Major projects
Current major projects
Cairns Gallery Precinct
In progress
Buildings & facilities
Arts, culture & heritage
The Cairns Gallery Precinct Project will transform and connect three existing heritage listed buildings to create a dynamic and world class gallery precinct.
![Cairns Gallery Precinct thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/496910/Cairns-Gallery-Precinct-Aerial.jpg)
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project
Planning & design
Infrastructure
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 - a new drinking water supply for Cairns.
![Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0018/520227/WTP-concept-web.png)
Kenrick Street Park
In progress
Sport, recreation & parks
The Kenrick Street Park Masterplan aims to create a vibrant multi-use, family-oriented recreational hub.
![Kenrick Street Park thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/561548/Kenrick-Park-Concept-1-3.jpg)
Leak Detection Program 2022-2025
In progress
Infrastructure
Cairns Regional Council is undertaking a Leak Detection Program throughout the Cairns area to identify and repair leaks in Council's water network.
![Leak Detection Program 2022-2025 thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/525817/Leak-Detection.jpg)
Northern Beaches Leisure Trail
In progress
Infrastructure
The installation of shared pathway walking and cycling links through Council's Northern Beaches Leisure Trail project, offers enhanced recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
![Northern Beaches Leisure Trail thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/475598/Bike-path-Clifton-Beach-Foreshore.jpg)
Northern Beaches water network upgrade
In progress
Infrastructure
Council is undertaking works over a 10-year program which includes installing and replacing water pipes within the Cairns water supply network to allow increased water flow and reduce breakages.
![Northern Beaches water network upgrade thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0007/483469/CRCPipeLay-16.jpg)
Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan
Planning & design
Sport, recreation & parks
Plans & strategies
Coastal & environmental
The Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan provides guidelines to inform Council's future designs and development of public spaces within the Palm Cove esplanade and foreshore precinct.
![Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/493580/Palmcove_thumbnail.jpg)
Resource Recovery 2040 (RR2040)
In progress
Plans & strategies
A roadmap for resource recovery in Cairns
![Resource Recovery 2040 (RR2040) thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0008/545732/kerbsidebins.jpg)
Sewage Pump Station CN1 (Lily Street)
Completed
Infrastructure
The new Sewage Pump Station NC1 will allow increased capacity to cater for the growing demand within the catchment and continue to provide a reliable sewer network to the community.
![Sewage Pump Station CN1 (Lily Street) thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0008/475604/SPS_K__View_3.jpg)
Smart Green Economy
In progress
Plans & strategies
The Cairns Smart Green Economy project is the preparation of a multi-stage strategic planning study to position Cairns and the Far North Queensland (FNQ) region as a leader in the Smart Green Economy in Australia.
![Smart Green Economy thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/481581/CouncilSustainability.jpg)
Smart water meter program 2023-2026
In progress
Infrastructure
Council is replacing existing mechanical water meters with smart water meters throughout the Cairns region to improve the community’s water network and achieve overall water savings.
![Smart water meter program 2023-2026 thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0008/535895/SWM.jpg)
Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy
Planning & design
Plans & strategies
The Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Management Strategy will guide our region’s long-term growth through to the year 2050.
![Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0005/525785/T2050-hero-image-kids-43-web.jpg)
Walker Rd / Chay Rd / Mt Peter Rd Connection
Planning & design
Infrastructure
Council is developing plans for a new Walker Rd – Chay Rd – Mt Peter Rd connection that will provide a key link between Edmonton and the Mt Peter growth region.
![Walker Rd / Chay Rd / Mt Peter Rd Connection thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/560889/Walker-Chay-MtPeter.jpg)
Recently completed major projects
Animal Management Facility
Completed
Buildings & facilities
Council is constructing a new Animal Management Facility at 55-57 Links Drive Woree.
![Animal Management Facility thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0005/475601/SITE-1.jpg)
Beach foreshore improvement works
Completed
Buildings & facilities
Infrastructure
Coastal & environmental
Beachfront improvements to enhance public recreation opportunities.
![Beach foreshore improvement works thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/479511/Trinity-Beach-2-Skystock.jpg)
Cairns City Centre Master Plan
Completed
Plans & strategies
The Cairns City Master Plan guides the positive development of public space in the city centre.
![Cairns City Centre Master Plan thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/482834/WEB-RESIZE-Strategy.jpg)
Cairns Court House refurbishment
Completed
Buildings & facilities
Arts, culture & heritage
An $8.28 million refurbishment has expanded the potential of the Court House building as an event and gallery space, while ensuring heritage values are maintained for future generations.
![Cairns Court House refurbishment thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0005/491423/courthouse.jpg)
Esplanade Dining Precinct
Completed
Sport, recreation & parks
Infrastructure
The $28 million project has completely changed the look of the area and improved the dining experience.
![Esplanade Dining Precinct thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/483471/Esp-Dining-3.jpg)
Florence Street Link
Completed
Infrastructure
This $10.5 million upgrade has improved safety and pedestrian connection, as well as introducing attractive tropical landscaping enhancements.
![Florence Street Link thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0016/313153/Trellis-Structure-Web.jpg)
Materials Recovery Facility
Completed
Infrastructure
Council's $14.3 million Materials Recovery Facility was officially opened in May 2021. It handles up to 30,000 tonnes of recycling each year with an average 85% recovery rate, a 26% increase over the former rate. The facility includes a new shed, a glass-sorting and processing plant, and an education room.
![Materials Recovery Facility thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/482833/WEB-RESIZE-Transfer-Stations.jpg)
Works for Queensland 2019-2021 program
Completed
Infrastructure
Twelve capital projects have been fast-tracked with funding through the Queensland Government's 2019-2021 W4Q program.
![Works for Queensland 2019-2021 program thumbnail image](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0012/475599/Cattana-Wetlands-20190930-Full-112.jpg)
Last Updated: 17 April 2023
Latest News > All News
Queensland Budget delivers funding boost to Cairns water security
The Miles Government is strengthening water security for Cairns, using the recent state budget to increase funding toward the Cairns...
Council statement on recent media coverage
Council statement in response to recent media coverage on the appointment of the interim CEO....
Have your say on Cairns’ future aquatic facilities needs
Residents are being invited to provide their views on the future aquatic facility needs of the Cairns region....