Transport

Pressures

Personal motor vehicles remain a very popular choice of transport for Cairns’ residents, with over 137,000 vehicles registered in the region, and an average of 1.08 vehicles for every driver. Cairns' preference toward fossil fuel-based vehicles contributes to noise and air pollution, including the release of greenhouse gases. In some cases, the creation of new roads may also place pressure on native species though habitat fragmentation, along with risks of weed dispersal and vehicle strikes.

While less popular than personal vehicles, public transport offers a means of mobility with a much lower environmental impact. In Cairns, public transport is provided via a network of buses. Its usage has trended down since Queensland Government records began in 2012/13, with the lowest point in 2020/21. Passenger data shows 2,136,546 trips were taken in 2021/22, a 0.4% increase in patronage compared to last year.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) avoid operational emissions and noise. There were 178 EVs registered in the region in 2021/22. Though ownership is very low compared to traditional internal combustion engines, the number of EVs in the region has more than doubled year on year since 2018/19.