General News
13 October, 2026
Sports venue gets cracking
THE first stage of the $16 million Redlynch sporting precinct (pictured) is underway, with Cairns Regional Council approving $1.65 million drainage works.
A council report said, while the final scope and delivery of stage 1 would be the subject of a future report seeking project launch approval, the early upgrade to Shaws Road drain “is considered an essential consideration to the successful delivery of the future sporting facilities”.
“In delivering these works prior to the commencement of the wet season, council will lay a platform for the main works to occur in mid-2027 during the dry season,” it said.
Area Councillor Kristy Vallely (Div. 6) said she was “very, very excited by this because it means the Redlynch sporting precinct is underway”.
“Even though it’s only kind of drainage works, it is works that is really vital,” she said.
“We do know the Redlynch community is crying out for this sporting precinct. It’s really it’s very much needed.
“So, I’m really happy to see that these works will be underway before the ‘27 rain comes in, so then we can really get into getting that sporting precinct in the fields up and running.
“So, we’ve committed $16m to the next stage, including $5m from the federal government and there’s also a $5.8m state government funding application. Fingers crossed.
“We’d really like to get that across the line, so we can make sure that we’re delivering this.
“So getting these early works underway also demonstrates that council is serious about delivering this project and gives us a strong foundation as we continue to work with our state and federal funding partners.
“Importantly, this drain is required, regardless of what the final stage of a sporting precinct looks like, so this is a successful infrastructure investment in its own right.”
Cr Matthew Tickner (Div. 2) said he was “very keen to see this one get underway and get moved”. “As the beneficiary of Walker Road sporting precinct down my way, nothing meets it honestly for the local area,” he said.
Cr Brett Moller (Div. 1) said Cr Vallely had been advocating strongly for the precinct. “She’s persevered with her advocacy. It is a significant project and that Redlynch community certainly has benefitted.”
