how Far North Queensland (FNQ) could significantly increase agricultural exports by strengthening regional supply chains and improving access to international markets. Building on the region’s strong agricultural production base, the study focused on identifying opportunities to expand high-value food exports through more efficient freight, logistics and export infrastructure.

The research found that FNQ has substantial untapped export potential, particularly in Asian markets including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia. Analysis identified approximately $800 million in export opportunities across priority product categories including seafood, horticulture, tree crops, beef and vegetables, supported by growing demand for premium Australian food products.

A key focus of the project was understanding why significant volumes of Queensland-grown agricultural products were being exported through ports and airports outside Queensland rather than directly from FNQ. The study identified opportunities to improve export efficiency, reduce freight costs and strengthen regional supply chains by increasing the use of Cairns as an export gateway.

The project developed a roadmap to support the region’s “Export 2030” vision, including recommendations to secure additional air freight capacity, improve export readiness among producers, strengthen industry collaboration and support investment in enabling infrastructure such as the proposed Regional Trade Distribution Centre at Cairns Airport.

By identifying practical actions to improve supply chain coordination and export capability, the project provided a pathway for FNQ producers, exporters and industry stakeholders to capture greater value from international markets, support regional economic growth and position Far North Queensland as a leading exporter of premium agricultural products to Asia.