General News
3 November, 2025
Power back on – finally
AFTER nearly two years, the power is back on at the Kamerunga Villas community.
One hundred and thirty properties at Kamerunga Villas were left without power after floodwaters from ex–Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused substantial inundation in December 2023.
Temporary government-supplied generators were provided until electrical works could be completed.
Member for Barron River Bree James helped establish the Yurika major electrical project funded on a beneficial payments term.
Costs to supply emergency generator power to Kamerunga Villas were funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through the joint commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
This funding was provided from the Queensland Recovery Authority through Cairns Regional Council, who managed and maintained generator supply.
Ms James said the milestone was a moment of relief and renewal for the Kamerunga community.
“Kamerunga Villas is a community close to my heart,” she said.
“I witnessed the devastation caused by the Jasper floods.
“Many residents, including elderly Queenslanders, were living in horrid conditions, paying up to $60 a day for fuel just to keep their fridges running.
“Supporting this community and getting them back on their feet was one of my top priorities.
“I’m proud to say we can now flick the switch, the Kamerunga Villas are off generators and back on the grid after 22 months.”
Kamerunga Villas committee chairman Mark Raymond said the committee and the community at Kamerunga Villas appreciated the help of Ms James.
“True to her word, she has followed through with the determination she showed from the first day she was elected and I can say clearly, we would not be in the situation we are in without her excellent contribution,” he said.
“It is very exciting to be in returning to what the average person in Cairns enjoys every day – reliable and secure power supply that we can trust.”
