Major projects
Current major projects
Cairns Gallery Precinct
In progress
Buildings & facilities
Arts, culture & heritage
The Cairns Gallery Precinct Project will transform and connect three existing heritage listed buildings to create a dynamic and world class gallery precinct.
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project
Planning & design
Infrastructure
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 - a new drinking water supply for Cairns.
Kenrick Street Park
In progress
Sport, recreation & parks
The Kenrick Street Park Masterplan aims to create a vibrant multi-use, family-oriented recreational hub.
Leak Detection Program 2022-2025
In progress
Infrastructure
Cairns Regional Council is undertaking a Leak Detection Program throughout the Cairns area to identify and repair leaks in Council's water network.
Northern Beaches Leisure Trail
In progress
Infrastructure
The installation of shared pathway walking and cycling links through Council's Northern Beaches Leisure Trail project, offers enhanced recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Northern Beaches water network upgrade
In progress
Infrastructure
Council is undertaking works over a 10-year program which includes installing and replacing water pipes within the Cairns water supply network to allow increased water flow and reduce breakages.
Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan
Planning & design
Sport, recreation & parks
Plans & strategies
Coastal & environmental
The Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan provides guidelines to inform Council's future designs and development of public spaces within the Palm Cove esplanade and foreshore precinct.
Resource Recovery 2040 (RR2040)
In progress
Plans & strategies
A roadmap for resource recovery in Cairns
Sewage Pump Station CN1 (Lily Street)
Completed
Infrastructure
The new Sewage Pump Station NC1 will allow increased capacity to cater for the growing demand within the catchment and continue to provide a reliable sewer network to the community.
Smart Green Economy
In progress
Plans & strategies
The Cairns Smart Green Economy project is the preparation of a multi-stage strategic planning study to position Cairns and the Far North Queensland (FNQ) region as a leader in the Smart Green Economy in Australia.
Smart water meter program 2023-2026
In progress
Infrastructure
Council is replacing existing mechanical water meters with smart water meters throughout the Cairns region to improve the community’s water network and achieve overall water savings.
Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy
Planning & design
Plans & strategies
The Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Management Strategy will guide our region’s long-term growth through to the year 2050.
Walker Rd / Chay Rd / Mt Peter Rd Connection
Planning & design
Infrastructure
Council is developing plans for a new Walker Rd – Chay Rd – Mt Peter Rd connection that will provide a key link between Edmonton and the Mt Peter growth region.
Recently completed major projects
Animal Management Facility
Completed
Buildings & facilities
Council is constructing a new Animal Management Facility at 55-57 Links Drive Woree.
Beach foreshore improvement works
Completed
Buildings & facilities
Infrastructure
Coastal & environmental
Beachfront improvements to enhance public recreation opportunities.
Cairns City Centre Master Plan
Completed
Plans & strategies
The Cairns City Master Plan guides the positive development of public space in the city centre.
Cairns Court House refurbishment
Completed
Buildings & facilities
Arts, culture & heritage
An $8.28 million refurbishment has expanded the potential of the Court House building as an event and gallery space, while ensuring heritage values are maintained for future generations.
Esplanade Dining Precinct
Completed
Sport, recreation & parks
Infrastructure
The $28 million project has completely changed the look of the area and improved the dining experience.
Florence Street Link
Completed
Infrastructure
This $10.5 million upgrade has improved safety and pedestrian connection, as well as introducing attractive tropical landscaping enhancements.
Materials Recovery Facility
Completed
Infrastructure
Council's $14.3 million Materials Recovery Facility was officially opened in May 2021. It handles up to 30,000 tonnes of recycling each year with an average 85% recovery rate, a 26% increase over the former rate. The facility includes a new shed, a glass-sorting and processing plant, and an education room.
Works for Queensland 2019-2021 program
Completed
Infrastructure
Twelve capital projects have been fast-tracked with funding through the Queensland Government's 2019-2021 W4Q program.
Last Updated: 17 April 2023
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