Delivering value for residents and ratepayers, improving community safety, unlocking housing with long-term investment, and ensuring Cairns’ growth are at the centre of Cairns Regional Council’s renewed advocacy priorities.
A report outlining a suite of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Advocacy Priorities was endorsed by Council today, providing a clear advocacy framework for initiatives supporting long-term economic growth, increased liveability, and sustainability for Cairns. The new priorities reflect current and emerging opportunities for Cairns, where advocacy can deliver positive outcomes for the community by evaluating regional significance and strategic alignment.
Tier 1 Priorities require increased proactivity and coordinated advocacy to achieve high-priority outcomes, while Tier 2 Priorities are more targeted matters to Council and the Community that are pursued as opportunities or as they arise.
Unlocking housing remains a Tier 1 priority for Council, as conversations continue to secure long term funding for the Mount Peter Priority Development Area and critical trunk infrastructure for Cairns more broadly. Additional funding is needed to support the construction of the University 2 Reservoir and implementation of a sustainable tourism funding mechanism, easing cost pressure on residents and ratepayers.
Mayor Amy Eden said Council had listened to the community in developing the new priorities.
“We are ready to advocate to the State Government on behalf of our community to make Cairns a safer, more reliable, and more sustainable place to live,” Cr Eden said.
“The State’s commitment to working with Council to unlock housing for Cairns families is crucial to the future of the region.”
“These priorities outline Council’s path to maximise economic benefits and avoid unnecessary complications that affect the ratepayer.”
Council is also seeking additional support for its Cairns Premier Destination for Women’s Sport Action Plan, which aims to create more opportunities for women and girls to participate and excel in their chosen sport, while also attracting more events and driving economic benefits for the region.
A fifth Tier 1 priority, Community Safety, was also adopted at today’s Ordinary meeting.
Recognising community safety as one of the most significant issues facing Cairns, Council has adopted a new Tier 1 Advocacy Priority focused on practical reforms, investment and initiatives that can help improve safety outcomes across the region.
The community safety priorities include calls for a more visible police presence in the Cairns CBD, greater investment in prevention and early intervention, improved support for remote communities and people leaving custody, stronger action against illegal shopfronts, expanded crisis accommodation, and assistance for not-for-profit organisations affected by crime and vandalism.
Cr Eden said community safety required a balanced approach that included prevention, enforcement, early intervention and social support.
“People deserve to feel safe in their homes, on our streets and in our city centre. Community safety is fundamental to Cairns’ liveability, economic confidence and future growth,” Cr Eden said.
“Community safety cannot be addressed through enforcement alone. We need visible policing, effective consequences for offending, early intervention and the support services that help break the cycle of crime.”
“Council is committed to doing its part, but lasting improvements require coordinated action and sustained investment from the Queensland Government. We acknowledge the work already underway and want to build on that progress to deliver safer communities across Cairns.”
Council’s Tier 2 Advocacy Priorities include Queensland Government delivery of the Cairns Destination Mountain Biking Project, including trail expansions and trailhead infrastructure, delivery of the Redlynch Sporting Precinct, and upgrades to the Sugarworld Adventure Playground and Sugarworld Botanic Gardens.
The full list of Council’s renewed Advocacy Priorities are available on Council’s website.
