Bold vision unveiled to support housing growth in Cairns CBD

• Targets housing, public space, and precinct revitalisation
• Supports 32% population growth forecast by 2046
• Community invited to engage through June exhibitions and events

Transforming the City Centre

Cairns Regional Council has launched the City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project, a bold initiative to encourage residential investment and revitalise key city areas. The project focuses on increasing housing supply and enhancing public spaces across the CBD and inner suburbs, preparing for a projected 32% population growth between 2021 and 2046.

A strategic vision for urban growth

Drawing on early insights from the Draft Toward 2050 Strategy, the project outlines a long-term plan for a more vibrant, connected, and liveable Cairns.

It includes detailed, costed projects and policy recommendations designed to attract investment and support infill housing.

The vision spans the Cairns CBD and three major precincts:

• Major Events Centre – including Barlow Park and the Cairns Showgrounds
• Health Precinct – encompassing Cairns Hospital and the JCU Health and Innovation Precinct
• CBD South – featuring areas such as Abbott Street, Grafton Street, and Wharf Street

Key strategies

The regeneration roadmap proposes a mix of urban improvement and policy reform, including:

• Enhancing public space quality and connectivity
• Expanding the urban canopy
• Implementing resilience and hazard mitigation measures
• Improving connectivity, walkability
• Boosting economic and social vibrancy
• Reflecting the community’s diversity
• Tailored planning policy that responses to Cairns’ housing needs, climate, demographics and construction feasibility

This initiative complements Council’s Development and Incentives Policy, which waives infrastructure charges for eligible infill housing in targeted precincts.

Community engagement and funding

The project aligns with broader Council plans like the Major Events Precinct Master Plan, City Centre Masterplan, and Toward 2050 Growth Management Plan.

Residents are invited to participate in upcoming community events:

• City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project Exhibition at Cairns Museum’s Lake St shop front: Wednesday 6 June to Saturday 19 June
• Cairns Iconic Bus Stop Design Competition Exhibition: which engaged local school students in future-focused design, on display at Cairns Museum’s Lake St shop front: Wednesday 6 June to Saturday 18 June
• Design Futures Forum – Housing: at the Tanks Arts Centre on Friday, 13 June, tickets on sale via ticketlink.

The project is supported by $655,000 from the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program – Stream 1.

For more information or to view the roadmap, Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project | Have Your Say Cairns or attend the public exhibition in June.