Advocacy priorities for the 2025 Federal Election

Cairns is experiencing significant growth, but like many communities across Australia, affordable housing remains a critical challenge. Limited housing supply, rising construction costs, and labour shortages are contributing factors to the housing crisis that affects our region’s liveability and economic prosperity.

One of the most promising solutions lies in the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor, located between Edmonton and Gordonvale. This greenfield development area has the potential to accommodate 18,500 new homes for 42,500 people, supporting about 37% of Cairns’ population growth from 2021 to 2046.

The Mount Peter Corridor is key to addressing Cairns’ housing shortage, but to realise its full potential, significant infrastructure investment is required. Council is working alongside government, industry stakeholders, and the community to accelerate housing delivery and improve infrastructure in the region.

As part of this effort, Council is seeking a Priority Development Area (PDA) declaration from the State Government and state and federal funding to deliver the essential infrastructure necessary to support housing growth and community development in the area.

Independent cost analysis commissioned by Council has identified that approximately $450 million in new and upgraded infrastructure is required to facilitate the next stage of development in the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor.

Council is seeking $150 million in federal funding, and a matched commitment from the State Government, for essential trunk infrastructure needed to accelerate housing supply in stage 1 of the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor.

We welcome the federal Opposition's recent announcement of a $33.8 million commitment toward road infrastructure in the Mt Peter Growth Area. Bipartisan support is essential, and we now call on the Federal Government (ALP) to commit to funding the Securing Cairns Housing Foundations Plan.

Securing Cairns Housing Foundations briefing paper ( PDF, 1.94 MB )

In 2022, Council commissioned the Major Events Precinct Visioning and Development Opportunities Report (Ross Report), which identified six key development opportunities to position Cairns as Australia’s premier regional sporting and events precinct.

Further, in 2024, Council endorsed a vision to become the pre-eminent destination for Women’s Sport in Australia, leveraging Cairns’ competitive advantages in sports training and competition.

Significant progress has already been made, with an ongoing lighting and audio-visual upgrade at Barlow Park and a $91 million State-Federal funded Olympic Legacy upgrade set for completion by 2028. These enhancements will include a new western grandstand, expanded corporate, player, and spectator amenities, and facilities supporting both rectangular sports and athletics.

• To fully realise this vision, Council is seeking federal funding to:
  Fund the Major Events Precinct Masterplan to guide long-term staged development.
• Establish a high-performance training facility to attract elite national and international athletes, drive economic benefits, and support local sports teams, allied health professionals, and sports science programs.

Events Precinct

The Events Precinct is a strategic parcel of land covering an area of approximately 26 hectares located in close proximity to the Cairns city centre. The precinct is comprised of a number of component parts which together, provide a strong foundation to further develop the site as a major events precinct of national significance in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Games.

High-Performance Training Facility

Cairns is already a leading training hub across multiple sports. Federal investment in a high-performance facility will further establish the region as a centre for elite training, attracting Olympic athletes, national teams, and international sporting programs. It will also benefit local teams, allied health professionals, and universities offering sports science and high-performance programs.

Precinct Masterplan

The proposed Precinct Masterplan will provide a conceptual blueprint for future development of the entire precinct ensuring future development is undertaken in a staged and complementary way in order to realise the site’s full potential.
It will present a future-focused plan for the precinct that demonstrates Council’s and the community’s vision and has considered stakeholder feedback, constraints and opportunities. Broader development opportunities for the site that complement existing facilities and event related activity would be considered through this process.

The masterplan will articulate the aspirations of Council and the community with respect to the site and provide a staged plan for ongoing coordinated development encompassing the use of existing facilities.

Cairns Major Events Precinct Master Plan and High-Performance Centre briefing paper ( PDF, 1.25 MB )

This project has received bi-partisan support with both federal Labor and LNP committing $15 million towards the High-Performance Training Facility.

Muddy’s Playground, located on the Cairns Esplanade, is one of the region’s most popular all-ages play areas, offering a fun and safe space for families to enjoy. Featuring interactive water play zones, adventure areas, and dedicated toddler spaces, it has been a beloved attraction for over 20 years.

To ensure Muddy’s remains a premier family destination, a $2 million revitalisation project is planned to upgrade wet play areas, improve operational efficiency, and modernise features. Enhancements will include more interactive play spaces and upgrades to water management systems, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring long-term sustainability.

These improvements will enhance outdoor recreation, social connection, and well-being, making Muddy’s even more enjoyable for families and visitors.

To deliver this vital upgrade, Council is seeking $1 million in Federal funding, matched by Council, to keep this much-loved space vibrant for generations to come.

Council is seeking Federal Government support for the development of a high-performance facility within the Events Precinct next to Barlow Park as well as funding for the Precinct Masterplan.

Cairns Esplanade  - Muddy's Revitalisation priority paper ( PDF, 2.14 MB )

The LNP, announced by LNP candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal, has committed $1 million towards the Muddy’s Playground Revitalisation.

The Red Arrow Trail at Mt. Whitfield Conservation Park is one of Cairns’ most popular natural trails, offering a 1.3 km scenic circuit with stunning views, lush rainforest, and a great workout - free for the community. Located just behind the Cairns Botanic Gardens, it attracts thousands of walkers and runners every week, supporting active lifestyles and well-being.

To ensure long-term safety and accessibility, Council is planning upgrades to the eastern side of the trail. These improvements will enhance the track’s durability while preserving its natural beauty, ensuring it remains a safe, enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors. Along the way, users can continue spotting wildlife such as scrub turkeys and wallabies and learning about the diverse flora and fauna through informative signage.

With growing visitor numbers, these upgrades are essential to maintaining the Red Arrow Trail as a must-visit destination for recreation and fitness.

To deliver these improvements, Council is seeking $575,000 in Federal funding, to be matched by Council, ensuring this well-loved trail remains accessible for generations to come.

Red Arrow - Eastern upgrade briefing paper ( PDF, 5.47 MB )

In 2026, Cairns will mark 150 years since its founding - a milestone to celebrate our city’s history, culture, and future. This year-long celebration will ignite community pride, showcase our achievements, and drive economic growth.

With a diverse program of events, the anniversary will highlight Cairns’ rich heritage, honour contributions from our communities, and attract visitors -boosting tourism and local businesses.

Securing federal funding is essential to maximising the impact of these celebrations, supporting cultural initiatives, major events, and promotional efforts. By partnering with government, businesses, and the community, we can ensure a lasting legacy for Cairns.

Cairns Celebrates 150 years briefing paper ( PDF, 0.31 MB )