Residents are being urged to have their say on shaping the future of Cairns.
By 2050, the population of Cairns is expected to have increased by 100,000 people to a total of 265,000 residents.
To accommodate that growth in a positive way, Council is developing the Towards 2050 Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy, which will establish a clear and coordinated long-term plan for to shape future development across the Cairns local government area.
As part of a two-year consultation plan, Council representatives will be heading out to local events and festivals to engage with the community.
Council representatives will be at the Babinda Harvest Festival tomorrow (8 October) and the Holloways Beach Markets on Sunday (9 October).
Large signs will also be placed at strategic locations, including dog parks and playgrounds, encouraging residents to get involved in the consultation process.
A QR code on the signs will allow people to easily find out about upcoming consultation sessions, have their say via an online survey, and sign up for Towards 2050 project updates.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said growth brought both challenges and opportunities, which is why it was imperative planning started now.
"We know that the city will have to grow to accommodate more people," Cr Manning said.
"In order to achieve a strategy that allows for appropriate growth and also meets the expectations of residents, we need residents to provide their input.
"We want to know what people love about Cairns and where they live, and what their hopes are for the future."
"This will help us formulate a strategy that allows for growth and meets the desires and expectations of the community."
Cr Manning said the Towards 2050 Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy will establish a clear and coordinated long-term plan for the growth and development of the Cairns local government area.
"The framework will support and enable sustainable growth, innovation, and economic prosperity," Cr Manning said.
"Importantly, it will give investors, business and residents confidence in the continued strength of our region."
The strategy will address the key planning opportunities and challenges facing the region, including:
- climate resilience
- impacts of natural hazards
- housing choice, diversity and affordability
- retaining neighbourhood character and scenic amenity
- transport and community infrastructure
- identifying future employment opportunities including locations for retail, commercial and industrial activity.
Council has engaged independent expert consultants (the multi-disciplinary Towards 2050 Consortium, led by Wolter Consulting Group) to prepare a suite of technical studies on these matters. These studies will identify specific constraints, risks and opportunities.
Residents can also stay informed and have their say at www.haveyoursay.cairns.qld.gov.au
