Terry James appointed as new Mayor of Cairns

Councillor Terry James is the new Mayor of Cairns.

At an Ordinary Council Meeting today, a majority of Councillors voted to elect Cr James as the city’s 35th Mayor.

Mayor James, who has served as Deputy Mayor for the past 11 years, said he would ensure Council continues to deliver for the community in the coming months.

“It is an honour to serve the community as Mayor of Cairns,” Cr James said.

“I am grateful for this honour and look forward to working with all Councillors in serving for community and delivering for our city and region.”

Born in Cairns, Cr James has served as a Councillor for more than 20 years; firstly with Cairns City Council (1994 to 1995), then on Cairns Regional Council from 1999 to 2008, and from 2012.

In that time, he has served as Acting and Deputy Mayor, is the chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, and a representative on the District Disaster Management Group and Cairns Gallery Precinct Project Steering Committee.

Mayor James will be in the position until the local government elections in March 2024.

Following the appointment of Cr James as Mayor, nominations for the vacant Division 4 Councillor position will be open today.

Council is following the requirements under the Local Government Act 2009 (LGA) to fill the vacant Councillor position for the remainder of the term.

As Cr James was the Deputy Mayor prior to his appointment as Mayor, a Special Council Meeting will be held 29 November 2023 to appoint a Deputy Mayor.