Cairns' residents will benefit from a significant investment of $36.4 million in community infrastructure, active travel, recreation facilities and public spaces as part of Council's 2026/27 Budget.
The Budget delivers a range of projects that will improve connectivity across the region, support healthy and active lifestyles, strengthen community inclusion, and enhance the liveability of neighbourhoods from Ellis Beach in the north to Bramston Beach in the south.
Mayor Amy Eden said this Budget continues Council's investment in essential community infrastructure across Cairns.
"These projects support day-to-day access, movement and participation for residents, and they form part of the broader work needed to strengthen our region."
Improving community connectivity through footpaths and cultural hubs
A major focus of the Budget is improving footpaths, with $2.6 million through the Capital Works Program and an additional $2.1 million allocated to Council's Active Travel Program.
The program will continue delivering high-priority footpath projects across Cairns, making it easier and safer for residents to walk, cycle and connect with schools, parks, public transport and local services.
Council is also investing in community infrastructure that strengthens social inclusion and supports the needs of a growing and diverse population.
A total of $6.2 million has been allocated this financial year toward the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre, with a further $3 million committed the following year.
The project, which is co-funded through the Federal Government's Growing Regions Program, will deliver the first purpose-built facility designed to support and celebrate Cairns' multicultural community while providing valuable community services in White Rock and the southern corridor.
Developing sporting facilities and public spaces to support community wellbeing
Sport and recreation infrastructure also features strongly in the Budget, with $4.3 million allocated this year toward the Redlynch Community Sporting Precinct as part of Council's $16 million commitment to the project.
The overall project also includes a $5 million contribution from the Federal Government through the Growing Regions Program.
The precinct will deliver new sporting fields, lighting, clubhouses, roads and parking, helping meet growing demand for community sport while creating opportunities for participation across all age groups.
Council will also invest $1.56 million in improvements to parking and internal access roads at the Trinity Beach Sporting Precinct, making the facility safer and easier to use for locals and visitors.
Additional investments in community recreation include $3.9 million for the Jeff Pezzutti Park Improvement Plan and $540,000 for upgrades to the Goomboora Park car park, ensuring two of the region's most popular recreational destinations continue to meet community needs.
The Budget also includes significant investment in maintaining and enhancing the Cairns Esplanade precinct, one of the city's most iconic community assets.
Council has allocated $2.3 million for the renewal of Muddy's water playground, which will revitalise the popular attraction with upgraded interactive play elements, improved water quality systems, renewed landscaping and modernised facilities.
An additional $500,000 has been allocated through the Esplanade Renewal Program to improve the Muddy's precinct. This includes reconfiguring and upgrading the existing plant room, and enhancing the area with new landscaping, signage and screening at the Muddy's entrance.
A further $740,000 has been committed to the Lagoon Biennial Renewal Program to ensure the Esplanade Lagoon continues to operate safely and efficiently for residents and visitors.
Protecting communities through recovery, safety and security initiatives
Disaster recovery efforts will receive $18.8 million in joint funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This forms part of a broader $21.8 million DRFA package to strengthen Cairns' disaster recovery and resilience.
The package also includes an $8 million investment to complete the reconstruction of the Casuarina Street Bridge at Holloways Beach, which was washed away during flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in late 2023.
The Lower Kamerunga Bridge will receive $5 million in repair funding as part of a jointly funded $7.4 million DRFA project, after sustaining significant damage during the same flooding event.
$918,000 will go towards enhancing CCTV across the region, including $393,000 through the Federal Government's Strengthening Community Safety Grant.
New cameras will be installed at the Charles St and Lily St corners of Sheridan St as part of a $132,000 investment.
A third mobile surveillance unit will also be commissioned to service the entire region, enabling CCTV capabilities to be deployed where needed to enhance community safety, deter antisocial and criminal behaviour, and support public spaces.
Further improvements across the region include:
- $450,000 for the renewal of public toilets at Ellis Beach to meet contemporary community expectations and accessibility standards.
- $290,000 for upgrades at Cairns Cemetery, increasing the facility's remaining lifespan so it can continue to serve the community into the future.
Cr Eden said the Budget reflected Council's commitment to delivering practical infrastructure that enhances quality of life across the region.
"These investments are about supporting our communities today while planning responsibly for the future. Together they will help create healthier neighbourhoods, stronger community connections and a city we can all be proud of."
