General News
3 December, 2025
Light rail right on track
IT might sound like a pipedream to many, but there are moves underway at Cassowary Coast Regional Council to explore the feasibility of a light rail service between two of the Far North’s main regions.
While there is scant detail in its 2025-2026 advocacy plan, the council says it will seek “$2.5 million over two years to undertake a feasibility study for a light rail connection between Cairns and Cardwell”.
“Transport connectivity between Cairns and Cardwell is critical for regional growth, tourism and access to services,” the plan says. “Such a project would reduce travel times, improve access to employment and education, enhance tourism opportunities and provide sustainable transport options.”
Council is seeking:
$2.5m over two years to undertake a feasibility study for a light rail connection between Cairns and Cardwell, assessing engineering, environmental, social and economic factors to inform future investment in sustainable regional transport, improve connectivity for employment and tourism and support long-term growth across Far North Queensland
Recognition of the potential benefits for regional employment, tourism and sustainable transport
Support for collaborative planning with state agencies and stakeholders to ensure evidence-based outcomes.
No formal technical plans have been developed yet but council says, at this stage, the feasibility study will consider all options, including whether the service could use existing rail infrastructure.
This means the Queensland Rail passenger and freight train line, which continues through to Brisbane including stations between Cairns and Cardwell, could be factored into the light rail study.
“The bones of the system are already here – the rail corridor and stations that connect our towns. With the right investment, this could become a modern transport spine for the whole region,” Mayor Teresa Millwood told The Observer.
“Southeast Queensland gets 50 cent fares – surely Far North Queensland can get a feasibility study,” she said.
Council says it is advocating for funding and collaborative planning with state agencies to support sustainable transport and regional growth across Far North Queensland.
“This region is long overdue for a modern, reliable and accessible public transport connection. Light rail could be transformative for workers, seniors, students and visitors. It’s time Fair North Queensland got a fair go,” Cr Millwood said.
Council says the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils’ strategic priorities for 2025–2026 include exploring future light rail and regional bus routes that connect commuter towns to Cairns.
Reaction on Facebook has been mainly positive.
Tony Constance said it was “a great idea”.
“Remember the days when a ‘silver bullet’ used to cruise up to Cairns from Innisfail (or Babinda) in the morning and return in the afternoon?,” he said.
