What we asked

During Phase 3, we asked community members and stakeholders:

  • What makes a great neighbourhood?
  • What are your favourite scenic landscapes, places and journeys?
  • What direction would you like to see for the future of housing, natural environment and hazards, neighbourhoods and infrastructure across Cairns?
  • How do you connect to the things that you do and need? Are they nearby or out of your home area?
  • What might our new residents need, and where might they live?

What we heard

When thinking about the Northern Beaches, participants indicated

  • they would like to see a neighbourhood or hub planned around Smithfield so people can live near James Cook University.
  • they would like to see the Northern Beaches and northern suburbs be better connected to Central Cairns by public transport.
  • mixed feedback about growth in the Northern Beaches.

When thinking about Central Cairns, participants indicated

  • they would like to see more urban villages in Central Cairns that are supported by great public transport.
  • Central Cairns is attractive for its infrastructure, shops and services, and active transport paths.
  • they generally saw Central Cairns as a good place for growth.

When thinking about the Southern Corridor, participants indicated that they would like to see

  • urban villages (including in Mount Peter) connected by existing blue and green spaces.
  • new community infrastructure to support new residents.
  • local jobs, so new residents will not need to rely on travelling into Central Cairns.
  • active transport connections come with development.
  • a mix of housing types in the Southern Corridor.
  • Participants indicated that they generally saw the Southern Corridor as a good place for growth.

When thinking about environment and resilience to natural hazards, participants indicated that they would like

  • development to be planned in areas that are less impacted by hazards.
  • to see planning aim to reduce the impact of natural hazards.
  • to see environmental protection prioritised.
  • Participants indicated that they love access to the natural environment for recreation.

When thinking about neighbourhood design

  • Participants indicated that they see a great neighbourhood as having:
    • affordable housing
    • shady streets
    • parks and open spaces
    • active transport paths
  • Participants indicated that they would like to see a focus on tropical design in new developments.

When thinking about community and connections

  • Participants indicated that they would like to see more or different entertainment and lifestyle opportunities.