A review of existing plans and strategies, key demographic data and the identification of key focus areas of need have been collated in a comprehensive document that will guide Council’s response to the housing needs of Cairns.The Local Housing Action Plan (LHAP), which was endorsed by Council today, identifies key areas that need to be addressed, and the subsequent actions required, to tackle the ongoing housing crisis.The LHAP identifies opportunities and actions in the following seven key focus areas: Housing supply that meets needsKey worker housingSocial and affordable housingAt risk residentsCultural change and social acceptanceLiving in the tropicsDisaster response Developed by Council in partnership with the Queensland Government and the Local Government Association of Queensland, the plan provides responses to immediate, emerging and longer-term housing challenges in the Cairns region.The Queensland Government has funded the development of LHAPs across the state as part of their commitment under the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025 and the Homes for Queenslanders Plan.The Cairns LHAP identifies priority actions to respond to housing needs in the local government area and looks to establish strong foundations for longer-term solutions that will assist housing and homelessness outcomes in the future.It incorporates existing information and plans developed to respond to local housing needs and acknowledges work already completed by Council, including the Cairns Social and Affordable Housing and Homelessness Plan 2023-2026 and the Cairns Housing Strategy developed as part of the Towards 2050 Growth Strategy.There is also reference to work undertaken by state agencies, private and not-for-profit organisations.Actions in the LHAP include advocacy, which can take the form of reviewing and providing submissions on draft state policy, seeking increases in the provision of social and affordable housing, and funding for housing actions.The plan identifies the need for interaction between all parties, government and private, to ensure the successful delivery of actions and initiatives to e improve housing responses in the short and longer-term.

Creative art and theatrical projects being developed for inclusion in future Cairns Festivals will share in $50,000 of Council funding.Delivered as a partnership between Arts Queensland (State Governm…

More than $115,000 will be shared by 11 local community groups and organisations to deliver events, activities and programs that enhance our community.Councl today endorsed funding from its Community …

There’s a huge birthday coming up and Council wants the community to get involved.Cairns will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026 and Council is looking for local community and business representa…

Council today endorsed over $260,000 in funding for 17 local sport, recreation, arts, culture and community clubs to assist with...

Cairns’ young voices have been heard loud and clear through the 2024 Our Cairns Youth Survey, with the results providing...

Drivers will soon have an easier way to pay for car parking under a new ‘pay by plate’ technology being adopted in select areas of the CBD and north Cairns.Pay by plate technology will be rolled out a…

The boil water notice in place for Bartle Frere area has been lifted.Testing has confirmed that the reticulation network and water supply comply with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, ensuring saf…

The writing is on the walls, and the children at the Cairns Hospital paediatric unit are loving the newly installed immersive literary experience.Council Libraries, First 5 Forever and the Cairns and …