PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he recognises that people in Far North Queensland are feeling pressure as the economy transitions from the resources construction boom.

“And my Government is committed to delivering jobs, opening new markets and giving a fair go to the people of Far North Queensland,” said Mr Turnbull.

"We are investing in skills and infrastructure, commercialising local science, and helping Cairns to realise its potential as a services hub and export gateway to the region. Only my Government has a plan to drive Northern Australia forward.

In a joint statement with Warren Entsch, the Liberal member for Leichhardt, Turnbull said if re-elected, his government will invest in the future of Far North Queensland, delivering jobs and growth.

“The Coalition will deliver a $30 million Jobs and Investment Package that will open opportunities for local enterprise and employment pathways for local workers.

“The Coalition’s Jobs and Investment Package will provide $10 million towards a new $50 million Cairns Innovation Centre,” he said.

The Centre will be delivered by James Cook University (JCU), helping to boost collaboration between researchers and local business and support the commercialisation of JCU research.

The new centre will promote business innovation and help local businesses, industry associations, researchers and students share knowledge and develop opportunities under a single roof.

“This investment will support even deeper collaboration and commercialisation opportunities in these fields,” said Turnbull.

“The Coalition will also provide $20 million to promote local jobs and investment, which will be used to leverage a further $20 million in matched funding.

“Because locals know their regions best we will enlist local experts to assess local economic opportunities and develop a tailored investment plan.”

Entsch said the two commitments would be a catalyst for businesses to grow and a culture of innovation to prosper.

“These commitments will enable businesses to take that crucial next step – whether it’s through seizing an export opportunity, exploring the use of new technologies, purchasing a piece of infrastructure or upskilling their staff,” he said.

“And the JCU Innovation Centre will be a regionally-significant resource identifying new career pathways, new business possibilities and providing a helping hand so that innovations that have commercial potential can stay in the region.”