Latest news
View or search Council's latest news below to keep up-to-date with services, works, events and projects.
Local action revitalises wetlands
Cairns is home to some of Far North Queensland’s most environmentally and culturally significant wetlands....
2 February 2026
Community organisations deliver for locals
Local clubs are improving Cairns community spaces, helping residents stay active, connected and safe, with support from the Go Clubs...
2 February 2026
Free fitness with a tropical twist
Looking for a way to stay active, social and outdoors without the gym fees? The Cairns Esplanade continues to be...
30 January 2026
Edmonton Library is getting a refresh!
Edmonton Library will be temporarily closed from Monday 9 February, reopening on Monday 23 February while we give the space...
28 January 2026
Housing supply critical for emerging industry growth
Cairns Regional Council has highlighted Cairns as a strategic hub for emerging industries in its submission to the Joint Standing...
28 January 2026
King tides expected from Thursday
King tides will be experienced in Cairns from Thursday 27 January and will continue through to Thursday 5 February....
27 January 2026
Tanks Arts Centre nominated for best venue
Cairns’ home of live music, Tanks Arts Centre, has been nominated for Best Regional Music Venue in the 2026 Queensland...
27 January 2026
Meet our 2026 Australia Day Award recipients!
Five inspiring locals have been announced today as recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, honoured for their dedication, leadership...
24 January 2026
Martyn Street Netball Court upgrade
Martyn Street Netball courts have a fresh new surface. Built for Cairns conditions and supporting netball’s growth....
23 January 2026
Cairns to host international MTB event
Cairns to host 2026 Oceania Continental Series Finale, a brand-new mountain bike event bringing international-level competition to Smithfield Mountain Bike Park...
22 January 2026
Composer to create musical tribute to Cairns
Young composer Sam Wu premieres a Cairns-inspired work at Australian Festival of Chamber Music 2026, celebrating the city’s 150th anniversary....
16 January 2026
Great Australian Bites serves up Australia Day!
Food, music, and family fun will take centre stage this Australia Day when Great Australian Bites comes to Munro Martin...
14 January 2026
King tides expected to impact Cairns this week
King tides will be experienced in Cairns from Friday 16 January and will continue through to 22 January....
14 January 2026
Level 4 water restrictions lifted
Cairns Regional Council has lifted Level 4 water restrictions, with the region returning to permanent water conservation measures (Level 0)....
12 January 2026
Level 4 water restrictions to apply immediately
Residents and visitors across the Cairns region are being asked to restrict their water use to drinking, cooking and bathing....
8 January 2026
Heavy rain may disrupt water supply
Residents are being urged to prepare for possible disruptions to the city’s water supply following heavy rainfall, which can impact...
8 January 2026
King tides expected from New Year’s Eve
King tides will be experienced in Cairns from New Year’s Eve – starting on the morning of Wednesday 31 December...
24 December 2025
Cairns celebrates 150 years as 2026 begins
Cairns will welcome 2026 in spectacular style this New Year’s Eve, with thousands gathering on the Esplanade for a free,...
19 December 2025
Services and closures during the festive break
Council's Spence Street Customer Service Centre will operate during normal business hours until 4.30pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen for...
19 December 2025
Keep recycling out of waste this Christmas
As the last presents are opened and families relax after their festive meals, the aftermath of Christmas Day often includes...
18 December 2025
Cairns' hotels unite to conserve water
Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) have joined forces with local hotels and resorts to launch a...
17 December 2025
Pitch your Cairns Festival 2026 idea now
Cairns Regional Council is calling on creatives to help shape the Cairns Festival 2026 program, a signature C150 event celebrating...
17 December 2025
Make memories these Xmas school holidays
Whether you’re looking to explore somewhere new, rediscover a favourite spot, or simply enjoy relaxed time with the kids, there’s...
15 December 2025
Babinda Waste Transfer Station temporary closure
The Babinda Waste Transfer Station will be closed on Wednesday 17 December to allow for the processing of green waste...
15 December 2025
Florence Street road closure for Carols event
Council will close Florence St, between Sheridan St and Grafton St, from 11.30am to 9pm on Sunday 14 December for...
12 December 2025
Cairns Festival shines in 2025
Cairns Festival 2025 has delivered another highly successful year, drawing more than 144,000 attendees, strengthening community pride, and generating $2.23...
12 December 2025
Cairns’ arts scene grows with support for locals
Seven arts projects are being supported to deliver new exhibitions, performances, workshops and creative developments that nurture local talent, strengthen...
11 December 2025
Council calls for more housing investment
Cairns Regional Council is calling for decisive State and Federal action to help tackle the region’s escalating housing shortage, placing...
11 December 2025
Proposed new aquatic strategy
Council is calling for community feedback into its draft Cairns Aquatic Facilities Strategy, which aims to balance budgetary constraints and...
10 December 2025
Investing in community spaces for Cairns
Thirteen local clubs are receiving support to keep delivering the sporting, recreational and community services that residents of all ages...
10 December 2025
Last Updated: 1 April 2025
Latest News > All News
Cairns, let’s enjoy QLD Day together!
Cairns’ residents are invited to celebrate QLD Day on the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday, 6 June, to recognise the state’s...
4 June 2026
More than $200,000 for community events
A total of $203,427 will be invested through Round 18 of the Community Partnerships Grants, supporting 18 community events and...
29 May 2026
Cairns Botanic Gardens giant comes to bloom
The Cairns Botanic Gardens is home to some impressive tropical flora, including the Titan Arum, affectionately known as the ‘corpse...
29 May 2026