General News
30 March, 2026
Jasper impacts still being felt
CAIRNS regional councillors have pointed to recovery, infrastructure and growth as key priorities as the current term reaches its midpoint.
Division 8 councillor Rhonda Coghlan said recovery following Cyclone Jasper had dominated the past two years.
“As chairwoman of the LDMG recovery committee, I am incredibly proud of the recovery efforts following Cyclone Jasper,” she said.
“Key achievements include securing 50% recovery funding for the Lake Placid restoration works, which were initially unfunded, and commencing works on the Casuarina Street bridge at Holloways Beach.”
Cr Coghlan said around 1000 homes were impacted by flooding, with many families only returning in late 2025, while water management issues and beach erosion remained ongoing challenges.
“In 2024 and 2025, recovery has been the most significant issue facing the division,” she said.
She said priorities included addressing issues at the JCU reservoir and progressing master plans for Barron Waters Park and the Smithfield Leisure Precinct.
Division 1 councillor Brett Moller said infrastructure delivery and planning for growth in the southern corridor had been a key focus.
Cr Moller highlighted the completion of the $6m stage 1 of Pyramid Parklands Gujura at Gordonvale, as well as securing the Petersen Rd/Mt Peter Rd intersection upgrade, along with the Chay and Walker Rd connection in council’s forward budgets.
He also pointed to footpath projects in Gordonvale and Babinda, streetscape improvements in Munro Street, Babinda, and support for community events, including the Babinda Harvest Festival, Gordonvale’s Great Pyramid Race and Sugar Solstice.
“With the new council, ensuring high governance standards in council decision making, recognising conflicts of interests and the organisational structure of the whole of council as decision makers,” he said.
Cr Moller said key issues included infrastructure funding for the Mt Peter Priority Development Area and the State Development Area, planning for growth and council’s draft aquatic strategy.
“Dealing with council’s draft aquatic strategy that proposes decommissioning of the Babinda pool at its end of life,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said priorities included securing state and federal funding for Mt Peter projects, progressing stage 2 of Pyramid Parklands Gujura and advocating for the Babinda pool.
Both councillors said community engagement remained central to their roles, with regular meetings, events and direct contact with residents across their divisions.
As Cairns Regional Council reaches the midpoint of its term following the 2024 election, councillors are reflecting on progress and setting priorities for the next two years, with a focus on recovery, infrastructure and long-term planning.
