Is Cairns Booming or Busting? Economist Pete Faulkner's Real Outlook
Is Cairns heading for a decade of growth or are major structural constraints beginning to bite? In this deep-dive episode, we sit down with Economist Pete Faulkner of Conus Business Consultancy to unpack the real forces shaping the Cairns economy today and into the future.
With decades of experience analysing regional markets, working with councils, industry groups, and major businesses, Pete provides rare clarity on what’s actually happening underneath the headline numbers. Whether you’re an investor, business owner, or someone who wants to understand where Cairns is heading, this conversation breaks it all down in a clear, data-backed way.
From industry growth and AI disruption, to population forecasts, labour force dynamics, housing pressure and long-term economic resilience — this is one of the most comprehensive walkthroughs of the Cairns economy you’ll find.
🔑 Key Topics Covered
00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - Pete Faulkner's Career Background
04:08 - The State of the Cairns Economy Today & Its Evolution
05:11 - Cairns' Top Industry Sectors
08:08 - The Construction Sector & Housing Crisis
17:18 - Economic Diversification & Future Growth Sectors
19:36 - Cairns' Resilience: Pilot Strike vs. COVID-19
21:44 - The Impact of AI on the Economy & Regional Australia
29:32 - Population Growth Forecasts & Infrastructure Challenges
39:48 - Skilled Migration & Regional Development
45:55 - Final Advice: Antifragility & Embracing Change
📈 Cairns Economic Snapshot (2025)Recent data paints a picture of a region experiencing strong demand, tight labour conditions, and structural housing constraints, including:
Solid population growth driven by migration and lifestyle factors
Extremely tight rental market and limited housing stock
Expanding sectors including health, aviation, defence, education, and construction
Productivity pressure as labour shortages challenge business capacity
Increasing importance of data, digital tools, and AI in regional competitiveness
🤔 What Does This Mean for Investors & Business Owners?In this episode Pete breaks down:
• The industries that will shape the next decade• How AI may transform regional job markets• Why population forecasts matter — and what happens when governments get them wrong• The economic risk of underbuilding housing• Where the biggest opportunities lie for investors in Cairns and FNQ• The critical policy decisions that will influence long-term growth
If you’re researching the Cairns economy, the FNQ labour market, or are considering investing in regional Queensland, this episode gives you clarity, context, and confidence.
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📚 Disclaimer
This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research and seek guidance from qualified financial, legal, and economic professionals.
🏡 Need Help Buying Property in Cairns?
Chat with the team at The Buyers Co today. www.thebuyersco.com.au
