Plan will shape the future of Cairns

Published: 28 July 2021. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Shaping the city’s future by striving to earn the trust of residents, being transparent and responsible in community interactions, and safeguarding the character of the Cairns are the core values which will guide Cairns Regional Council over the next five years.

Adopted today, the Corporate Plan 2021-2026 provides a framework for all decisions and programs that will be implemented by Council.

“Through our Corporate Plan, we have documented the core values that will drive everything that we do,” Mayor Bob Manning said.

“In developing the plan, Council took into account the results of the Our Cairns Survey, conducted in August 2020 and involving more than 8000 respondents, who provided an insight into the sort of city they want to live in and the values they hold dear about where we live.

“The results made it clear that the community wants us to build a diversified and resilient economy, there is a desire to protect and enhance our natural environment, and they want a liveable, connected and safe city that fosters a sense of belonging.

“The plan translates those expectations into clear goals and objectives to be achieved over the next five years and sets the foundation for everything we do through three key values – trust, responsibility and ‘Cairns-ness’.”

Five core areas of focus have been identified in the Corporate Plan:

Robust economy – supporting a diversified and resilient economy that backs business, innovation and growth.Natural assets – promoting, protecting and enhancing the city’s natural environment.Design for liveability – creating a safe, sustainable and connected city place that supports quality of life.Community and culture – promote Cairns as the arts and cultural capital of Northern Australia, and support sport, cultural and community groups that foster wellbeing.Focused Council – be a leader in local government.

A series of objectives have been developed under each area, along with key actions and performance measures.

“We sat down and asked ourselves what we – as both a Council and as a community – want to achieve by 2026,” Cr Manning said.

“Never before has the need for agility and determination been more critical as we negotiate a world with new challenges that require us to adapt quickly and decisively.”

Cr Manning said the plan also sets the values and direction for Council’s 1200-plus employees.

The Cairns Regional Corporate Plan 2021-26 can be viewed in full at www.cairns.qld.gov.au.