Local inventors are urged to showcase their efforts as an entrant in the 2012 Tropical Innovation Awards.

Nominations for the third annual awards program close on September 17 and Mayor Bob Manning said competition was already heating up.

“We have already received some fantastic entries from both within the Cairns region and beyond,” Cr Manning said.

“We expect a flurry of entries to come in during the next few weeks and we really want to encourage those who have been thinking about whether or not to enter, to just give it a go.

“The Tropical Innovation Awards are not just a competition to win cash – though that is a good bonus – it is an opportunity to promote, network and learn in a positive and supportive environment.”

Awards will be presented in six categories: Emerging Innovation, Established Innovation, TNQ Award (for local entries only), Youth Award, People’s Choice Award and Innovation of the Year.

Entries already received include a dice-based “Pocket Cricket” game, a trestle step suitable for tradesmen, a backyard cyclone bunker and a tropical rock lobster breeding program.

Judging will take place on September 20 and public voting for the People’s Choice Award will open on October 17.

The awards presentation night will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday, November 30.

For more information on the 2012 Tropical Innovation Awards, including an application form, visit www.tropicalinnovationawards.com.