Investigation into Cairns Metro/Airport Link

Funding will be sought to investigate the need for a high-frequency public transport link between the Cairns CBD and the Cairns Airport.

The proposed Cairns Metro/Airport Link project has been identified in the Cairns Shared Vision 2050 and is aimed at:

increasing public safety by reducing pedestrian traffic on Airport Avenue;improving the visitor/tourist and international student experience through the provision of a convenient public transport link between the airport and city centre;complementing major new developments in the CBD including the proposed Tropical North Global Tourism Hub, Cairns Convention Centre expansion, a number of major hotel/apartment developments and upgrades and the implementation of the Cairns City Centre Master Plan;supporting an increased university presence in the CBD; and,providing potential links to wider public transport development.

At today’s meeting (8 May 2019), Council heard that officers have been working with Department of Transport and Main Roads to further develop the proposed concept, but in order for the proposal to go forward, a two-stage business case would be required.

Stage 1 would involve a Service Need/Market Assessment and Options Analysis to determine the potential demand and service requirements for the project and to identify and analyse the options available to meet these needs and requirements.  The assessment would also consider existing transport options between the airport and city centre.

Stage 2 would involve a Full Business Case and only proceed if the results of Stage 1 concluded there was likely to be sufficient demand for the proposed service.

Council will now seek funding from the Queensland and/or Federal Government to undertake the two-stage business case.