Guide focuses on well-designed tropical residentia

Council has published a new design guide to encourage quality and well-designed residential development that reflects the unique character of Cairns.

The new Designing for Density in the Tropics Design Guide provides the community, Council, developers, design professionals and builders with practical guidance on designing higher density residential developments that are appropriate for Cairns and its tropical climate.

The Guide was informed by local expertise and feedback of an Industry Reference Group with representatives from the key development sectors.

As our population continues to grow, so too does the demand for new and higher-density housing beyond the inner-city circle,” Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said.

“We have a real chance to leave a positive and meaningful legacy for future generations, through the policies and plans we prepare for the development and evolution of our city.”

The Guide builds upon the principles of Tropical Urbanism, adopted by Council in 2016 for the Cairns City Centre and North Cairns area.

Tropical Urbanism recognises that our urban landscape is inextricably linked to our surrounding natural environment, and Council’s adopted policy provides development controls to ensure that landscaping and tropical design elements are integrated in the built environment.

“This new design guidance will help developers integrate tropical design elements into new, higher density residential developments across the entire region,” Cr Manning said.

“It works on the premise that, when development truly responds to its environment, we can achieve good quality, liveable design that reflects our unique and much-loved tropical character.”

The Designing for Density in the Tropics Design Guide sets out guidance for four key housing types – apartments, townhouses and terraces, dual occupancy, and small lot dwellings within subdivisions.

It features diagrams and imagery to illustrate design treatments, including shade and shelter, ventilation, streetscaping and landscaping, setbacks, communal open spaces, pedestrian and vehicle access, and building siting.

The Guide is a joint initiative of Council and the Queensland Government to deliver contemporary design guidance for higher density residential development within a tropical climate.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the Guide would be help build more sustainable and liveable communities in the tropical North.

“As Cairns grows and we see increased development in our community we need effective planning to ensure new development is sustainable and delivers affordable housing,” Mr Healy said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is working with Cairns Regional Council to drive our city’s economic recovery, initiatives like this will deliver sustainable jobs and better development outcomes.”

The Guide is available to view on Council’s website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/building-planning-business/tropical-building.

The Guide is a non-statutory reference document that complements the CairnsPlan 2016 Planning Scheme.

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