Infrastructure, centre and local economy
When planning for the future population of Cairns, it is important to consider how we also plan for efficient, safe and sustainable infrastructure. Infrastructure plays a critical role in how a community plans for the future and can shape and influence the way it grows.
As our population grows, we will need increased employment opportunities and a focus on training and education to meet the knowledge, skills and technology requirements of future jobs. To ensure our economy continues to grow, we need to support emerging industries and global trends while also focusing on our local priority sectors for growth.
Northern Beaches and Surrounds
WE HEARD
- 73% of Phase 1 online survey respondents from Redlynch and Smithfield said 'a strong and diverse economy' or 'better access to services and facilities in my neighbourhood' is a benefit that can come with growth.
- A thriving local economy was one of the Stakeholder Panel's top 5 hopes for Cairns in 2050.
- 43% of Phase 1 online survey respondents from the Northern Beaches and Surrounds said more social, cultural and sporting activities and facilities is a top 5 opportunity that can come from growth in Cairns.
- 48% of Phase 1 online survey respondents from the Northern Beaches and Surrounds said more investment in community services, facilities and essential infrastructure is a top 5 opportunity that can come from growth in Cairns.
- 43% of Community Panel survey respondents said planning for people to have easy access from home to everything they need (work, local services and amenities) is a potential benefit from growth.
WE LEARNT
- Northern Beaches and Surrounds provide the opportunity to accommodate increased tourism opportunities that showcase leading tropical design standards.
- There are limited local employment options in the Northern Beaches and Surrounds. The Far North Queensland Regional Plan states that there is very little suitable land for industrial development in this area.
- Living further from a workplace increases commute times, contributes to traffic congestion and impacts on quality of life.
- Smithfield can support the surrounding suburbs by providing a greater focus on community services, food and beverage locations and increased density to support commercial uses.
- People living in the Northern Beaches have smaller local centres, so they rely on travelling to the city centre where more shops, facilities and services are located.
- Planning to ‘co-locate’ different types of infrastructure can be an effective way to plan for efficient, sustainable and liveable cities. Different types of infrastructure can share resources, use land more efficiently and connect to one public transport station or stop.
- Master planning greenfield areas with the environment creates sustainable, integrated communities that minimise impact and maximise high quality of life. Master planning provides an opportunity to strategically place infrastructure, meet community needs and minimise ad-hoc development.
Central Cairns and Surrounds
WE HEARD
- When asked about their concerns for Cairns in 2050, 22% of Phase 1 online survey respondents said the impact from natural hazards.
- When asked about their concerns for Cairns in 2050, 11% of Phase 1 online survey respondents said that the infrastructure does not keep up with population growth.
- Community Summit attendees told us what they think will be the same in Cairns in 2050. They mentioned the unique natural environment, and the landmark public spaces like the esplanade and Botanic Gardens.
- 60% of Phase 1 online survey respondents said a better public transport system is a top 5 opportunity that can come with growth in Cairns.
- 44% of Phase 1 online survey respondents said a stronger and more diverse economy with greater employment opportunities is a top 5 opportunity that can come with growth in Cairns.
- 20% of responses from pop-up visitors during September and October 2023 told us that a great neighbourhood in 2050 would include public transport in walking distance.
WE LEARNT
- Cairns Airport precinct is vulnerable to flood and storm tide impacts, as seen in recent events like Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
- Central Cairns and its Surrounds, including Redlynch, cater for a significant proportion of the city’s employment, health, industry and mixed-use development.
- Cairns City is home to key cultural, health, and entertainment facilities and their various assets.
- There are few to no transport options between residential areas and employment areas in Central Cairns and Surrounds.
- The Port is a major industry and industrial transport hub area.
- There are few to no transport options between the airport, Cairns City and other residential areas.
Southern Corridor and Surrounds
WE HEARD
- When asked what they love about Babinda, 11% of responses from pop-up visitors to the Babinda Harvest Festival in 2022 mentioned the community, friendships and connections.
- Community Summit attendees described what would be surprising to them now about people living in Cairns in 2050. They mentioned the economy becoming more sustainable, with circular options easier thanks to technological advances and a move to clean energy.
- Community Summit attendees described what people will be doing in Cairns in 2050. They mentioned flexible work arrangements with an enjoyable work life balance and more time for leisure and relaxation.
- When asked what they would change about their suburb, 20% of Phase 1 online survey responses from the Southern Corridor said the road network.
- Increased infrastructure, including public transport, was mentioned as a top 5 hope for Cairns in 2050 from the Stakeholder Panel, Youth Summit, Community Summit and First Peoples Advisory Committee during Phase 2 engagement.
WE LEARNT
- There is very little growth expected for Babinda and the surrounding rural areas.
- There is a good supply of most community infrastructure in the Bentley Park, Edmonton, White Rock and Mount Sheridan areas to accommodate a growing population, apart from community activity spaces and aquatic and sport or recreation spaces.
- The Mount Peter, Gordonvale, Trinity and East Trinity areas is expected to be a major growth corridor, so more community infrastructure is required in this area.
- There is a large amount of supply of industrial land in the Cairns South State Development Area.
- Most people living in a suburban area will commute into an employment hub on weekdays. This is likely to be Cairns City or another industry hub. A shorter commute with different transport options can improve quality of life.
- Based on the project population growth, there will be increased use of roads. This can lead to increased frequency of road maintenance and traffic congestion
- There are few to no transport options connecting residential areas and commercial or employment hubs.
