Council will focus on preserving service levels and maintaining and upgrading core infrastructure as part of its $164.8 million Capital Works program.
The program commits $84.5 million to renewal and upgrades of existing assets, with $80 million to be invested in new core infrastructure.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said this year's Capital Works program had been framed to ensure the preservation of key services in a challenging economic environment.
"Council faces similar challenges that many businesses are experiencing, such as cost pressures, supply chain issues and resource shortages," Cr Manning said.
"As a Council, it is important that we do not lose sight of delivering essential services – residents need to be confident that when they turn on the tap in the morning, the water is running, and when they flush the toilet, everything flows as it should.
"The commitment of $82.5 million on water and wastewater assets highlights that this Budget ensures we meet the needs of the community today and in the future.
"There is a $24 million allocation to progress the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project, which is critical to our city's future.
"This project, the largest single infrastructure commitment made by Council, secures the city's immediate drinking water needs by delivering new water capacity like a dam, but at less cost and with a much lighter environmental footprint.
"As well as the significant commitment to water and wastewater improvements, this year's Capital Works Program invests over $25 million on the transport network, $31.6 million on community sport and cultural facilities, and $5.7 million on footpaths and cycleways to promote active travel.
"These projects are the foundation of a safe and liveable city and will address increased demand into the future."
Other key projects funded in this year's program include completion of the next stage of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail, continuation of the smart water meters rollout, and redevelopment of Kenrick Park in Gordonvale.
"This year's $165 million Capital Works Program will bring the total amount of community infrastructure delivered by Council over the past 11 budget cycles to more than $1.5 billion," Cr Manning said.
"Over the past decade, the program has provided much-needed sports, recreational, cultural, road, water and waste facilities across the Cairns local government area.
"It has also delivered key projects that have elevated the liveability of the city and driven economic growth by attracting visitors to our city, such as the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands, and redevelopment of Tobruk Memorial Pool and the Cairns Esplanade Dining Precinct."
This year, the Capital Works program allows for:
- $25.1 million on roads, bridges, streetlighting, drainage, kerb and channel, shoulder sealing, and bus stops
- $52.9 million on improving the water network,
- $29.6 million on the wastewater network
- $38.9 million on community, sport, and cultural projects
Some of the highlights of the program include:
Community, sport, and cultural
Footpaths and Cycleways – $5.7 million
Northern Beaches Leisure Trail (Clifton Beach to Kewarra Beach) – $4.2 million
Allocation of $4.2 million to complete the NBLT connection from Clifton Beach with neighbouring Kewarra Beach.
Once completed, the newest section of the NBLT will feature 460 metres of three-metre-wide shared pedestrian and cycling path from the end of Arlington Esplanade in Clifton Beach through to Pelican Park in Kewarra Beach.
It will include an 80-metre bridge across Deep Creek and the installation of lighting, CCTV, fencing and landscaping.
This $6.4 million project has grant funding of almost $4 million, contributed in equal parts from the Australian Government, and the State Government under its Cycling Network Local Government Grants Program.
When finished, cyclists and pedestrians will be able to travel from Yorkeys Knob to Palm Cove along the NBLT.
Active travel – $1.5 million
Council has allocated $1 million for new footpaths and pathways to promote active travel.
More than 3km of new footpaths are included in the budgeted works, including along English St, Lennon St, Hoare St, and Dollisson St in Manunda; Shannon Dr, Bayview Heights; Clifton Rd, Clifton Beach; Old Smithfield Rd, Freshwater; McGregor St and Moody St in Manoora; Riverstone Rd, Gordonvale; and Cedar Rd, Palm Cove.
There is also $535,000 set aside to upgrade and renew footpaths.
Cultural facilities – $10.9 million
Council has set aside $7.7 million to progress the Cairns Gallery Precinct.
The Cairns Gallery Precinct will link three heritage-listed buildings – the Cairns Art Gallery, the Court House Gallery and the former Mulgrave Shire Council office – to create a dynamic and world-class gallery facility.
The bulk of the works included in this year's Budget, which have been funded in large by the Federal Government, involve refurbishment of the Old Mulgrave Shire building and detailed design for a future gallery.
The Cairns Performing Arts Centre will benefit from $831,000 in this year's Budget, which includes upgrading lights to LED and ensure the facility continues to meet the needs of world-class performers and audience expectations.
There is just under $2 million allocated for upgrades to the Tanks Arts Centre, including $703,000 for new amenities at the amphitheatre, $400,000 to renew public toilets at Tank 5, and $600,000 for lighting, audio and radio communication upgrades.
Council will also spend $100,000 to reconfigure Tank 5 to increase its capacity, which will broaden its attraction to touring acts and performers.
Community facilities – $3.5 million
More than $3.5 million has been committed to improving libraries and community halls and centres.
This includes more than $1.8 million for the Trinity Beach Community Activity Space, and $1.3 million for renewals and upgrades to libraries.
The library budget allocation has $750,000 to refresh Smithfield Library, which will include a reconfiguration to respond to current needs, as well as an upgrade of facilities.
There is also $100,000 allocated to start design and costing for the proposed Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre in White Rock, while $55,000 has been committed to upgrade security entry systems at several community halls.
Council has also set aside $100,000 for annual Botanic Gardens renewal, as well as $60,000 for public toilet upgrades at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.
Trinity Beach Community Activity Centre – $1.83 million
Council successfully secured $935,000 from the State Government to help fund a $1.83 million project to build the Trinity Beach Community Activity Space, which will replace the ageing and dysfunctional Trinity Beach Community Centre.
The current facility is more than 40 years old, is no longer fit for purpose, has insufficient capacity to meet community needs, and is not all-abilities accessible.
The new centre will have increased meeting and gathering spaces, dedicated kitchenettes, DDA compliant bathrooms and access, and car parking.
Public toilet facilities – $1.4 million
Councill has committed $1.4 million to build a new public toilet at Mount Sheridan and upgrade five additional public amenities to achieve Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance.
A new facility will be constructed at the Lakes Park, Mount Sheridan, in response to community demand. The park has recreational elements such as a tennis court, half-court, playground and barbecues.
The new toilet block will include a unisex, DDA compliant, ambulant and accessible cubicle in line with Council's standard toilet block design.
Upgrades will be undertaken at Glenoma Park, Brinsmead; Possum Park and Vallance Park, Trinity Beach; Giangurra Esplanade, East Trinity; and Johnson Park, Gordonvale.
Sporting facilities – $8.2 million
Council has committed over $8 million to the upgrade and renewal of sporting facilities.
It includes new lighting at Barlow Park, expansion of facilities at the Earlville Tennis Club, and works to progress a new carpark to service users of Touch Park in Aeroglen.
Barlow Park – $6.8 million
Council has committed $6.8 million this financial year to progress lighting and audio-visual upgrades to Barlow Park.
The $10 million project, which has $4 million in State Government funding, will ensure the facility meets TV broadcast standards.
The upgrades include increasing the lux capacity of lighting as well as installing large video screen for scoring and replays.
Lighting upgrades are due for completion this financial year.
Earlville Tennis Club courts – $1.4 million
Council has set aside $1.4 million to complete construction of four new courts with lighting and fencing, as well as a new carpark, to accommodate increased use at the Henley St tennis facility.
The project, $2.6 million in total, will allow the Woree Tennis Club to relocate to the Earlville Tennis Club, following work on the Pezzutti Park Masterplan and associated upgrade of the Windarra St / Rigg St intersection in Woree.
Aquatic Facilities – $2.2 million
Council has earmarked over $2 million to spend on its aquatic facilities, including $1.2 million on its annual renewal program, $300,000 to improve the kids play area at Smithfield Pool, and $75,000 to upgrade the adventure and play area at Sugarworld Parklands.
Council has allocated $270,000 for an accessible change facility at the Esplanade Lagoon, which caters for users with high support needs who require additional space, assistance and specialised equipment to allow them to use toilets safely and comfortably.
There is also $150,000 for works at Tobruk Memorial Pool, which will include a shade of the Flowrider.
Parks, playgrounds and skateparks – $6.3 million
A number of parks will be improved this year with the Budget funding for new and renewal of playground equipment, upgrade of skating facilities, installation of post and rail boundary fencing, and the proposed establishment of dog leash areas in Smithfield and Caravonica.
Works include the redevelopment of Kenrick Park in Gordonvale, a refresh of Muddy's Playground on the Esplanade, and the upgrade of the skate facility in Redlynch.
Kenrick Park – $4.75 million
Council will progress works to transform Kenrick Park into a dynamic community space for use by residents in the southern corridor.
Council has committed $4.75 million this financial year to deliver Stage 1 of the project, which will include the construction of a dog park, playground equipment, intermediate bump track, carpark, toilets, pathways, basketball court, shelters, and picnic areas.
Kenrick Park covers 5.7 hectares in Gordonvale, which has been identified as a key population growth area in the southern part of the Cairns Regional Council area.
The $6 million project includes a commitment of $3 million in funding from the Queensland Government, which was announced during the sitting of Parliament in Cairns in May.
Muddy's Playground – $700,000
The popular children's playground along the Cairns Esplanade will get an injection of $700,000, which will allow for a refresh of the waterplay area and replacement of the fort play area.
Redlynch Skate Park – $750,000
The Redlynch Skatepark will undergo a $750,000 refresh, which will be guided by community consultation earlier this year.
The skatepark was due to be refurbished and Council has used the opportunity to obtain community feedback to inform the renewal of the facility.
Critical infrastructure
Transport Network – $25.1 million
Council has allocated more than $21.7 million in the Capital Works Program to provide new, upgrades and renewals of its extensive transport network.
This includes works related to roads and bridges, lighting and the drainage network.
Council has allocated more than $1 million to upgrade and install traffic signals at the intersection of Trinity Beach Rd and Navigation Dr; almost $1 million to progress the construction of Cooper Rd as part of the Mount Peter Estate; and $260,000 for the improvement of the Petersen Rd and Mount Peter Rd intersection in Edmonton.
There is $445,000 for the upgrade and maintenance of bridges, which includes $320,000 as part of the annual bridge renewal program, as well as funding for bridge works at Saltwater Creek and Ross & Locke.
More than $270,000 has been earmarked for roundabout safety improvements, as well as $320,000 for bus stop improvements.
Council will also invest more than $770,000 to upgrade lighting along roads and footpaths, with a focus on improving safety and reducing running costs.
About $245,000 will be used to replace existing lighting with LED fixtures at nine locations across the city, including the pathways at Pensioner Park, in Pease St, Manunda; Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach; and Mestrez St, Mooroobool.
There is an additional $234,000 allocated for similar upgrades along Collins Ave at the Botanic Gardens precinct.
More than $245,000 has been set aside for festoon lighting to be installed in the Shields St public activity area, between Grafton and Lake streets to improve illumination levels for increased pedestrian safety and enhance ambiance of the streetscape for users.
Reseals / Overlays / Pavement rehabilitation – $8.5 million
Council's annual reseal and overlay program will keep the city's roads in good condition, with $2 million allocated in the asphalt overlay program, $2 million in the reseal program, and $4.5 million for pavement rehabilitation.
Pavement Rehabilitation Program
A commitment of $4.5 million will help ensure Council roads are maintained to a safe and suitable standard.
Council manages about 1360km of roads which are primarily maintained and renewed through the annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program.
Regular monitoring of roads through an inspection program and a condition assessment system, prioritises those roads requiring renewal.
Roads identified for renewal through the Pavement Rehabilitation Program in the next 12 months include:
- English St, Manunda
- Graham St, Edmonton
- Green St, Edmonton
- Kamerunga Rd, Redlynch
- Mt Peter Rd, Edmonton
- Woopen Creek Rd, Woopen Creek
- Balaclava Rd, Earlville.
Reseal Program – $2 million
Council will spend $2 million on maintaining the surface layer of its roads, which is critical to extending the life of the underlying pavement.
The annual Reseal Program plays a critical role in extending the life of Council roads by applying a protective reseal layer over the existing sealed surface.
This helps to prevent moisture from penetrating through deteriorated or oxidised bitumen seals into the underlying pavement, which results in costly repairs.
Asphalt Overlay Program – $2 million
Council has endorsed a $2 million Asphalt Overlay Program, which will repair and renew 24 streets and roads across 13 suburbs.
The program involved the removal and replacement of deteriorated or oxidised asphalt, which prevents moisture from penetrating into the underlying pavement, and provides a safe, smooth and sustainable surface for traffic.
Kerb and channel and shoulder sealing program – $2.5 million
Council has budgeted $2.5m to its annual kerb and channel and shoulder sealing program.
The investment reinforces the importance of this infrastructure in assisting with road drainage and preventing water entering under the road surface.
This improves safety, helps to preserve road conditions and reduce ongoing maintenance costs, and contributes to the aesthetics of the city.
Council maintains about 1705km of kerb and channel.
Drainage and flood mitigation – $2.6 million
Council has committed $2.6 million to ensure the city's drainage network is working at maximum efficiency and to improve flood mitigation.
There is $130,000 allocated in the annual culvert renewal program, $590,000 for stormwater relining, $300,000 for underground stormwater drain renewals, and $400,000 for the renewal of concrete lined drains.
The program also includes a $300,000 renewal to an open drain at Woodward St, Edge Hill, and $270,000 for the Stockland Drain in Earlville.
There is $250,000 to improve flood resilience at Saltwater Creek, $200,000 for flood mitigation in the CBD, and $150,000 for works at the McKinnon Creek Detention Basin in Edmonton.
Cemeteries
Council has allocated $275,000 for cemetery works, which includes $210,000 for new works and $50,000 for renewals.
There is also $15,000 to towards the expansion of Forest View Cemetery in Mount Sheridan, with an additional $585,000 allocated in the 2024/25 financial year.
Beach erosion control
There is almost $1.5 million allocated for erosion control measures at Holloways Beach and Clifton Beach.
Water infrastructure – $53 million
Cairns Water Security – Stage 1
Council has allocated $24 million to progress the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project.
The project will deliver a new drinking water supply to the Cairns community from the Mulgrave River at Gordonvale, supplementing existing supplies from Copperlode Falls Dam, Behana Creek and Council's smaller rural intakes.
Council is undertaking a multi-stage procurement approach for the project to optimise design.
Early Contractor Involvement with two shortlisted contractors started in April 2023 and will continue throughout the remainder of the year.
The shortlisted proponents are currently undertaking design development, with the successful proposal to be identified by late 2023.
Procurement of long lead items and early construction works will begin in 2024, with construction to be completed in 2026.
Council has successfully advocated for Federal and State Governments to provide $107.5 million each to help fund the project.
Water meters
Council has committed $5.7 million to continue the rollout of smart water meters (SWM), with further commitments in following Budget cycles for the installation of more than 50,000 gauges by mid-2025.
A SWM is a digital device that measures, in real time, the amount of water in use, and transmits the data to Council for processing. This can help save water by early leak detection and identifying patterns in water usage.
Phase 1 of Council's Smart Water Meters project was completed at the end of 2019, with the installation of 697 SWM in Palm Cove and development of approximately 50% of the associated communications network.
Council has also allocated more than $2.4 million for the installation and replacement of new ultrasonic water meters, and replacement of commercial water meters as required.
Emergency Water Supply Plan
An allocation of $664,000 has been made to complete works for the Emergency Water Supply Plan (EWSP) to safeguard Cairns' water supply in the event of an extreme drought.
The EWSP involves the completion of designs and pre-construction works, but no infrastructure is installed unless required due to an extreme drought weather event.
Under the plan, a bore field to the south of the Mulgrave River and temporary infrastructure, including associated pipework, packaged water treatment plant and booster pump station will be used to treat approximately 40 megalitres of bore water each day, which can then supply the Cairns network.
Water infrastructure improvements and upgrades
Council has allocated $15 million on improvements and upgrades to water pump stations, treatment plants and reservoirs.
This includes $5.4 million to progress a new reservoir at Mount Peter in Edmonton.
Work started last year on the project, which includes an 8 megalitre reservoir, trunk water pipelines and refurbishment of an existing water pumping station, to meet the demands of future development in the area.
This will be the first reservoir constructed by Council in more than a decade, and the largest since the 8 megalitre reservoir at Currunda Creek, Redlynch, was completed in 2009.
Council plans to refurbish reservoirs across the local government area, including Bayview Heights ($1.6 million), Edge Hill ($1.7 million), and Barron View ($237,000).
There is a further allocation of $2.8 million to upgrade the Freshwater Creek Water Treatment Plant, and more than $820,000 for upgrades to pumping stations.
Water main refurbishment program
Council has budgeted $4 million to replace water mains at various locations as part of its ongoing maintenance program.
The annual water main refurbishment program involves the replacement of aging and/or deteriorated water mains to maintain the structural integrity of the water network.
Nineteen water mains will be replaced as part of the program as determined by the maintenance management system.
Wastewater infrastructure – $29.6 million
Projects included in the program are:
- $15.3 million on upgrades and improvements to sewer pump stations (SPS), including:
- $2.8 million for rising main works at SPS FG1 in White Rock
- $4.2 million to complete rising main works from Holloways Beach to Machans Beach
- $1.2 million for design works at SPS R27 in Portsmith
- $2.3 million for design of a new SPS on Links Dr, Woree, with construction to start next year
- $1.5 million for design works relating to SPS W2 in Woree.
- $8.8 million on improvements and upgrades to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), including:
- $1.3 million to complete works to replace specialist filtration membranes in the Northern and Southern WWTPs. The membrane replacement is the final stage of a $6.3 million, six-phase project to upgrade the treatment plants. Council has systematically replaced the membranes over the past five years to maximise the lifespan of the filters, reduce the risk of equipment failure and environmental impacts, and minimise the cost to ratepayers. The specialist filters remove nitrogen, phosphorus and potentially harmful bacteria without using unsafe chemicals.
- Works will be undertaken to replace and upgrade essential components of the Northern Wastewater Treatment Plant. Council has allocated almost $2 million for the works, which include new dewatering equipment, which is essential for the plant's operation. Currently, no redundancy exists and if the dewatering system failed, the plant could only operate for about two weeks without potentially jeopardising its environmental licence compliance.
The works will also include modifications and replacement of the polymer dosing system, which is needed to prepare wastewater for treatment; a new control system and switchboard; and a new building to accommodate the new equipment. The works are due to be completed in June 2024.
- $2.8 million for works at the Edmonton WWTP, including $1.7 million to progress critical upgrades to bring it in line with other treatment sites.
- $2.5 million allocated to the annual sewer-relining program
- $500,000 on the manhole rehabilitation program.
Resource recovery – $970,000
Council will invest over $970,000 to improve and upgrade transfer station facilities.
There is $525,000 for improvements at the Materials Recovery Facility in Portsmith, including $375,000 for renewal of the weighbridge.
There is $70,000 to improve services at the Buy Back Shop, and other works at Smithfield, Portsmith and Gordonvale transfer stations.
CCTV network – $475,000
Council has allocated $475,000 to the renewal, upgrade and expansion of its CCTV network, which currently has more than 550 cameras across the city, about 270 of which cover public spaces and facilities with the CBD.
FUNDING NOTE: The Queensland and Australian Governments have contributed funding for some items listed within the Cairns Regional Council budget.
