Advocacy and inward grants

Cairns is one of Australia’s fastest growing regional centres, and planning for that growth requires strong partnerships across all levels of government.

Council advocates for the infrastructure, investment and policy outcomes needed to support our community - both now and into the future.

Our advocacy priorities are endorsed by Council and guided by a clear, non-partisan and evidence-based approach focused on delivering outcomes that benefit the Cairns community.

This work is underpinned by Council’s Advocacy Policy, which provides a transparent and accountable framework for identifying, prioritising and advancing advocacy initiatives on behalf of the region.

Council actively seeks external grant funding to supplement ratepayer revenue, enabling the delivery of additional projects and services that may not otherwise be affordable or achievable within Council’s existing budget. This inward grant funding can accelerate the delivery of priority infrastructure, support economic and community development outcomes, improve resilience and liveability, and leverage investment from other levels of government for the benefit of the Cairns region.