Built Environment

Pressures

The population in Cairns grew by an estimated 439 residents in 2020/21 to 168,583. A reversal in international migration in recent years contributed to Cairns population growth rate slowing to 0.26%, a significant decrease from the pre-Covid average of 1.03%.

Growth in the built environment can be associated with pressures such as an increased urban footprint encroaching on  ecosystems, waste generation, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, waterway pollution and increased demands on fresh water sources. Even if appropriately managed, population increases can act as a force multiplier on these pressures.

As a popular tourist destination, Cairns typically has an average of 31,000 visitors per day, which adds further pressure. However, due to travel restrictions and state and national border closures brought about in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cairns saw a drastic reduction in tourist visitations throughout much of 2020 and 2021. Many economic and environmental indicators are thought to have been affected by the Covid-19 restrictions.