A bigger, brighter future is on the horizon for Cairns.
With the city's population expected to grow by 72,000 people by 2050, the Towards 2050: Growth Strategy lays out an ambitious roadmap to create thriving neighbourhoods, more housing choice, resilient infrastructure, and a stronger economy.
It sets out the community's expectations for the next 25 years and ensures Cairns remains one of the most liveable and sustainable cities in Australia.
At the same time, it safeguards the tropical lifestyle, cultural heritage and natural environment that define our region.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds, who chaired Wednesday's Ordinary Meeting, said the Strategy was one of the most important long-term plans ever developed for Cairns.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of our city," Cr Olds said.
"Towards 2050 is about balancing growth with protection of our natural assets, ensuring Cairns continues to be an exceptional place for future generations."
The Growth Strategy was developed over nearly three years of research, background studies and consultation.
More than 205,000 community interactions and almost 7,000 direct pieces of feedback helped shape the plan.
Insights were gathered through online surveys, pop-up events, and targeted engagement such as a 350-member community panel, community and youth summits, and consultation with First Peoples groups.
The plan is built on six foundations:
- Protecting and celebrating Cairns' blue and green tropical landscapes
- Delivering diverse housing to meet changing community needs
- Proactively planning for natural hazards
- Focusing growth in key areas
- Creating great tropical neighbourhoods
- Supporting a thriving economy
These foundations are supported by seven city-wide strategies and detailed precinct-based planning across Northern, Central and Southern Cairns, recognising the different opportunities and challenges in each part of the region.
The strategy also highlights the significant role of the State Government in planning for growth, particularly in the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor and the Cairns South State Development Area.
To put the Growth Strategy into action, Council will begin work on a new planning scheme to supersede CairnsPlan 2016.
This will be the city's primary tool for guiding the growth and development of our Region and will ensure decisions reflect the community's long-term vision.
Council will also review its Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) to ensure infrastructure, services and facilities keep pace with growth.
In the short term, amendments to the current planning scheme will be drafted to update natural hazard mapping and reduce development intensification in high-risk areas.
"Cairns is growing. This strategy makes sure we grow the right way," Cr Olds said.
"It respects our tropical lifestyle, our environment and our cultural heritage. And it creates new opportunities for housing, jobs and investment."
