General News
7 April, 2026
Longer term is future strategy
DIVISION 2 councillor Matthew Tickner and division 4 councillor Trevor Tim have outlined their achievements and priorities as Cairns Regional Council reaches the midpoint of its term.
Cr Tickner said a shift towards long-term planning had been a key achievement over the past two years.
“I’m most proud of the vision shift council has undergone over the past two years. We have re-ignited long-term thinking over short-term hits,” he said.
“This is particularly felt in the south of Cairns, driven by strong advocacy to pay due respect to the increasing pressures of our southern growth corridor, which includes division 2.”
He said rapid population growth remained the defining issue for his division.
“Growth. Division 2 has grown quickly, and as a council, we need to ensure we are keeping pace with the services and liveability options to suit those changes. Road upgrades, new leisure facilities, sporting options, etc.”
Looking ahead, Cr Tickner said the focus would be on delivering projects already secured, including the Mt Peter Road upgrade and the $3.5m Sugarworld Adventure Playground upgrade.
“Delivery. I’ve spent two years now fighting for some great initiatives and projects and we have had some great wins already (Mt. Peter Road upgrade was a big one). Now I’m turning my head to deliver on the plans that have been laid down.”
Cr Tim highlighted support for local sport as a major achievement in division 4, citing funding for lighting upgrades at the Kangaroos Rugby League Club.
“My biggest achievement is the approval of funding for lights at Kangaroos Rugby League Club,” he said.
“With huge thanks to Cr Anna Middleton of division 7, supporting with her $60,000 discretionary and my $100,000 discretionary funds, joint venture help towards the cost of four large LSD lights upgrade $250,527.”
He said the project followed earlier joint funding for basketball courts in Pease Street. “Great to support a local sporting entity, keeping in mind the joint venture last year with Cr Middleton and my discretionary funds of $60,000 building the basketball courts in Pease Street.”
Cr Tim said local infrastructure works were ongoing, while maintenance remained a focus.
“Loving the kerb and channelling happening in my division. We are a bit slow on the mowing and cleaning, which is my focus for the next two years.”
He also raised concerns about crime.
“I’ve noticed a rise in crime, which I intend to tackle. I ask residents to reach out to me via email, phone, call or text.”
Both councillors emphasised community engagement as central to their roles.
“I work off an old rule I was told many years ago, always aim for seven points of contact … using that as a base, you cover almost every section of society,” Cr Tickner said.
