Community
19 June, 2024
Plan closer to full funding
THE Far North’s independent economic development and advocacy organisation Advance Cairns has welcomed an additional $87.5 million allocated in this week’s 2024-25 State Budget for the $472m Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project.
Chief executive officer Jacinta Reddan said, while it fell short of the full $128.5m sought by Cairns Regional Council, it was a significant boost, reducing the financial burden on ratepayers.
She said Advance Cairns would now be urging the federal government to match the funding.
A council spokesman said the council continued to work with the state to advocate for matched funding of at least $195m from the federal government (including earlier commitments).
He said, combined with the state’s increased pledge, it would deliver $390m in total for the project, which was more than 80 per cent of the project’s total construction cost.
“If the federal government delivers a matched commitment – and we believe they will – this $390m in total funding would equate to a saving (future rates/charges increases avoided) of $403 per household per year over 15 years for the residents of Cairns at a time when it is desperately needed,” he said.
The council did not say how it would fund a shortfall estimated at $82m – assuming the federal government matched the $87.5m – either in rate increases or a specific water levy.
Other new commitments:
• $60 million to commence delivery of Cairns Health and Innovation Centre (CHIC) stage 1, with $8m delivered in 2024-25
• $200m investment to redevelop and deliver a contemporary Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service facility, increasing bed numbers by 50 per cent
Delivery of funds in FY 2024-25:
• $15m of the $300m total spend towards the duplication of the Cairns Western Arterial Rd between Redlynch Connector Rd and Captain Cook Highway. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
• $2m out of a $262.5m total funding commitment towards safety and resilience upgrades on Kuranda Range Rd. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
• $37m out of a $360m total spend towards the Cairns Marine Precinct – Common User Facility project for increased maintenance, repair and overhaul service capabilities. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
• $14.8million out of a $16m total spend to expand TAFE Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef International Marine College. This includes constructing a new workshop, additional classrooms, staff facilities and a boat shed.
“Advance Cairns welcomes the additional Queensland Government funding to the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project, ensuring that the city’s water supply is secured,” Ms Reddan said.
“Importantly, we would hope that the federal government matches this funding, therefore collectively alleviating cost of living pressures on ratepayers,” Ms Reddan said.
“We are particularly pleased to see this announcement in the wake of the recent green light given to the CHIC (Cairns Health and Innovation Centre), with an initial $60m committed by Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman here in Cairns,” she said.
“Securing funding for these two critical projects demonstrates the power of collaboration and the strength in working together.
“However, we are disappointed to see only $15 million budgeted for the duplication of the Cairns Western Arterial Rd, a critical route for the region with work seemingly stalled.
“We will also continue to push for funding for expansion of the Cairns general aviation sector, with investments in a 10,000sq m hangar and an Australia-first Cessna Caravan pilot training simulator firmly in our sights.”
