Advocacy priorities
Council’s advocacy priorities focus on the issues that matter most to the Cairns community and region.
Council’s advocacy approach is guided by the principles outlined in our Advocacy Policy, including being evidence-based, collaborative, strategic and focused on outcomes that deliver broad community benefit.
The following advocacy priorities represent Council’s key areas of focus as we work with government, industry and regional partners to deliver long-term outcomes for the Cairns community and Far North Queensland.
Securing Cairns Housing Foundations
The Securing Cairns Housing Foundations plan is a high priority for Council and aims to support the housing needs for our growing community.
Community safety advocacy priorities
Council is calling on the Queensland Government to continue building on its significant investments in community safety and work with local communities to deliver practical, evidence-based solutions that make a lasting difference.
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.
New University 2 Reservoir
The University Reservoir Replacement is a high-priority project to strengthen Cairns’ long-term water security and resilience, ensuring a reliable drinking water supply for a growing region and during future disaster events.
Cairns: Australia’s Premier Destination for Women’s Sport
Council is seeking State and/or Federal Government support for the implementation of the Cairns Premier Destination for Women’s Sport Action Plan.
Tier 2 Advocacy priorities
Council's Tier 2 Advocacy Priorities focus on community infrastructure, sporting facilities, tourism assets, environmental projects and local initiatives that enhance quality of life across the Cairns region.
Last Updated: 28 October 2026
Latest News > All News
New Director Planning Growth and Sustainability
Cairns Regional Council has appointed Doug Scott as its new Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability, bringing more than 15 years...
28 October 2026
Opportunities for Cairns to support new initiatives
Delivering value for residents and ratepayers, improving community safety, unlocking housing with long-term investment, and ensuring Cairns’ growth are at...
28 October 2026
King tides expected in Cairns this week
King tides are expected to affect Cairns from Monday 26 – Wednesday 28 October.These king tides are all expected to...
26 October 2026