Cairns Mayor Amy Eden is hailing a recent delegation of Far Northern leaders to Canberra as positive and constructive.
Led by Advance Cairns, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, the delegation travelled to Canberra earlier this week and included more than 25 leaders from the Far North.
More than 35 meetings were held over three days with ministers and representatives on both sides of politics to advance priorities for the region.
Topics of discussion included water security, Pacific engagement, road priorities and tourism funding.
Mayor Eden said it was clear that cost of living was a key federal concern, with all levels of government facing budget challenges.
"The message was that federal investments need to be targeted and prioritised, with cost of living relief a focus," Cr Eden said.
"For Council, the delegation was another opportunity to continue to press the case for additional federal funding for Council's and indeed the region's Number 1 Advocacy Priority – the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project (CWSS1).
"We are asking the Federal Government to contribute an additional $87.5 million to the project, which will match the increased commitment of $195 million already made by the Queensland Government.
"This investment is not just about delivering drinking water for the growing Cairns community; it is also about delivering cost of living relief for our residents at a time when they desperately need it."
A combined State and Federal Investment of $390 million ($195 million each) will deliver cost of living relief equivalent to $6,048 per household ($403 per year over 15 years) in future rates and/or charges increased avoided.
"It is heartening to see that our local federal representatives, including Senator Nita Green and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, are strong supporters of the project and they have championed our engagement."
Cr Eden said that while in Canberra, it was also pleasing to hear Leader of the Nationals, Hon David Littleproud MP, specifically call out the Cairns Water Security Project on the floor of parliament as a critical infrastructure project when he delivered the Federal Coalition's statement on Northern Australia.
"Although no specific commitment on increased water funding has yet been confirmed, the discussions were productive and positive.
"Our Council's Water Demand Management Strategy and our contribution of $82 million to the project were well received – everyone is chipping in and everything is being done to ensure we get best bang for our buck.
"We will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the Cairns community to get this across the line."
Advance Cairns CEO Jacinta Redden said the delegation provided a powerful platform to advocate for the region.
"Alongside community and industry leaders who are committed to driving Tropical North Queensland forward, we were able to bring our region's top priorities to the table as one voice.
"This was an opportunity to emphasise and champion the importance of projects, such as Cairns Water Security, that are vital for our communities and our region's future."
Cr Eden acknowledged the hard work of Advance Cairns in organising the delegation, as well as partners the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and TTNQ, as well as the delegates.
"The delegation represented a collaborative and united vice for our region, raising critical needs and the requirement of federal engagement and funding to support our growth," Cr Eden added.
"The strength of Team Cairns was well and truly on display."
