A new partnership between Ports North and Cairns Regional Council will enhance security across the Marina and surrounding foreshore, improving safety for businesses, visitors and the community.
Ports North first engaged Council in December 2024 to support security monitoring along the Marine Precinct and waterfront through selected CCTV coverage of the boardwalk.
Following the program's success, an expanded agreement was established in December 2025.
Under the new agreement, Council's CitySafe program now provides expanded CCTV monitoring across Ports North–managed areas, including the Marina fingers, as well as targeted security patrols during peak periods.
Council engaged to support security
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the contractual arrangement extends the CitySafe program to support security across Ports North areas.
"Ports North has engaged Council to deliver additional security measures across the Marina Precinct and waterfront, creating a more coordinated approach to monitoring and response," Cr Eden said.
"This work is fully funded by Ports North; there is no cost to Council or Cairns ratepayers."
Designed to improve community safety, the agreement strengthens the response to incidents such as trespass and nuisance behaviour by providing a single, clear point of contact for security concerns.
Ports Norths investment in safety
Ports North General Manager Operations Ash Sinha said the agreement forms part of Ports North's ongoing investment in safety across the Marina.
"The Marina is a shared community space used every day by locals, visitors, businesses, and berth holders. This agreement is part of a broader commitment to working with Council to ensure the waterfront is used appropriately, safely, and respectfully for everyone's enjoyment," Mr Sinha said.
"By working closely with Council and the CitySafe Program, we're strengthening how we prevent and respond to security issues, including after-hours activity. This integrated approach helps us respond more effectively to concerns and supports a safe, welcoming environment for all."
Mr Sinha said CitySafe's 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities provide the Marina community with clear and reliable points of contact at any time.
Working together for the community
Mayor Eden said the partnership demonstrates how organisations can work together to support community safety.
"We have entered an agreement with Ports North to expand 24/7 live camera coverage into Council's CitySafe facility and increase targeted security patrols around the marina," she said.
"It's about working together to ensure people feel safe, welcome and confident spending time in the heart of our CBD."
Far North District Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) are committed to working with partner agencies to ensure public safety.
"The CitySafe Camera Facility provides local police with valuable, real-time information to help us respond to calls for service quickly, and disrupt offending and anti-social behaviour," Chief Superintendent Fitzgibbon said.
"We'll continue to ensure the community is safe and feels safe through high-visibility patrols of the Safe Night Precinct and wider CBD area.
"This collaborative effort highlights the importance of addressing both the criminal and social aspects of antisocial behaviour, ensuring a balanced approach that prioritises community safety while supporting vulnerable individuals."
CitySafe Program
Cairns Regional Council's CitySafe Program includes extensive CCTV monitoring, security patrols, and a CBD support team, providing a coordinated community safety approach and strengthening joint deterrence in response to the city's evolving security needs.
As part of Ports North's ongoing commitment to safety, new signage has been installed throughout the Marina to clearly identify accessible areas, including designated fishing locations, and to provide clear guidance on appropriate use of the precinct.
Together, Ports North, Council, CitySafe, and the community remain committed to keeping the Marina safe, secure, and welcoming for everyone.
