Fast-tracking housing in southern growth corridor
Council has identified Federal Government investment in trunk infrastructure for the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor as its top Federal Election priority.
The 3,300-hectare corridor, located between Edmonton and Gordonvale, has the potential to provide 18,500 new dwellings for approximately 42,500 people.
"Unlocking the potential of this greenfield site will require critical infrastructure with significant investment in our road, sewer and water networks needed to support development," Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said.
While developer contributions help fund infrastructure, Mayor Eden noted a funding gap remains.
"We'll need support from both State and Federal Governments to cover this shortfall so housing can be delivered sooner without increasing the financial burden on local residents during a cost-of-living crisis," she said.
As part of its broader plan, Council unanimously endorsed the Securing Cairns Housing Foundations strategy, advocating for a State Government declaration of the Mount Peter area as a Priority Development Area.
Water security commitment secured
Council has secured a Federal Government commitment of $87.5 million for Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1), aimed at providing cost-of-living relief.
Formal confirmation from the Federal LNP opposition that they will honour this commitment, if successful in the upcoming election, is being sought.
Smaller advocacy priorities also backed
Recognising interest in smaller, high-impact projects, Council has endorsed a suite of additional Federal Election advocacy priorities:
- Major Events Precinct Masterplan: Funding for the precinct and a high-performance facility.
- Muddy's Playground revitalisation: $1 million in federal funding support, matched by Council.
- Red Arrow track upgrade: $575,000 in federal funding, matched by Council, to upgrade the track's eastern side.
- Cairns Celebrates 150 Years: Funding support for 2026 events.
"Investing in popular community infrastructure like Muddy's revitalisation and the Red Arrow Trail is more important than ever when we are faced with cost-of-living pressure," Cr Eden said.
"These spaces provide free, accessible recreational opportunities for families and are vital to our tourism industry."
Ongoing regional collaboration
Beyond its own priorities, Council will continue collaborating with regional stakeholders, including neighbouring councils, FNQROC, Advance Cairns, Cairns Chamber of Commerce, RDA Tropical North, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland, to support other projects and initiatives where appropriate.
