Cairns Regional Council is hopeful State funding support for seven key local initiatives will be considered as the city prepares to host a sitting of the Queensland Parliament this week.
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.
“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,” Mayor Manning said.
“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.”
The projects Council hopes will be given State funding consideration are:
- Kenrick Park, Gordonvale
- Cairns Community & Multicultural Centre
- Trinity Beach Community Activity Space
- Northern Beaches Leisure Trail
- Expansion of the Smithfield Mountain Bike Trail Network and sustainable funding for Crankworx
- Defence Industry Strategy
- Cairns Skills and Workforce Planning
Mayor Manning said the Council is happy to pay its share where applicable, saying: “where Council has responsibility, we will match funding 50/50.”
He acknowledged the assistance of local state MPs, Craig Crawford, Curtis Pitt and Michael Healy, who he says have advocated for the projects, ensuring the Queensland Premier and Treasurer were aware of their importance to the community.
Council is leading advocacy on four community projects and supporting key stakeholders in three further strategic initiatives, the Mayor said.