Council seeks certainty from State for major projects

• Council welcomes major funding commitments for priority infrastructure in State budget
• Clear delivery timeframes are now needed to turn commitments into outcomes
• Commitments sought for Redlynch Community Sports Precinct, High Performance Centre at West Barlow, Airport Bus Link

Council commends significant investment already committed to major projects across housing, health and roads, however the city now needs clear and committed delivery timelines.

These projects include upgrades on Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor, Cairns Western Arterial, Captain Cook Highway and the Foster Rd Intersection, Barron River Bridge replacement, Cairns Hospital redevelopment and the expansion of the Cairns Marine Precinct, including the Common User Facility.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden called for clarity in the State Budget around timing and sequencing to ensure these projects are coordinated to maximise economic benefits and avoid unnecessary competition for labour and resources.

Understanding when major projects will commence will help the region plan for workforce demand, skills development, contractor capacity and supply chain requirements, and continue to build confidence in the region. Certain developments may lead to disruptions for the local community and interim workarounds implemented by Council. Further information on project commencement dates and build schedules would assist in minimising any disruption.

Council particularly acknowledges the State Government’s recent matching of Federal Government funding of $110 million for housing-enabling infrastructure - water, sewerage and road infrastructure - for Mount Peter Priority Development Area, Cairns’ last greenfield site.

This vital funding builds on Council’s partnership with Economic Development Queensland to unlock the Mount Peter site.

The investment will also reduce the burden on ratepayers who already face cost-of-living pressures.

Council is also continuing to advocate for funding towards a High-Performance Centre at West Barlow, Redlynch Community Sports Precinct and Airport Bus Link.

The High-Performance Centre, proposed by the North Queensland Cowboys, would strengthen Cairns' position as a leading regional sporting destination and help maximise opportunities arising from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Providing for the future recreational needs of Redlynch and surrounding suburbs is another priority in this State Budget. The 2017 Redlynch Sport and Recreation Parklands Masterplan guides the transformation of a 51ha Portelli Road site purchased by Council.

Council is seeking $5 million from the State Government to deliver Stage 3 of the development which comprises, new rectangular fields, new oval field, accompanying amenities, internal roads and carparking. The first two stages have been completed.

The Airport Bus Link would improve public transport connectivity between the airport, CBD and key visitor destinations while supporting tourism, workers and residents.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government to turn these commitments into outcomes for the community.

The following quotes can be attributed to Cairns Mayor Amy Eden:

“We are thankful to the Crisafulli Queensland Government for their contribution and commitment to the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor, as well as the associated housing, transport, and related infrastructure.

The State Government’s commitment to working with Council to unlock more housing sooner for Cairns families through this project is crucial to the future of our city.

The State’s $1 billion Cairns Hospital Expansion is another significant project we are pleased to see prioritised given its importance to the health and prosperity of our community and our region.

We are hoping to see some clarity from the State Government in this budget around timing, sequencing and delivery of key major projects, as well as the funding for some new and exciting developments.

Council is committed to increasing safety in our CBD, delivering more housing, improved infrastructure, and cementing Cairns on the map as the premier location for women’s sport.

The plans for development of a High-Performance Centre at Barlow Park are very exciting and has the potential to back our vision for women’s sport.”