Council advocates in Draft FNQ Regional Plan

Cairns Regional Council will make a detailed submission on the Queensland Government’s Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, broadly supporting its direction while calling for stronger alignment with local priorities.

Council’s submission raises several key issues, including the need for an implementation plan, a robust monitoring program for high-growth councils, and updated population and dwelling demand modelling to guide long-term growth.

It also seeks refinements to proposed density targets applying only to Cairns, changes to land-use and Priority Living Area mapping, and a clear methodology for achieving the plan’s canopy cover target.

Council further advocates for the identification of additional region-shaping infrastructure and supports the development of an FNQ Regional Growth Strategy to ensure sustainable growth beyond 2046.