Latest news
View or search Council's latest news below to keep up-to-date with services, works, events and projects.
Upgrades to Ellis Beach carpark begin
Cairns Regional Council advises that works crews are scheduled to start work tomorrow (Wednesday 11 February) on upgrades to the...
10 February 2026
Search is on for Cairns’ inspirational women
Inspirational women will be honoured at the 2026 International Women’s Day Awards next month....
10 February 2026
Strengthening education and industry partnerships
Together, education providers and Council are working to build a skilled workforce that supports long-term growth, resilience, and liveability across...
10 February 2026
Parade to bring back some 'Fun in the Sun'
Cairns is turning 150 this year and the whole community is being invited to bring back one of our city’s...
10 February 2026
First free green waste disposal of the year
Clean up the yard and take advantage of Council’s first free green waste disposal of the year from this weekend....
9 February 2026
Council half-yearly rates issued, due 4 March
Council has issued its half-yearly rates notices with a due date of 4 March 2026....
5 February 2026
Cairns locals invited back to renewed Lake Placid
Lake Placid has officially reopened to the public following the completion of a $1.1 million restoration project....
4 February 2026
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
Last Updated: 1 April 2025
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64th Cairns Festival wraps up in style
The 2026 edition of Cairns Festival came to a close on Sunday with Carnival on Collins once again transforming Collins...
8 September 2026
Cairns leads Queensland in mobile phone recycling
Cairns residents have helped the region top Queensland for mobile phone recycling....
7 September 2026
Lots on for Cairns Festival's final weekend
With Cairns Festival heading into its final weekend, residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to experience live music, theatre,...
4 September 2026