Council urges State investment in Cairns’ growth, liveability and economic future

• $150 million investment to support trunk infrastructure top State Budget priority
• Commitment to new Barron River bridge welcome
• Funding for Cairns Marine Precinct, Cairns Hospital and tourism key

Cairns Regional Council is calling on the Queensland Government to back the city’s future with critical funding commitments in the upcoming State Budget.

At the top of Council’s advocacy agenda is a $150 million investment to support trunk infrastructure for the Securing Cairns Housing Foundations Plan, a bold initiative to unlock housing supply in the Southern Growth Corridor.

Council is also seeking a Priority Development Area (PDA) declaration to kick start this project and fast-track delivery of essential housing-enabling infrastructure.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said she expects the $150 million in State funding required for trunk infrastructure in the Southern Growth Corridor will need to come from the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.

“We’ve made a submission to this fund, so we’re looking for clear provision in the State Budget and across the forward estimates to give us the confidence that this funding stream will be there when we need it,” Cr Eden said.

“With housing demand continuing to climb, we need real investment in infrastructure that can unlock new land and help fast-track housing supply.

“Everyone deserves a place to call home and our plan is about getting more Cairns residents into new homes, sooner.

Commitment for new Barron River bridge

“We welcome today’s announcement by the State Government that a $245 million investment for a new Barron River bridge will be included in the state budget.

“I want to acknowledge our Local Member for Barron River, Bree James, who has worked hard and advocated tirelessly for this project, which will help resolve road connectivity challenges from Cairns to the Tablelands.”

Other top-tier priorities requiring State commitments include:

• Funding confirmation for the Cairns Marine Precinct, including the 5000-tonne shiplift
• Support for the planned expansion of Cairns Hospital, including a new Acute Services Building
• Dedicated funding for the recently launched Destination 2045 tourism strategy

“These are regional imperatives that will shape Cairns for decades to come,” Cr Eden said.

Council is also seeking progress on key initiatives flagged before the 2024 State Election:

• $15 million towards the NQ Cowboys high-performance and community facility (to match federal funding)
• Support for the Major Events Precinct Masterplan
• $4 million for a Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre in White Rock (to match federal funding)
• $5 million to deliver Stage 3 of the Redlynch Community Sporting Precinct (to match federal funding)
• $1.85 million for Smithfield Leisure Precinct (Council-matched funding)
• Delivery of a new entry statement announcing the start of the Great Barrier Reef Drive (along the Captain Cook Highway) – an iconic drive connecting Cairns to Cape Tribulation.

“These are smart, community-driven projects that reflect our region’s growth, lifestyle and ambition,” Cr Eden said.

“We’re ready to deliver, now we need the State Government’s support.”