We sincerely thank our below major centenary sponsors for committing and contributing to the success of our centenary celebrations in 2009. What a great year of celebrations!

1909 - 1918	1979 - 1988	1989 - 1998	1999 - 2008

1909 - 2009 History
Download the complete 100 year history of the Cairns Chamber in text, as researched by Gary Schofield.

Official records of the Cairns Chamber extend back to the adoption of the present constitution in 1909.

The following precis of events since that date gives an insight into matters with which the Chamber has been associated over the years.

1872- opening of the Cardwell – Gulf telegraph line 
1876- Post Office opened in Cairns 
1885- Parliament decides to build inland railway from Cairns, up the Barron Gorge to Herberton
1886 - meeting of most of the mercantile firms in region on Thursday 6^th May, 1886 with view to forming Chamber of Commerce to press for the dredging of a deep channel through Trinity Bay into the Port- commencement of Cairns-Herberton railway 
1888- Cairns – Redlynch telegraph line completed 
1908- development of Cairns Chamber of Commerce constitution 

1909-10. President, JAMES ALISON
- Adoption of Constitution of Cairns Chamber of Commerce - Representations furthering the interests of Cairns and District.

1911. President, P.J. DOYLE
- Prospective establishment of Sugar Mill at Babinda
- Completion of copper trunk telephone service between Cairns and Atherton.

1912. President, T. H. DONALDSON
- Authorisation for the construction of a railway line from Dimbulah to Mount Mulligan
- Entering of Cairns Harbour by overseas steamers in preference to the lightering of cargo from the anchorage.

1913. President, A. J. DRAPER
- Agitation for the extension of the North Coast railway from the Russell River to Innisfail
- Tenders called for the erection of a sugar mill at Babinda.

1914. President T. H. DONALDSON
First co-operative butter factory in Atherton Tableland firmly established with another expected to follow.

1915. President, S. H. WARNER
- 1200 feet of wharves and shed accommodation completed by the Cairns Harbour Board (now Cairns Port Authority)
- The Commencement of extension of the railway line between Cairns - Moolibah - Innisfail.

1916-1920. President, R. T. McMANUS
- Acquisation by the Government of the Mount Molloy railway line and Chillagoe undertaking
- Agitation for wireless station at Cairns - Representations for a meteorological station on the Willis Island Group
- Shipping beacons on Queensland coast
- Shortages railway rolling stock
- Additional telephone facilities between Cairns and Atherton Tablelands
- Railway Station and Goods shed improvements.- disclosed anomalies imposed upon country districts by Income Tax regulations

1921-22. President, H. J. JAMES
- Protection for timber industry against foreign competition
- Cairns as port of call for Gulf shipping
- Maize freight rates
- Affiliation with Associated Chambers of Commerce of Australia
- Deputation to Premier for completion of North Coast railway line.

1923. President, A. J. DRAPER
- Inauguration of by-weekly shipping service Melbourne/Cairns
- Encouragement of tourist trade
- Further agitation for wireless station
- Erection of Mareeba Bacon Factory.

1924-25. President, D. W. W. OLLEY
- Extension of Post Office
- Inauguration of three trains weekly service Brisbane/Cairns and completion of North Coast railway
- Agitation for a new Railway Station
- Disruption of Shipping
- Support for representations for harnessing of Barron Fails for power- Director of Tourist Bureau arrived in Cairns to complete arrangements for a branch of the department in Cairns

1926. President, G. A. CAMPBELL
- Representations for a Shark Industry in North Queensland
- Conference between Cairns and Innisfail Chambers for road connection
- Closure of Chillagoe Mines
- Concern over Etheridge railway
- Continued representations for Barron Falls Hydro-electric scheme
- Cairns Jubilee.

1927. President, A. J. DRAPER
- Repudiation of exaggerated reports re cyclone damage
- Support for opening up Palmerston area
- Support for Gillies Highway
- Contradication of statements of Hon. W. M. Hughes re: sugar industry
- Invitation to Mount Isa Mines to set up a refinery in Cairns in conjunction with hydro-electric scheme
- Agitation for roadway Cairns/Port Douglas.

1928-29. President, H.K.N. MacDONNELL
- Education of school children to Australian manufactured products
- Support of Cairns/Tableland Publicity Association
- Improved marine lighting at Fitzroy Island
- Re-opening of Chillagoe Smelters - Contruction of Automatic Telephone Exchange
- Formation of first aviation company in Cairns

1930. President, D.W.W. OLLEY
- Commencement of tourist seasons proper and four-day stay-over by passenger vessels
- Federal gold bonus
- Formation of Barron Falls Hydro-Electricity Board
- Opening of Mareeba tobacco lands- first itinerary published by Tourist Department provided for a short stay of steamers in Cairns and push by Chamber to allow steamers to stay for four days to allow tourists better opportunity of seeing the district

1931-33. President, N. E. P. DRAPER
- Completion of Cook Highway linking Cairns and Mossman
- Completion of Cairns/Innisfail all-weather-road
- Adverse Tobacco season
- Revival of mining industries- endeavour to obtain a regular shipping service between Cairns and United Kingdom- automatic telephone exchange opened in 932

1934-36. President, G. D. GUMMOW
- Heightening of railway bridges over Mulgrave, Tully and Herbert Rivers
- Opening of Barron Falls Hydro-Electric Scheme
- Commercial building expansion in Cairns
- Construction of Ravenshoe-Hughenden Highway.- Chamber’s first annual dinner in 1936

1937. President, N.E.P.DRAPER
- Cairns included as port of call in Australia/New Guinea Air service
- Preliminary investigation for National Broadcasting Station.

1938-41. President, R.E.G. FOGARTY
- Inadequate defence of North Queensland
- commencement of Cairns-Kuranda road in 1939
- Exploitation of abandoned copper fields
- Power alcohol manufactured in North Queensland
- Overseas shipping from port of Cairns
- Improved conditions for tobacco industry
- Proposed establishment of war production factories in North Queensland.

1942-44. President, D. HEADRICK
- Re-opening of State Schools
- Railage of store cattle from Gulf and Peninsula centres
- Release of spare parts for farm machinery - Protests regarding the closure of Chillagoe State Smelters
- Successful conference of northern bodies re post-war projects for North Queensland.

1945-46. President, S.E. McKEWEN
- Representations re new railway station at Cairns
- Development of tourist trade
- Technical training Cairns District
- Desirability of improved shipping service
- Extension of coastal highways.

1947-49. President, J.R. WARNER
- Protests re inadequate shipping services to North Queensland
- Representations for the re opening of Chillagoe Smelters
- Overseas shipment of meat from Cairns
- Protest against the proposed nationalisation of Banks
- Protest meeting re industrial unrest
- Establishment of a cement factory in North Queensland
- Reconditioning of Etheridge railway line
- Inequitable railway freights
- Direct overseas shipment via Torres Straits route.

1950-52. President, E. CLIVE WILLIAMS
- Appointment of Cairns as port of registry under the Imperial Merchant Shipping Acts
- Survey of industrial potential
- Taxation relief for country residents
- Shortage of building materials
- Advent of the "Sunlander"
- Representations for high standard hotel accommodation
- Migrant selection
- Decentralisation.

1953-55. President, T.J. WATKINS
- Formation of Cairns Junior Chamber
- Visit of Her Majesty the Queen
- Reception tendered to Prime Minister of Australia
- Protests against closure of Cooktown Aeradio
- Waterfront protests
- Cairns publicity per Redex Motor Trial
- Opening of New Railway Station.

1956-58. President, W.M. WARNER
- Completion of Burdekin high level bridge
- Commencement at Cairns of Olympic Torch Relay
- Sale of M.V. "Manunda"
- Christmas Christian shop display and postage stamps
- Ampol Motor Trials
- Decimal coinage representations
- Weipa development
- Death Duty relief- supported proposal for development of Marine Zoological Gardens at Green Island- constitution amended to provide granting of Honorary Life Membership- lobbied for free transport for school children- Formation of a Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Far North Queensland
- Taxation equity for Fishing and Pearling Industries
- Opening of Tinaroo Irrigation and Tully Falls Hydro-Electricity Projects
- Widening of Gillies Highway
- Off-season tourist trade

1959-61. President, A.I. MEYERS
- Queensland Centenary Year of self-government in 1959 and commendation by then Premier Hon. G. F. R. Nicklin that Chambers' 1959 Annual Report publication was a worthwhile contribution to Queensland Centenary Year
- Dinner tendered to Queensland State Cabinet and deputations to Ministers re new jetty at Green Island and park reclamation on Cairns Esplanade
- Formation of Cairns Industrial Committee comprising representatives of Cairns Chamber, Trades and Labour Council and Australian Workers Union presided over by Deputy Premier Hon. K. J. Morris
- Representations for National Disaster Relief Scheme
- Inaugural race meeting of Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club
- Negotiations with Department of Civil Aviation for suitable site for a commemorative structure as a tribute to pioneering airman Mr. Tom McDonald and appeal for funds
- Representations for early installation of radar station on Saddle Mountain.
1960.
- Unveiling ceremony performed by Chamber President and Mayor of Cairns, Alderman S. D. E. Chataway, during Amateur Week of Tribute Structure at Cairns Airport to Mr. T. H. McDonald
- Cyclone warning station completed at Saddle Mountain
- Representations for and opening of Post Office at Mulgrave Road
- Tribute to Chamber on its part in having Decimal Coinage Commission set up
- Chamber acts as Liasion Officer between Minister for Labour and Industry and Cairns Industry Advisory Committee
- Former Cairns President, Mr. W. M. Warner elected as Inaugural President of Queensland Federation of Chambers of Commerce
1961.
- Representations to Minister for National Development and Queensland Minister for Main Roads for urgent priority for the construction of Beef Roads in Far North Queensland
- Contribution for a regional resources survey
- Protests over proposed closure of Cairns railway Work shops
- 120 colour transparencies of tourist attractions distributed through London Agent General and Southern Capital Cities
- President, A.I.Meyers, receives Life Membership on transfer from Cairns and Mr. W. M. Moloney elected President.

1962-65. President. W.M. MOLONEY
1962.
- Promotion of "offseason" tourist trade to Cairns District and purchase from Cairns Tourist Development Association of 500 copies of "Cairns and Beyond" for distribution
- Commencement of Cairns Regional Industrial Survey Endeavours to foster a cotton growing industry in Mareeba area
- Representations for a small boat harbour for Cairns
- Succesful Annual Conference of the Queensland Federation of Chambers of Commerce in Cairns
- Co-operation with Tourist Festival Committee asociated with opening of new jetty at Green Island
- Deputations that beef roads be constructed as all weather roads and for the development of the Herbert River Hydro-electricity Scheme
- The need for a pentropic battle group in Far North Queensland
- Co-operation in an appeal for funds for research to combat fatal stings of marine jelly fish
1963.
- Formation of the Cairns and District Travel League and inauguration of "Fun in the Sun" Festival in October
- Bob Dyer catches record Barracuda (481bs. 8ozs. - 201b line class) in Cairns waters
- Representations for the name Australian Dollar as the main decimal coinage title
- Support for the "People the North" movement and a contribution in excess of $600
- Assistance to the newly formed Atherton Tableland Chamber of Primary Industry and a contributionof $200 to assist finance a trade mission to Papua New Guinea.
1964.
The activities of the City of Cairns and to a lesser degree this Chamber can be best summarised by "Cairns in Pictures 1964" taken from the Chamber's Annual Report publication
1965.
- played leading role in the formation of the Far North Queensland Promotion Bureau Ltd to carry out professional promotion of development of the region- Further contributions for the "People of The North" movement and for the furtherance of trade between the Atherton Tableland and Papua New Guinea
- The successful introduction of decimal currency in Australia
- Extension of the length of the Cairns Aerodrome main runway following upon representations to a Parliamentary committee in 1964
- Representations for a coastal road link between Mossman and Cooktown
- Concern over non-availability for funds for construction of a Cairns Cultural Centre
- The desirability for a survey to be undertaken for the creation of new states in Queensland.

1966-67. President, S.A. WATKINS
1966.
- Big Game Fishing firmly established at Cairns with World Record Marlin catch of 10641bs.
- Chamber Annual Report depicts "Game Fishing" Opening of Cairns Television Station FNQ 10 Chamber Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. J. V. Donnelly draws up a constitiution and seeks pledges of financial support for a Development Bureau for Cairns and District
- Introduction of luncheon meetings on a quarterly basis
- Successful representations for improved access and amenities at the Chillagoe Limestone Caves
- Sponsorship of Buy Queensland Made Campaign in Cairns
- Representations for progressive improvements to Bruce Highway and advice that completion was scheduled for 1970
- Examination of proposal for night shopping in Cairns
1967
- Major needs of city highlighted as construction of adequate Civic Centre, the provision of a boat harbour, deepening of shipping channel and esplanade reclamation
- Value of building construction increases by 33 1/3%
- Formation of Cairns Regional Development Bureau and over $5000 channeled to Bureau through Chamber's Development Fund
- Production of major army landing craft and establishment of first marine dry dock in Cairns
- Support for recommendations of the Committee of Investigation into Transportation Costs in Northern Australia
- Representations to effect a price rise for the sugar industry
- tribute function to Senator K. J. Morris
- Opening of Bethlehem Home for the Aged featured in Chamber Annual Report.

1968-72. President, V.J. DONNELLY
1968.
- Representations for government financial assistance to Queensland Development Bureau
- Opposition to proposed airline passenger head tax
- Support for Cairns District Fire Prevention League and the Cairns Civil Defence Organisation
- 8th Annual Conference of Queensland Chambers of Commerce held in Cairns and Mr. W. M. Moloney elected as President
- Representations for suitable commemoration planning for 1970 celebrations marking the 200th Anniversary of Captain Cook's voyage of discovery.
1969
- Representations for the need for control of foreign participation in the prawing industry in the Torres Straits and Gulf of Carpentaria
- The need for decentralisation of industry to provincial areas of Queensland
- Support for litter control in Cairns
- Prohibition of oil drilling leases on Great Barrier Reef
- Tribute function to retiring Town Clerk Mr. C. de G. Williams.
1970
- Support for formation of Far North Queensland Tourist Authority
- tribute editorial in "The Cairns Post - quoted extract 'For many years the Cairns Chamber of Commerce has given enlightened guidance on matters of public interest" - Assistance to Naval Personnel Investigation Committee in the establishment of a Naval Patrol Boat Base in Cairns
- Inaugural reception banquet for Brisbane Chamber Northern Air Tour
- Georgetown Centenary Celebrations
- Representations for traffic lights in main city area
- Opposition to proposal to centralise through Capital City ports of export of meat and non-bulk cargoes
- Chamber luncheon meetings introduced on a monthly basis
- Review of Chamber action taken on decentralisation and regional development.
1971
- Tribute Functions to former Chamber President Mr. W. M. Moloney and to former Mayor of Cairns, Mr. 5. D. E, Chataway
- Contribution to cost of a survey on unemployment in Far North Queensland
- representations for noise abatement from low flying aircraft
- Steering Committee elected to press the need for an Institute of Technology for the Cairns area
- Cairns annual building permits increase to $9,484,918.
1972
- Establishment of a Board of Tourism and Travel within the Far North Queensland Development Bureau
- Concern expressed over drug usage in Australia and need for greater drug trafficking penalties
- Initial investigations for a town mall in the city area
- Need for the removal of legal barriers mitigating against the formation of new states in Australia
- Royal Flying Doctor Service commences operations in Cairns.- need for establishment of tertiary facility in Cairns

1973-82. President, G. W. WEIR
1973
- Cairns annual building permits climb to $13,372,457
- Chamber constitution updated
- support for the retention of the Cairns Regional Electricity Board area as an additional zone for electricity administration and supply
- Re-awakened agitation for a national disaster fund
- Support for an investigation for a locally constructed dredge to replace the dredge Trinity Bay
- Cairns Civic Centre becomes a reality.
1974
- Chamber submission and support by Far North Queensland organisations for an Institute for Advanced Education in Cairns
- Concern expressed over Australian economy and government policies
- Support for Harbour Board (now Cairns Port Authority) submission for improved prawn trawler facilities in Cairns
- survey taken on proposed shopping mall
- Apparent deferment of legislation for re-organisation of electricity boards
- Information seminar on new Trade Practices Act.
1975
- Joint submissions by Far North Queensland Development Bureau, Cairns Harbour Board, Cairns City Council, Mulgrave Shire Council and Cairns Chamber for establishment of Australian Maritime College and College of Advanced Education at Cairns
- Chamber representation on Cairns Drug Action Committee
- Submission to Senate on aspects of employment of aborigines
- Renewed presentations for the total abolition of Payroll Tax
- Concern over apparent abuses of unemployment benefits- PT Freeport sets Cairns as its major Australian buying base for its mine in Irian Jaya, Indonesia 
1976
- opposed proposed increases in Storm and Tempest Insurance premiums- advocated for new dredge- hosted 19^th Annual Conference of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Far North Queensland to discuss Gulf/Cape road upgrades, opposition to curtailment of Taxation Advisory Tours, replacement dredge, urgent requirement for National Disaster Insurance Scheme, standardization of traffic rules throughout Australia, elimination of financial hardship to Coen area- met with Premier of Queensland for hearing regarding industrial dispute at Collinsville Power Station- host of 16^th Annual Conference of the Federation of Queensland Chambers of Commerce to discuss extension of bank opening hourse, development of Queensland’s hydroelectric power resources, need for legislation to control unreasonable and unwarranted strike action, urgent need to upgrade roads in Gulf/Cape
1977
- lobbying for increase in police manpower- support of proposal to improve port facilities for Australian Navy
1979
- successful lobbying of Queensland Industrial Concillation and Arbitration Commission for late night shopping which commenced 6^th December, 1979- commencement of annual presentation to top apprentice in the Cairns area- facilitated trade mission to Mt Isa and Alice Springs- investigated feasibility of a Crematorium in Cairns
1980
- met with Federal Minister for Transport and support for introduction of legislation to form a Statutory body to achieve local ownership of the Cairns Airport.- successful submission to Federal Government for taxation concessions relating to superannuation contributions
1981
- Chamber Secretariat services taken over by WS Cummings Economic Research Services
1982
- successful fundraising to aide research at James Cook University into box jelly fish- completion of Pacific International Hotel- introduction of new fast passenger catamarans reducing trip time to the reef to 40 mins- completion of Aquarius luxury strata title unit development- culmination of coordination between Chamber and Central City Promotions Group to bring about the establishment of a pedestrian mall for the city centre 

1983-87 President, A.C.MCPHERSON
1983 
- culmination of support to Port Authority for long distance international flights into Cairns with imminent opening of $37 million major extensions to the airport leading to the celebration of the arrival of the first Qantas Boeing 747B Jumbo and 20 scheduled international aircraft movements a week- instigation of police foot patrols in the central business area and guidance of Lions club with “Speak Up” campaign to assist with crime prevention- lobbying for cartage of sugar by road and subsequent upgrades to Mulgrave Road, construction of a heavy duty access road and research into the relocation of the railway marshalling yards- formalization of policy to meet with local members of parliament and visiting ministers- hosted Brisbane Chamber of Commerce Northern Air Tour Group- achievement of increase in police manpower- discussed coordination of approach to the promotion of Cairns airport- continued pursuit of road development in the region- Chamber makes submission to government for university campus in region
1984
- provided assistance to Far North Queensland Promotion Bureau - opening of new international airport in March, handling 430,000 passengers a year - launch by NQEA of four new naval Fremantle class patrol boats- refit by Tropical Reef Shipyards of the 1400 tonne US fishing vessel, Cindy Ann 
1985
-prepared submission on the case for development of tertiary education facilities in the region and subsequent formation of the FNQ Tertiary Education Committee- reorganization and progressive recovery of Far North Queensland Promotion Bureau- formation of Cairns Tourist Association and Mulgrave Tourist Trust- formation of Taxation Sub Committee and subsequent report submitted to government to avoid undue impositions being placed on the north
1986
-successful establishment of  University Campus in Cairns and call for support to establish a permanent campus
- met with Townsville Chamber of Commerce- instigation of foot patrols by Police on city streets
- visit to Tokyo Chamber of Commerce- identified lack of catering for after-hours shopping facilities for tourists and further submission to Government for permanent flexible trading hours
- visit to Papua New Guinea
- lobbying for Dengue Fever control
- Cairns International Trade Centre formed
- Chamber employs full time Secretary, Mr Peter Kendall
- celebrated Centenary year since original inception in 1886
- NQEA completes construction of Australia’s first commercial hovercraft
- multi-million dollar expansion and modernization of The Cairns Post
- development of Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda
- East-West airlines expands routes to include direct Cairns-Brisbane flights 
1987
- proposals for development of an international spaceport near Weipa, gathered momentum
- Trinity Wharf complex completed
- commencement of university level courses by James Cook University using TAFE facilities
- concern over proposals in the Cameron Report on road funding
- publication of break and enter cases
- visited Townsville Chamber of Commerce
- retail trading hours extended 

1988-2000 President, F.B.HAMER
1988
- State Govt established the Cape York – North Queensland Enterprise Zone to maximize the spin off from the Spaceport by offering incentives to manufacturing industries
- World Expo 88 in Australia
- region experiencing incredible growth in construction, primary industry diversification, visitor numbers, trade opportunities and capital investment- official incorporation of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce
- opposed proposed Cairns airport curfews during this stage of city’s development
- supported Cairns Port Authority’s plans to upgrade airport, install radar and develop air cargo handling facilities
- supported proposed direct North Queensland-Singapore shipping services
- supported moves by Central Business District to extend shopping hours
- push for improved airport’s money changing facilities and taxi services - produced business directory targeted at Papua New Guinea
- opposed maritime union demands on coastal cargo and tourism shipping
- opposed unjustified levies on horticultural exports
- attended Space Base Symposium in Brisbane and representatives from Cairns inspected space industry facilities in USA
- push for upgrade to infrastructure to support Space Base and offered support to government for State Economic Strategy and Enterprise Zone initiatives
- fund raising for university campus separate from TAFE
- supported development proposals for new railway site but opposed closure of Aplin Street 
1989
- domestic pilots dispute caused considerable disruption to scheduled operations
- collapse of John Burke Shipping led to oversupply of waterfront workers 
1990
- Comalco investigating feasibility of building a refinery to process bauxite into alumina
- development of RAAF Sherger Air Base near Weipa
- Chamber makes official submission appealing for major upgrade of maritime and technical training facilities
- funding available for development of major university facilities in Cairns
- rise in traffic from Asia, particularly Japan
- Australia experiencing recession
- opening of Orchid Plaza and The Pier Marketplace
- completion and opening of new International Airport
- $400 million Tully/Millstream Hydro-Electricity Scheme
- heavy lobbying by Chamber to progress development of the university campus and TAFE facilities
- demise of Cape York North Queensland Enterprise Zone and move to guide the region’s participation in the replacement, Regional Projects Investment Program
- support for dredging operations to widen Cairns port shipping channel
- businesses oppose introduction of daylight saving
- representation made in support of casino licence for Cairns 
1991
- Qantas announced its intention to make Cairns a major hub in its operations
- Garuda Indonesia commenced services Bail and Jakata services
- Ansett Air Freight doubles freight capacity and implements cargo automation system
- consideration being given to develop major cold store facilities at airport
- Cairns Port Authority rebuilding old wharves, installing major gantry crane and rearranging existing equipment
- Solomon Airlines commenced flights into Cairns
- commencement of Garuda Airlines services
- Chamber opposes new Mulgrave Shire Town Planning proposals 
1992
- Cairns Diagnostic Imaging opens in Cairns providing latest diagnostic services to Cairns and the Pacific Rim
- NQEA produces 6 Low Wash catamaran ferries for New South Wales Transit Authority 
1993
- commencement of Cairns casino complex
- proposal released for Cairns Convention Centre
- redevelopment planned for Stockland Earlville Shoppingtown
- plans for Cairns Centre project (now called Cairns Central)
- proposed Skyrail cableway along Kuranda range
- Pollards installed new 9.35 meter galvanizing kettle
- local tourism affected with recession in Japan
- Chamber holds “Future Cairns” seminar to guage business opinion for response to State Government’s “Far North Queensland Urban Growth and Transport Management Strategies” draft discussion paper
- Chamber and Business Educators Association of Queensland monitored curriculum changes in Queensland State Schools
- commencement of redevelopment of No. 8 Wharf and the Marlin Jetty
- Cairns Chamber, FNQPB and DIBIR produce “The Cairns/Far North Queensland Yearbook Database”
- Far North Queensland Development Council operations absorbed into Chamber 
1994
- Cairns Chamber establishes Cairns Area Mining Industry Task Force to promote the Cairns area as a major mining industry supply and service centre 
1995
- commencement of development of James Cook University’s Cairns campus
- private university plans are still proposed
- opening of Skyrail project 
1996
- Opening of Reef Hotel Casino and Cairns Convention Centre
- completion of extensions to Stockland Earlville and Smithfield Shopping Centres
- Cairns Central shopping centre and Oasis Hotel under construction
- Chamber forms Cairns International Trade Centre to promote the region’s exports of goods and services
- Chamber releases report on Draft Wet Tropics Management Plan
- Cairns Area Mining Industry Task Force releases Scoping Study of mining industry
- NQEA produces large shallow draft barge to transport ore from MacArthur River Mine
- gas pipeline proposed between Papua New Guina and Cape York
- President of the United States, Bill Clinton, stays in Port Douglas and makes major international statement on the environment 
1997
- Naval hydrographic survey vessels built in Cairns by NQEA, will be homeported in Cairns, consolidating Cairns as one of Australia’s four major naval operations centres
- Cairns International Trade Centre hosts first Asia Pacific Resource Development Conference alongside  Mining & Petroleum Supply Expo
- Chamber commissioned first study into tertiary education in North Queensland with recommendation that Cairns Campus of JCU be upgraded to the status of a University College
- Formation by the Chamber of the Far North Queensland Business Chamber
- appointment of Supreme Court Judge to city and upgrade of city from District level to full Registry level
- support for development of southern end of Esplanade foreshore
- support for proposed development of stadium to host National Basket Ball League
- closure of tax office in area
- Chamber nominated as Regional Certifying Body for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme by the Department of Immigration
- world famous Tjapukai Dance theatre opens
- Cairns International Airport undergoes further expansion
- new international services commenced from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Seoul 
1998
- successfully lobbied for petroleum major Chevron established corporate centre in Cairns
- hosted Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum
- Continental Micronesia commenced Cairns-Guam service
- Flight West commenced direct flights to Papua New Guinea
- support for technology park near James Cook University
- major film production. ‘The Thin Red Line’, filmed in North Queensland
- James Cook University expanded to meet student demand
- Cairns’ visitor numbers affected by Asian economic downturn
1999
- completion of $30million expansion of Cairns Convention Centre
- planning proceeded for Esplanade and Cityport developments
- Chamber moved to 51 The Esplanade, Cairns
- submissions sought for proposals to revitalize the city’s Central Business District
- entry of Cairns Taipans into National Basketball League
- PNG Gas Project proposed
- Cairns welcomes visit by Concorde supersonic plane
- Cairns Seaport consolidates its position as Australia’s Number Two cruise port
2000
- major success for Chamber with push into Guam
- discussions on Nullinga Dam regional water reserve- construction began on Esplanade and Cityport Projects
- CBD revitalization program begins
2001
- collapse of Ansett Airlines and demise of Flight West and Impulse Airlines
- Memorandums of Understanding signed with Guam, Lae and Port Moresby Chambers of Commerce
- Virgin Blue airlines service starts in Australia, servicing Cairns
- Chamber’s second trade mission to Guam
- Chamber undertakes business tour of the Gulf
- approvals completed for the $300 million upgrade of Kuranda Range Road
- commencement of upgrade of Bruce Highway southern access route
- redevelopment of Barlow Park to an international standard athletics facility
- refurbishment of Central Business District
- Kagara Zinc Mine commenced operations at Mt Garnet

2002-2006. President, R. J. NORMAN
- international carrier Australian Airlines bases its operations in Cairns and commenced services to Osaka, 
  Nagoya, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong and Fukuoka
- Qantas introduced larger aircraft on many of its existing Cairns routes
- Virgin Blue expands internationally
- Flightship, Wing In Ground effect craft, expects to export first boats to Maldives
- successful lobbying by Chamber for dispensation for Air Niugini to continue flying F28 aircraft into Cairns to
  maintain the important links the region has with Papua New Guinea
- Chamber’s third trade mission to Guam
- Chamber’s undertakes two regional business tour to Gulf/Cape
- Chamber formed taskforce to investigate the progress of Nullinga Dam water reserve
- submission to Queensland Government on Affordable Housing
- $33 million funding allocated for establishment of Australian Tropical Forest Institute that will investigate how to best use and conserve tropical forests in Australia and overseas
- accreditation progressed for new private Cairns University Project
- $55 million funding from State Government for Cairns Cityport development
- $6.1 million funding allocated for Cairns Airport upgrades
- Cairns port is Australia’s busiest cruise port with over 100 cruise ship visits
- Cairns port is Queensland’s busiest commercial port with 26 scheduled daily services
- plans unveiled for new $21 million civic theatre and performance centre
- increase in value of exports through the Cairns airport by 42percent to $135.8 million
- establishment of Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef and BioNQ regional industry clusters
- increase in large scale property developments including new $4.4 million hostel, $60 million Sea Temple Resort and Spa at Palm Cove and $12 million backpackers hostel on the old Rusty’s Markets site in the Cairns CBD
- opening of $2 million fresh pineapple packing operation plant, Pinata, at Mareeba
- launch of inaugural signature event, Festival Cairns
- completion of $9.3 million Sciences building at James Cook University that incorporates state of the art research and teaching laboratories
- new state of the art Traffic Management Centre developed by Main Roads Department
- range section of East Evelyn Road upgraded to improve freight access between the Gulf, Tablelands and the coast
- Federal Government declared the Peninsula Developmental Road a Road of National Importance in August, making it eligible for 50% federal contributions towards upgrading projects
- formation of Advance Cairns organization bringing together the major stakeholders in the region
- beautification of traffic control boxes
- completion of Cairns Base Hospital redevelopment
- completion of new State Government office building- completion of Northern Fisheries research centre
- commissioning of Bedminster waste management system 
2003
- Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association moves its hospitality training from Hawaii to Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE
- discussions with telecommunications suppliers to enhance the quality of broadband and mobile phone services
- Cairns and Townsville Chambers co-operatively lobby government to provide an all-weather link between two cities
- SARS and global instability impact on international visitor numbers- proposal on Melbourne
-Cairns direct inland road- aircraft handling facilities at Cairns International Airport boosted with $7 million aircraft parking bay expansion
- $3.1 million expansion of Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service facilities at Cairns airport- announcement of proposed development $7 million world-class Aircraft Maintenance Facility by Hawker Pacific and Cairns Port Authority
- Chamber continues  to build on Guam relationship with development of opportunities in the Rest & Relaxation, Health and Education sectors
- $2.6 billion worth of development projects planned or underway in the region
- completion of upgrade to Bruce Highway to six lanes between Portsmith and Sheehy Roads
- road sealing of half of Cooktown Developmental Road
- opening in February of Cairns Aviation Skills Centre for training of aircraft engineers
- official opening of Esplande lagoon in March- completion of Reef Fleet Terminal and Reef Fleet - Gateway Discovery Centre opened on Cairns Esplanade
- Cairns Convention Centre ranked fourth in the world for the second consecutive year. Also rated as leading venue in Asia-Pacific region by Association of International Congress Centres- establishment of Education Queensland international office in city
- opening of $21 million protein production plant at Malanda
- Brisbane-Cairns Tilt Train service commenced in June
- completion of $350 million Rockhampton to Cairns track renewal project by Queensland Rail
- Australia’s first underwater scooter operation ‘Scooba-Doo’ introduced by Great Adventures
- first Sportsfest held in Cairns 
2004
- final Tobacco crop from region went to market
- $4.9 billion worth of development and construction projects underway or being planned
- international tourism recovered to pre-Iraq and SARS levels
- Qantas’ low-cost domestic airline Jetstar commenced services
- visa applications under Regional Migration programs up 52% from previous year to 222
- competition policy raised with Ergon
- improvements to the process for design and approvals of subdivisional work raised with Telstra and Ergon
- met with Wet Tropics Management Authority to investigate private sector partnerships in the World Heritage Area
- standing down from Management Committee of Alan McPherson after 30 years service to the Chamber
- Chamber’s recommences Annual Golf Day
- median price for house in Cairns rose 26% to $220,000
- Cairns Port Authority commenced first phase of $55 million redevelopment of the International Terminal which includes extensions to the terminal and new checked baggage screening areas
- changes to Cairns foreshore include takeover and redevelopment of former Radisson at the Pier by Shangri-La chain as well as commencement of construction for new hotel, Harbour Lights
- Cairns Convention Centre awarded Apex Award and World’s Best Congress Centre
- Chamber continues lobbying government to review assessment method of population projections as this impacts on planning for infrastructure 
2005
- Cairns Port Authority completes second phase of International Terminal redevelopment in August which includes construction of a concourse and aerobridge to Gate I and a central services building.
- Comalco completed construction of $230 million NeWeipa expansion project in November
- Kagara Zinc mine injecting $2.5 million into the regional economy every month and are developing regional reserves at Balcooma and Mungana
- 40 superyachts visited Cairns and spent $40 million on refits
- Chamber has new logo
- Chamber forms Young Chamber to facilitate personal development, provide platform for mentoring and develop potential of the next generation of business managers and leaders in Cairns
2006

2007-current. President, J.BLOCKEY
2007
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