Major projects
Current major projects
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project
Planning & design
Infrastructure
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 - a new drinking water supply for Cairns.
Flood Recovery Program
In progress
Infrastructure
Flood recovery program
Jeff Pezzutti Park upgrade
In progress
Sport, recreation & parks
Jeff Pezzutti Park, Woree upgrade
Leak Detection Program 2022-2025
In progress
Infrastructure
Cairns Regional Council is undertaking a Leak Detection Program throughout the Cairns area to identify and repair leaks in Council's water network.
Major Events Precinct
Planning & design
Sport, recreation & parks
The Cairns Major Events Precinct is a key regional asset, encompassing the Cairns Showgrounds and Barlow Park, both of which play a critical role in the city’s sporting, cultural, and entertainment landscape.
Mount Peter Priority Development Area
In progress
Infrastructure
The Mount Peter Priority Development Area (PDA) will unlock development for more than 18,500 homes for 42,500 people. It accelerates the planning and implementation of trunk infrastructure required to support a growing population.
Navigation Drive road link
In progress
Infrastructure
Navigation Drive road link between Trinity Beach and Trinity Park
Northern Beaches Leisure Trail
In progress
Infrastructure
The installation of shared pathway walking and cycling links through Council's Northern Beaches Leisure Trail project, offers enhanced recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Northern Beaches water network upgrade
In progress
Infrastructure
Council is undertaking works over a 10-year program which includes installing and replacing water pipes within the Cairns water supply network to allow increased water flow and reduce breakages.
Pyramid Parklands Gujura (formerly Kenrick St Park)
In progress
Sport, recreation & parks
The Kenrick Street Park Masterplan aims to create a vibrant multi-use, family-oriented recreational hub.
Resource Recovery 2040 (RR2040)
In progress
Plans & strategies
A roadmap for resource recovery in Cairns
Smart water meter program 2023-2026
In progress
Infrastructure
Council is replacing existing mechanical water meters with smart water meters throughout the Cairns region to improve the community’s water network and achieve overall water savings.
Walker Rd / Chay Rd / Mt Peter Rd Connection
Planning & design
Infrastructure
Council is developing plans for a new Walker Rd – Chay Rd – Mt Peter Rd connection that will provide a key link between Edmonton and the Mt Peter growth region.
Recently completed major projects
Cairns City Centre Master Plan
Completed
Plans & strategies
The Cairns City Master Plan guides the positive development of public space in the city centre.
Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project
Completed
Plans & strategies
The Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project Design Report was officially released on 28 May 2025. This bold initiative encourages residential investment and revitalisation of key city areas through targeted planning that takes into account wide-ranging issues that impact liveability.
Cairns Gallery Precinct
Completed
Buildings & facilities
Arts, culture & heritage
The Cairns Gallery Precinct Project connects three existing heritage listed buildings to create a dynamic and world class gallery precinct.
Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan
Completed
Sport, recreation & parks
Plans & strategies
Coastal & environmental
The Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan provides guidelines to inform Council's future designs and development of public spaces within the Palm Cove esplanade and foreshore precinct.
Smart Green Economy
Completed
Plans & strategies
The Cairns Smart Green Economy project is the preparation of a multi-stage strategic planning study to position Cairns and the Far North Queensland (FNQ) region as a leader in the Smart Green Economy in Australia.
Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy
Completed
Plans & strategies
The Towards 2050: Growth Strategy was adopted by Council on 17 September 2025. It establishes a clear and coordinated long term plan for the growth and development of the Cairns local government area.
Last Updated: 17 April 2023
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...
Community & Lifestyle
4 June 2026
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...
Community & Lifestyle
29 May 2026
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...
Community & Lifestyle
29 May 2026
29 May 2026