Council has an important role to play in advocating to State and Federal Governments and other stakeholders on matters that impact the quality of life and liveability of the Cairns community. Find our more about our current advocacy projects.

Image showing housing in south Cairns

Securing Cairns Housing Foundations

The Securing Cairns Housing Foundations plan is a high priority for Council and aims to deliver the housing needs for our growing community.

Our water security

The Cairns Water Security - Stage One project is crucial to the future growth and prosperity of the region. The plan involves sourcing water from a strategic reserve in the Mulgrave River, which will be less expensive and have a lighter environmental footprint than a dam.

Sustainable tourism funding

We are advocating to deliver a sustained increase in funding for tourism through a modest visitor levy. Paid for by the visitor, these funds would go directly back into our tourism sector driving more visitors, more spending and more jobs.

Last Updated: 20 April 2026

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Changes to city parking

Cairns Regional Council is introducing a series of updates to CBD parking arrangements from 1 July designed to improve bay...

Business & Economy
17 June 2026

Meeting today’s challenges and building for the future

Council has adopted its 2026/27 Budget, delivering a plan that responds to current challenges while continuing to invest in the...

Business & Economy
17 June 2026

Fisheries Bridge Balngga-L officially reopens

Permanent access across the Mulgrave River at Goldsborough has now been restored, following the destruction of the former bridge during...

Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
16 June 2026