Council's voice on State planning reforms

• Council has responded to the Queensland Government's draft State Planning Policy 2026.
• The submission supports housing and growth while advocating for stronger environmental and resilience outcomes for our Region.
• Council's feedback reflects priorities identified through the Towards 2050 community engagement project.

Cairns Regional Council has advocated for planning approaches that support housing and economic growth while protecting the values important to the Cairns community.

Council calls for balanced growth

In its submission to the Queensland Government's draft State Planning Policy 2026, Council has highlighted key environmental, lifestyle and resilience considerations.

The State’s planning priorities and interests must be considered by local governments when preparing and updating their own planning schemes.

Mayor Amy Eden said the issues raised by Council reflected many of the priorities residents identified through the Towards 2050 engagement process.

“Through Towards 2050, our community told us they value Cairns' natural environment, tropical lifestyle and long-term resilience,” Cr Eden said.

“Our submission seeks to ensure those values continue to be reflected in the planning policies that guide future growth.

“We support growth and new housing opportunities, but it is important that development occurs in a way that protects the qualities that make Cairns, Cairns."

Prioritising hazard resilience

A key focus of Council's submission is the proposed approach to natural hazards. The State Planning Policy draft places greater emphasis on mitigating hazards through design and engineering responses.

Council has advocated for retaining a stronger focus on avoiding development in known hazard-prone areas wherever practicable, while recognising there will be circumstances where mitigation measures are necessary.

Cr Eden said good planning helps protect people, property and infrastructure while reducing future costs and risks for the community.

Recognising extreme heat

“We are also calling for extreme heat to be recognised a natural hazard, which would strengthen plans for urban cooling measures such trees, shade and green infrastructure.

“Our natural environment is one Cairns’ greatest assets and underpins our lifestyle, economy and identity. We want to ensure future growth continues to protect the values that make Cairns a special place to live and visit.”