Cairns Regional Council hopes to receive state funding for community projects

With Far North Queensland Regional Parliament being held at the Cairns Convention Centre from 9th to 11th  May, Cairns Regional Council is hopeful for state funding announcements for seven key initiatives that will have immediate and lasting impacts for the community and regional economy.

Council is leading advocacy on four community projects and supporting key stakeholders in three further strategic initiatives.

Council projects

• Kenrick Park, Gordonvale

• Cairns Community & Multicultural Centre

• Trinity Beach Community Activity Space

• Northern Beaches Leisure Trail

Supported projects

• Expansion of the Smithfield Mountain Bike Trail Network and sustainable funding for Crankworx

• Defence Industry Strategy

• Cairns Skills and Workforce Planning

Mayor Bob Manning said the regional sitting of parliament was a unique opportunity to call attention to projects and priorities for the city and broader Far North.

Mayor Manning notes “our community is facing increasing issues of homelessness, crime and cost of living pressures and we are hopeful for announcements that will have tangible outcomes in these areas.

“While these issues are not in Council’s remit, we acknowledge that we have a part to play and have put forward seven initiatives that will contribute to a vibrant community, provide critical support services, improve liveability and generate economic results.

“These are not expensive ‘shiny, nice to haves’, but we need State Government support to get them moving now so there can be an immediate impact, rather than pushing them into future Council budgets.

“And we will pay our share. Where Council has responsibility, we will match funding 50/50.”

Mayor Manning acknowledged the assistance of local State MPs, Craig Crawford, Curtis Pitt and Michael Healy, who have been advocating for the projects with their State Government colleagues, ensuring the Premier and Treasurer were aware of their importance to the community.

Image. Smithfield Mountain Bike Trail Network Cairns Credit: Bicycle Queensland