Advocacy submissions
Council regularly prepares submissions to the state and federal government to advocate for policies, funding and initiatives that benefit Cairns.
This page provides a transparent record of our advocacy activity and progress.
Why submissions matter
Submissions are a key advocacy tool that allow Council to:
- Present evidence and analysis
- Influence policy and funding decisions
- Represent the needs of the Cairns community
The following submissions reflect advocacy priorities of Council and outline:
- The issue or opportunity
- Council’s position
- Recommended actions
Since January 1 2025, Council has endorsed and lodged the following submissions to support advocacy on issues of importance to the Cairns region.
This submission is in response to the Australian Government’s Disaster Management Reform Discussion Paper, released on 6 July 2026. The proposed changes to Disaster Recovery Funding Framework, particularly the proposed move to a flat 50:50 Commonwealth–state cost-sharing model, would have financial implications for high-disaster-exposure jurisdictions such as Queensland. Council's submission strongly opposes the proposed reduction in Commonwealth funding towards disaster recovery.
Submitted by Council 18 August 2026.
This submission seeks to strengthen protections for the Australian National Flag while maintaining the right to peaceful protest and supporting safe, respectful public spaces.
Endorsed by Council 24 June 2026.
This submission to the National Cultural Policy Revive highlights the vital contribution of regional creative communities to Australia's cultural identity and calls for greater investment to strengthen regional cultural ecosystems. Drawing on extensive local research and consultation, the submission advocates for targeted support for regional audience development, creative workforce pathways, and creative development and commissioning opportunities to ensure regional artists, organisations and communities can fully participate in and contribute to Australia's cultural future.
Endorsed by Council 13 May 2026.
This submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety supports the safe and sustainable use of e-mobility devices while highlighting the growing safety, enforcement and regulatory challenges facing local communities. The submission calls for stronger national import controls, improved helmet compliance, greater oversight of school-aged riders, enhanced public education initiatives, and strengthened battery safety standards to ensure e-mobility devices can be integrated safely into Queensland's transport network.
Endorsed by Council 29 April 2026.
This submission objects to proposed electoral boundary changes in Far North Queensland, recommending retention of the Hill electorate and revised Mulgrave boundaries to better align with communities of interest, local government boundaries and regional representation.
Endorsed by Council 25 March 2026.
This submission supports the introduction of a Designated Business and Community Precinct in the Cairns CBD and expanded police powers to address anti-social behaviour, citing more than 33,000 recorded incidents over two years and advocating for a targeted, place-based approach to improve public safety, business confidence and community amenity.
Endorsed by Council 25 March 2026.
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This submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia’s Inquiry into Preparing for Emerging Industries highlights the critical role of housing, infrastructure and workforce development in supporting future economic growth across Northern Australia. The submission positions Cairns as a strategic regional hub for emerging industries and calls for targeted Commonwealth investment in enabling infrastructure, including housing-enabling trunk infrastructure, to unlock workforce growth, attract investment and support long-term economic diversification.
Endorsed by Council 28 January 2026.
This submission seeks a coordinated funding partnership with the Federal Government to deliver critical infrastructure in the Mount Peter Priority Development Area, unlocking future housing supply and supporting long-term growth in Cairns.
Endorsed by Council 10 December 2025.
This submission seeks a coordinated funding partnership with the Federal Government to deliver critical infrastructure in the Mount Peter Priority Development Area, unlocking future housing supply and supporting long-term growth in Cairns.
Endorsed by Council 10 December 2025.
This submission on the Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 supports the State Government's updated long-term vision for managing growth, housing, infrastructure, economic development and environmental outcomes across the region to 2046. Council's submission seeks refinements to matters affecting Cairns, including density targets, infrastructure priorities, land use mapping, urban canopy targets, implementation planning and monitoring, to ensure the plan can be effectively delivered and supports sustainable regional growth.
Endorsed by Council 10 December 2025.
This submission to the Australian Government's 2025 Review of the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003 calls for reforms to improve insurance affordability, transparency and resilience outcomes for northern Australian communities. While supporting the continuation of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, the submission recommends strengthening consumer protections, recognising resilience investments, improving competition, and ensuring coverage arrangements better reflect the realities of cyclone and flood events in North Queensland.
Endorsed 29 October 2025.
Council's submission continues to advocate for the inclusion of an opt-in visitor levy in Queensland's long-term tourism strategy, providing a sustainable funding model to support tourism growth, infrastructure and destination management while reducing the burden on local ratepayers.
Endorsed 26 February 2025
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This submission seeks Queensland Government support for Games-related infrastructure and legacy investments that maximise long-term economic, sporting and community benefits for Cairns and Far North Queensland ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Endorsed 29 January 2025
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This Federal Pre-Budget Submission requests the Australian Government match the Queensland Government's $195 million funding commitment for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project.
Endorsed 6 November 2024
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Last Updated: 19 August 2026
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