General News
24 March, 2026
Getting back to basics is crucial
CAIRNS regional councillors have highlighted infrastructure, water management and community expectations as key issues as the council reaches the midpoint of its term following the 2024 election.
Division 7 councillor Anna Middleton said projects such as the Pease Street basketball court and the Red Arrow track upgrade had delivered strong community outcomes.
“The construction of the basketball court on Pease Street has been a standout achievement, transforming an underutilised area into a well-used community space,” she said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see such a diverse range of people enjoying it.”
She also pointed to shared pathway upgrades and the Saltwater Creek project, which combined drainage works with “nature-based solutions in a truly collaborative effort”.
Cr Middleton said water management remained a major issue in Division 7, particularly during king tides.
“Our landscape presents ongoing challenges with inundation, particularly during king tides,” she said.
“At the same time, balancing growth while protecting neighbourhood character and preserving our green spaces remains a key priority.”
Cr Rob Pyne said improvements across public spaces and long-term planning initiatives had been key achievements.
“I try not to be too proud, as everything rolled out on the ground is paid for by ratepayers and delivered by the hard work of council officers,” Cr Pyne said.
“That said, it has been pleasing to see the rollout of many footpaths across the division and the great work done to enhance and maintain the Esplanade.”
Cr Pyne also highlighted the Aeroglen carpark, Martyn St netball courts and the Cairns water security project, describing governance of the project as “first rate”.
In addition, the Cairns urban precinct and progress toward the Gallery Precinct were identified as important long-term initiatives, with expectations that the major events precinct would attract investment ahead of the Olympics.
Managing community expectations around council services was identified as an ongoing challenge.
“Many people’s expectations today is that council will take on more of that work,” Cr Pyne said.
“I am happy to support calls for increasing council’s service standards, but residents need to understand that this will come at a cost to the bottom line.”
Drainage during high tides was also raised as a concern, with Cr Pyne noting “nothing can be done about this without significant spending”.
Looking ahead, both councillors emphasised the importance of infrastructure delivery, collaboration across divisions and maintaining financial sustainability.
These responses form part of an ongoing Cairns Local News mid-term feature examining council progress, priorities and challenges across divisions.
