Call for action on lack of public transport for so

Published: 23 September 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Cairns Regional Council is once again calling on the State Government to address the lack of public transport for communities in its southern corridor.

Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller raised the matter in general business at today’s Ordinary Meeting, with Council endorsing his motion to write to Minister Mark Baily and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to address this pressing issue.

“We are asking that the State Government invest in viable and practical public transport for communities from Gordonvale to Babinda in the southern corridor of the Cairns Regional Council,” Cr Moller said.

“Notably, during our previous Our Cairns Survey conducted in 2016, the lack of public transport was highlighted as a significant issue for those communities south of Gordonvale, particularly in Babinda.”

Council previously raised this matter with the State Government in February 2019, highlighting access to public transport was particularly important for communities that experience a higher rate of disadvantage, it would increase employment and education opportunities, and is vital for economic development.

“To date, the State Government has not advanced any planning for public transport being extended to Babinda,” Cr Moller said.

“The Babinda community remains disadvantaged and vulnerable in not being afforded the economic and social opportunities that other communities in our region have and this cannot be allowed to continue.”