The Major Underlying Factors Behind the Rise of Cairns as a First World Tropical City

The development of technology suited to the tropics has been one of four major underlying factors behind the rapid growth of Cairns as a major regional city in Australia. Much of the technological developments of importance have related to industry sectors like agriculture, mining, fisheries and tourism. However, arguably, those relating to development of technology related to everyday living in the tropics have been of equal importance. This Paper seeks to identify these major developments in technology related to everyday living that have been of importance to Cairns’ progress, including some in which the city has played a key role of global significance. The Paper records the views of the 1930s, set out in the American Geographical Society Study “White Settlers in the Tropics”, about the challenges and progress in tropical Queensland. The Paper looks at data on life expectancies compared to other parts of Australia. The Paper discusses the role of cooling devices from water cooled safes, iceboxes, ceiling fans, refrigeration and air-conditioning. It will discuss the impact of satellite technology on cyclone warnings and work on cyclone proofing structures with consequent avoidance of loss of life. The Paper will also record how these developments, combined with “success breeds success” factors, the development of improved medical, education, sporting, cultural, arts and entertainment facilities, have seen Cairns and the tropical north progress over the years from being a “hardship posting” to being a “desired place to live”.