Cairns is defined by its blue and green – the mountain ranges to the west and the ocean to the east. We are set among 2 World Heritage Areas. Part of what makes our natural environment special is our location and climate. This also makes the Cairns regions prone to natural hazards and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

When it comes to protecting our natural environment, we learnt:

• there are a range of different ‘green spaces’ across Cairns, including the Wet Tropics, parks, nature reserves and backyards. We also have several important ‘blue spaces’ across Cairns, made up of rivers, creeks and waterways.
• our tropical climate is the ideal condition for tropical rainforests and unique ecosystems.
• protecting and prioritising these ‘blue and green’ spaces can cool urban areas, improve air quality and provide a comfortable living space for people and animals.

WE HEARD

• When asked what makes Cairns special in the Phase 1 online survey, 46% of responses mentioned the environment and natural spaces.
• 68% of Phase 1 survey respondents from the Northern Beaches and Surrounds said more connected and protected habitats and green space is a top 5 opportunity that could come with growth.
• 42% of people who completed our scenic preference survey live in the Northern Beaches and Surrounds. Their favourite type of scenic places or journeys were waterfalls (68%), beaches (60%), and hiking trails (38%).
• 54% of Phase 1 survey respondents from Palm Cove, Clifton Beach and Trinity Beach were concerned or very concerned about impact on their suburb from natural hazards.
• 53% of Phase 1 survey respondents from Yorkeys Knob were concerned or very concerned about impact on their suburb from natural hazards.
• 81% of Phase 1 survey respondents from Machans Beach and Holloways Beach were concerned or very concerned about impact on their suburb from natural hazards.

WE LEARNT

• The Barron Delta is a dominant natural feature of the area. Blue and green corridors are a key part of the character of the area, linking the mountains to the beaches.
• Cairns is known for its active and tropical lifestyle. There are many green spaces, but many of them are disconnected and difficult for people to access.
• There are a range of different landscape types in the Northern Beaches and Surrounds: forested mountains to the west, suburban and rural living areas, lowlands, and cane lands.
• Palm Cove, Clifton Beach and Trinity Beach are less exposed to flood hazard, but are exposed to bushfire hazard and coastal erosion hazard.
• Yorkeys Knob is on higher land and less exposed to flood hazard, but access to the area can be significantly impacted during flood events.
• Machans and Holloways Beaches are heavily impacted by flood, storm tide and coastal erosion hazards.

WE HEARD

• 47% of Phase 1 survey respondents from Central Cairns and Surrounds believe their suburb is at risk from natural hazards.
• "[A resilient city means] . . .a hospital that isn't on the Esplanade and in need of evacuation with a cyclone incoming (Yasi was a disaster)."- Community Panel member
• 43% of Phase 1 survey respondents from Central Cairns and Surrounds were concerned or very concerned about impact on their suburb from natural hazards.
• At Get Ready Day 2022, 70% of pop-up visitors were concerned or very concerned about flooding hazards.
• 33% of Youth Summit attendees said their top concern for Cairns in 2050 was impacts from climate change.

WE LEARNT

• There are significant blue and green corridors in Central Cairns and Surrounds, such as the Barron Delta and Trinity Inlet. These corridors are disconnected and constrained, which is an issue for mitigating or managing future hazards.
• This area is home to critical health facilities, and the airport. These facilities are subject to risk from hazards.
• There is considerable risk from hazards in suburbs on the fringe of the city.
• From the Barron Delta to its north and the Trinity Inlet to its south, the impacts of flood and storm tide are a critical issue in the growth of Central Cairns and Surrounds.
• Mitigating these risks can be achieved through cost or design solutions.

WE HEARD

• 58% of Phase 1 survey respondents from the Southern Corridor said more connected and protected habitats and green space is a top 5 opportunity that could come with growth.
• 21% of Phase 1 survey respondents from the Southern Corridor believe their suburb is at risk from natural hazards.

WE LEARNT

• The existing green corridors and blue creeks and waterways are a significant part of the character of the Southern Corridor. It is important to protect and enhance these corridors in the future.
• The Southern Corridor has significant potential for development that is largely unaffected by natural hazards.