Annual Report shows strong delivery for Cairns

Major infrastructure projects, community upgrades, support for local events and long-term planning for growth are among the achievements highlighted in the 2025–26 Annual Report.

The report outlines a strong year of delivery for Cairns, with 92 per cent of operational actions completed or progressing on schedule, alongside significant investment in water security, housing-enabling infrastructure, community facilities and resilience.

It also highlights the services delivered every day to more than 179,000 residents, including roads, water, waste, libraries, parks, planning, events and community facilities.

Key achievements for the Cairns community

Achievements during 2025–26 included:

• Celebrating Cairns’ 150-year milestone through a city-wide program of community events and activities
• Adopting Towards 2050: Growth Strategy to guide how Cairns grows and develops over coming decades
• Progressing the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 Project
• Supporting housing growth through the establishment of the Mount Peter Priority Development Area and infrastructure funding through Economic Development Queensland
• Delivering upgrades and renewal works at Lake Placid, Copperlode Dam, the Red Arrow walking track, Smithfield Library, Evergreen Park and Loridan Drive bike parks
• Investing $741,811 through Community Partnerships Grants, supporting 70 local events across the region

Planning for a growing city

Mayor Amy Eden said the report reflected a strong year of delivery while continuing to plan for the future.

“This report is the story of a Council getting on with the job,” Cr Eden said.

“We are delivering the everyday services our community relies on, while progressing the major infrastructure and planning work Cairns needs for the future.

“This year we have continued to invest in major infrastructure while reducing Council debt.

“Water security, housing, growth planning and community infrastructure are the foundations Cairns will rely on as our city grows.

“Our 150th year was an important milestone, but this report is also about what comes next. We are making decisions now that will shape Cairns for decades.”

Building resilience and supporting the community

The Annual Report also outlines the response to severe weather, workforce development initiatives and efforts to strengthen resilience and sustainability across the region.

Chief Executive Officer Ken Gouldthorp said the report demonstrated the ongoing investment being made to support the community and prepare Cairns for the future.

“The achievements outlined in this report reflect the work Council undertakes every day to keep our region moving, strengthen our communities and improve the lives of the people who call Cairns home,” Mr Gouldthorp said.

“From delivering essential services and critical infrastructure to supporting our local economy and protecting our environment, we remain focused on meeting the needs of our community today while preparing Cairns for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Read the report

The 2025–26 Annual Report is available on the Publications & reports page.