FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES - DECEMBER 2019 - Treasury.gov.au
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DECEMBER 2019
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES
1
FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
OVERVIEW OF KEY
CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL IS CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO
CAIRNS AVIATION CAIRNS GALLERY PRECINCT CAIRNS ROAD NETWORK
EXCELLENCE PRECINCT $13.3 million funding commitment towards PROJECTS
$20 million funding commitment to the the estimated capital cost ($39.8 million) Extension of the National Land Transport
Cairns Aviation Excellence Precinct of the Cairns Gallery Precinct as part of the Network from Draper Street (just south of
development. proposed tripartite (Federal, State and Local the Cairns City Centre) to Smithfield and
Governments) funding arrangement for this confirmation of the $287 million in Federal
iconic cultural and tourism infrastructure funding allocated to enhancements on this
project. road corridor.
$21 million for a Strategic Assessment
of Service Requirements, Preliminary
Evaluation and Business Case development
for the Kuranda Range Road corridor to
address significant safety, capacity and
reliability issues on this strategic road link
between Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands
and beyond.
Confirmation of the $180 million
commitment from the Federal Government
towards the Cairns Southern Access
CAIRNS CITY CENTRE CAIRNS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Corridor Stage 5 (Foster Road Intersection)
MASTER PLAN Confirmation of the $60 million announced project.
previously for James Cook University’s Cairns
$33 million commitment from the Federal Advocacy support from the Federal
Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC). Advocacy
Government (as part of a $100 million support to help secure $100 million in funding Government to secure an investment
tripartite funding pool) over the ten years to from the Queensland Government to establish the of $370 million from the Queensland
2030 for the implementation of the Cairns Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct (CHIP) and Government for the upgrade of the Cairns
allocation of 80 additional places within James Western Arterial Road.
City Centre Master Plan. Cook University’s Bachelor of Medicine and
Bachelor of Surgery programs
CAIRNS CITY DEAL CQUNIVERSITY CITY CAMPUS DRAPER ROAD WATER
Federal Government commitment to sign AND IMPACT PLAN TREATMENT PLANT
a statement of intent with Cairns Regional $50 million towards the establishment of Commitment from the Federal Government
Council and the Queensland Government a new permanent city centre campus, $25 to join Council and the Queensland
to establish a 10-year City Deal for Cairns million (with a further $20 million to be Government in a tripartite funding
based on the priorities outlined in the Cairns sourced from industry) towards Asia Pacific arrangement (one third each) for the capital
Region City Deal Proposal Document. Aviation Hub development and $25 million cost of the Draper Road Water Treatment
toward the establishment of Queensland’s Plant.
first University High School.
2
PRIORITIES It’s time to invest in the future
of Cairns and the Far North
COMMIT TO THE FOLLOWING KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE CAIRNS REGION
HMAS CAIRNS NULLINGA DAM PRIORITY RENEWABLE ENERGY
AND CAIRNS SEAPORT Join Council in advocating to the ZONE FOR CAIRNS AND FNQ
$170 million across the forward estimates for Designation of the Cairns and FNQ region
program upgrades to the HMAS Cairns naval Queensland Government for the project
to proceed and a Federal Government as a Priority Renewable Energy Zone and
base in readiness for the homeporting of four
new offshore patrol vessels. commitment for the provision of joint implementation of the policy and investment
(with the Queensland Government) capital required to support regional renewable
Designation of Cairns as a Regional energy development.
Maintenance Centre of strategic importance funding to support project delivery.
in the delivery of naval maintenance and
sustainment services.
Funding allocations across the forward
estimates for the HMAS Cairns Mid Term Refresh
and HMAS Cairns Redevelopment projects.
Funding allocations to support Stages 2 and 3
of upgrades to the Cairns Marine Maintenance
Precinct.
Further policy change to support superyacht
industry development and complement the
provisions of the recently passed Special
Recreational Vessels Bill.
POPULATION AND MIGRATION REEF AND RAINFOREST
STRATEGY MANAGEMENT
Commitment to undertake a detailed
Completion of a detailed population and
independent review of the Great Barrier
migration strategy for the Cairns region to
Reef (GBR) and Wet Tropics Rainforest
deliver the skilled population base needed
(WTR) management structures and GBR/
to unlock the region’s full potential.
WTR funding (quantum and structure)
requirements for long term management and
preservation of these critical ecosystems.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS
HERITAGE CENTRE
Funding to support initial concept
development and business case preparation
for a National Indigenous Heritage Centre
located in Cairns.
PRIORITY REGIONAL RECYCLING STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA’S
AND REPROCESSING HUB RELATIONSHIP WITH PNG AND
Designation of Cairns as a Priority Regional THE PACIFIC
Recycling and Reprocessing Hub together Support for a joint PNG/Cairns team entering
with funding to support recycling and the NRL competition. Placement of Office
processing infrastructure development and of the Pacific personnel in Cairns. Support
NORTHERN BEACHES expansion as well as the investigation of further investigation of future potential air
LEISURE TRAIL innovative commercial opportunities for the links between Cairns and Lae.
Provision of funding towards the estimated
use of recycled materials.
$20 million to $30 million total capital cost
of delivering the remaining connectivity
components of the Northern Beaches
Leisure Trail.
3
CAIRNS AT A GLANCE
HOUSING (JUNE 19) GROSS REGIONAL GREAT BARRIER REEF
PRODUCT
MEDIAN PRICE
(Y/E 30 JUN 18)
$418,000 House 1/7
$209,000 Unit $56B
One of the seven
$200,000 Residential Land natural wonders of
1.8 % Rental vacancy rate the world
Economic, social and
icon value
2,300
$8.8B $15.4B KILOMETRES LONG
Cairns Far North Queensland
Covering an area of
344,000 km2
WATER 64,000
JOBS
Cairns and FNQ region’s water VISITORS Employment
run off as a % of: (TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION 1,625 supported
Y/E 30 JUN 19) SPECIES OF FISH
60% Queensland’s total
(10% of the world’s fish
26% Australia’s total species)
Average annual rainfall (Far
1,998mm North Region)
$6.4B
2.1m 849,000 ANNUALLY
Domestic visitors International visitors 600+ Economic
TYPES OF HARD &
spending $2.2B spending $1.1B SOFT CORALS
Contribution
AGRICULTURE
(FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND)
WET TROPICS RAINFOREST
$2.95B Sector value
$1.81B Export value 2.0m
HECTARES
35% CAIRNS
OVER
Bioregion area 2,800 of Australia’s
Plant Species mammal species PUBLIC
HOSPITAL
CAIRNS AIRPORT 82,714 Total
(PASSENGER MOVEMENTS Y/E 30 JUN 2019) admissions
$5.2B (y/e 30 Jun 19)
ANNUALLY 40% 60%
686,000 International Economic of Australia’s bird of Australia’s >6,000
Total staff employed
4.2m Domestic Contribution species butterfly species
7th Busiest airport in Australia
CAIRNS SEAPORT RESIDENT
Cargo movements POPULATION
UNEMPLOYMENT (y/e 30 Jun 19)
552,000 tonnes Export
754,000 tonnes Import 306,000
2050 (projected)
4.1% 4.8% 5% 952 165,000
(JUN 2019) (SEP 2019)
9.6% Average annual Total vessel (today)
(SEP 2019)
growth in cargo arrivals
Cairns City Cairns Region (SA4) Youth movements (y/e 30 Jun 19) Cairns City Resident
Unemployment Unemployment (last 5 years) Population
286,000
467,000 (today)
2050 (projected)
Far North Queensland
JCU CQUniversity TAFE (FNQ) Resident
Population
TERTIARY
Students enrolled 3,913 1,684 11,269 9.8%
Persons employed 1,213 162 381
EDUCATION Proportion of population
that is Indigenous (highest of
Number of courses 134 127 180
(CAIRNS CAMPUS) any Australian city)
4
FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Foreword
A targeted plan to deliver jobs, growth and
liveability in Cairns and Far North Queensland
C airns is the capital of Far North Queensland (FNQ), the largest region in Northern Australia (population circa
286,000) and is a strategic gateway to the Pacific, Asia and beyond. With a resident population of 165,000
people and an average 30,000 additional visitors staying in the city on any given night, Cairns is one of the
largest and most dynamic regional cities in Australia. Unique liveability and solid economic fundamentals have
seen Cairns experience significant population growth (2.3% per annum in the 15 years to 2016) – well in excess
of the national growth rate. Significant private investment and renewed business confidence has also seen the
Cairns region unemployment rate reduce significantly in recent years. The region’s unemployment rate currently
sits at 4.8% (SA4, Sep 19). A unique combination of economic potential and superior liveability means Cairns
is ideally positioned as a growth centre of strategic significance in Northern Australia. But in order to realise this
potential, Cairns and indeed the FNQ region, requires investment in the infrastructure, programs and policy that
will provide the foundation for future growth.
STRATEGICALLY TARGETED STRATEGIC
POSITIONED INVESTMENT ALIGNMENT
Cairns is strategically positioned to It is recognised that in order to be effective, The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision was
support the Federal Government’s regional investment and policy needs to developed in the context of policy and
Northern Australia agenda and also has be developed in the context of a broader strategy settings at the Federal, State and
an important role to play in alleviating the regional strategy to ensure such initiatives Regional level. From a Federal perspective,
pressures being experienced in some are complementary and contribute to investment in the priorities contained within
of the nation’s metropolitan cities as a the realisation of a long-term vision. With this document aligns with, and will support
result of population growth and migration. this in mind, Cairns Regional Council and the implementation of, a number of key
But to enable Cairns and the broader key regional stakeholders have worked Australian Government strategies, plans
FNQ region’s enormous potential to be together to develop the Cairns 2050 and policies including (amongst others):
realised, investment in enabling policy Shared Vision (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ • Emerging population, decentralisation
and infrastructure will be critical. Federal vision2050). This vision also incorporates and migration policy
Government investment in the Cairns the views and priorities of the Cairns • Indigenous Advancement Strategy
region will not only support the local community as expressed through the 2016 • Northern Australia Agenda
community but will deliver benefits for the Our Cairns Survey, a community survey • Pacific Step-up - Stepping up Australia’s
region and nation as a whole. conducted by the Cairns Regional Council engagement with our Pacific family
that attracted over 6,000 responses. • Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity
The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision provides (2017)
a framework that will deliver economic • Smart Cities Plan (2016) and City Deals
prosperity, quality of life and liveability for Policy/Program
the Cairns community both today, and for • Tourism 2020 (Strategy)
the generations that follow. It sets out the
projects, investment and policy required
for the vision to be realised. The Cairns
2050 Shared Vision has provided the
foundation for the priorities contained in
this document.
5
FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY
AND POTENTIAL
AREA OF FOCUS FOOD TOURISM TERTIARY
PRODUCTION EDUCATION
• World population expected to • Significant and rapid expansion of • Rapid expansion of global middle
reach 9.7 billion by 2050 (up by 2 the global middle class population class expected to drive significant
billion from today) leading to increased discretionary increases in tertiary level education
• Income growth in developing expenditure attainment
countries is leading to dietary • Global population age profile and • Australia’s international education
TRENDS/ changes also driving up global propensity for travel both positively sector enrolments expected to
CONTRIBUTING
FACTORS food demand per capita impacting tourism and travel increase by 45% in the period to 2025
• Global food demand expected to • Cultural, nature based and sports/ • Significant growth in demand
increase anywhere between 59% events tourism are significant domestically for tertiary level education.
and 98% by 2050 growth sectors In 2016, 3.8 million Australians held
• International inbound travel to a bachelor degree or post graduate
Australia expected to increase by degree level qualification, an increase of
75% over the period to 2026-27 28% over the preceding 5 years
• Physical proximity and • Iconic world heritage listed natural • Two well established and growing
connectivity to the Asia-Pacific assets (Great Barrier Reef and Wet universities (James Cook University
and beyond Tropics Rainforest) and CQUniversity) and other tertiary
• Significant water resources and • Direct connection to both institutions
run off Aboriginal and Torres Strait • International and domestic air
• Large tracts of underdeveloped Islander cultures connectivity
arable land (FNQ) • Established sports and events • Multicultural and diverse population
CAIRNS
REGION’S • Established agriculture industry tourism destination • Superior quality of life and
COMPETITIVE • Established and well connected • Established tourism industry and liveability
ADVANTAGES airport and seaport allied sectors
• Existing road networks and rail • International airport
links • Seaport expansion underway to
• Cairns established as the facilitate increased cruise ship
regional capital and service visitation
centre for FNQ • ‘Clean green’ reputation
Potential for significant growth in Capturing a share of significant Servicing significant growth in
THE regional agriculture development, global tourism growth by leveraging demand for tertiary and higher level
OPPORTUNITY production and export to Cairns’ competitive advantages in education both domestically and
CREATED meet increasing global food internationally and attraction and
cultural, nature based and sports
demand and events tourism retention of human intellectual capital
• Water infrastructure (storage and • Effective management and funding • University facility development and
distribution) to support the Great Barrier Reef expansion
• Demand and supply chain analysis and Wet Tropics Rainforest • Innovation precinct establishment
to identify specific opportunities/ • Tourism experience and attraction • Increased direct aviation
markets and potential barriers to development connectivity
production, transport, processing • Increased support for destination • Attainment of University Hospital
and distribution/export marketing status for Cairns Hospital
WHAT’S
NEEDED TO • Road network investment • Increased direct aviation
UNLOCK THE • Increased direct aviation connectivity
OPPORTUNITY • Seaport development and
connectivity
• Seaport development and expansion
expansion • Infrastructure, services and facilities
• Integrated transport strategy that support an increased visitor
population
• Policy change to deliver sustainable
tourism funding
• Investment in Indigenous arts and
cultural tourism facilities
6
The Cairns region’s unique competitive advantages mean it is well positioned to prosper from
a number of trends emerging at both the national and global level. Queensland Government
investment in the Cairns region is needed to ensure these opportunities can be fully realised.
STRATEGIC SKILLED & GROWING RENEWABLE
LOCATION POPULATION ENERGY
• Increasing regional influence of • Significant population growth in • International commitments to emission
China and other Asian countries Australia’s metropolitan capitals has reductions are driving record investment
in the PNG and Pacific region resulted in an infrastructure deficit in renewable energy projects
• Increased foreign policy focus of and settlement imbalance • Australian government’s 2030 Emission
the Australian government on the • Delivery of the Australian Reduction Target is a 26-28 per cent
PNG and Asia-Pacific region Government’s Northern Australia reduction in 2005 emission levels by 2030
policy agenda will need to be • Changing social attitudes towards climate
supported by a skilled population change is raising expectations politically for
base ‘on the ground’ in regions increased renewable energy investment
• Direct alignment between a region’s • Commercial viability of renewable energy
human intellectual capital and the alternatives is improving as technological
achievement of its economic potential advances see cost reductions and life
cycle improvements in equipment and
infrastructure
• Physical proximity to PNG and the • Established track record for above • Significant regional natural resources
Asia-Pacific region average population growth (water, sun, wind) to support renewable
• Existing naval base (HMAS Cairns), • Largest region (FNQ) and second energy development
marine maintenance facilities and largest city (Cairns) in Northern • Existing alignment between the
expertise, and established and Australia environment and the economy (e.g.
expanding seaport • Existing multicultural and diverse tourism) enhances the region’s ‘clean
• International airport with direct population green’ reputation
connectivity to PNG and Asia • Superior quality of life and liveability • Significant regional renewable energy
• Multicultural and diverse • Well established universities and projects either planned or recently
population including significant vocational institutions delivered
expat PNG population
• Well established business, cultural
and social links between Cairns
and PNG as well as many Asian
and Pacific Island countries
Leverage Cairns’ strategic physical Contribute to the alleviation of Supporting Queensland and Australia’s
location and connectivity to population growth constraints in energy needs through the development of
support the delivery of Australia’s Australia’s metropolitan capitals a nationally significant renewable energy
PNG and Asia Pacific foreign and support the delivery of economic sector
policy objectives growth in Northern Australia
• Further development of the • A Cairns region population and • Designation of Cairns and FNQ as a
HMAS Cairns naval base migration strategy Priority Renewable Energy Zone
and commitment to ongoing • Infrastructure, services and facilities • Investment in the transmission distribution
naval maintenance in Cairns that attract, retain and support network to support further renewable
• Policy , investment and a skilled and growing resident energy generation project development
personnel deployment to population • Appropriate incentives to encourage
leverage Cairns’ strategic • Investment in the facilities required investment and establishment of
location to support population growth in a renewable energy operations bases within
naturally sensitive environment (e.g. the Cairns and FNQ region
waste management) • Leveraging the ‘clean green’ reputation
for the benefit of the region’s tourism and
allied industries
7
FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Cairns Aviation
Excellence
Precinct
Growing high value jobs in the aviation services sector by
leveraging Cairns’ strategic position in the Asia Pacific region
T he aviation services industry will be
worth $2.7 trillion in the Asia Pacific
(APAC) region by 2038.
The APAC region is the single largest
destination for commercial jet deliveries
within the next 20 years, expecting 40% of
global deliveries or 17,390 aircraft. Existing
traditional Aviation Maintenance Repair
and Overhaul (MRO) destinations such as
Singapore are already operating at or near
capacity. Airlines are already experiencing
difficulty in securing MRO services for their
COMMITMENT aircraft in these destinations. Availability of
REQUIRED the highly skilled people required is already
constrained.
$20 million funding commitment
to the Cairns Aviation Excellence Cairns is geographically in the centre of
Precinct development. the APAC region, has a pipeline of highly
skilled people, an existing reputation for
excellence, and a geopolitically stable
jurisdiction for aviation services operators.
Cairns is perfectly positioned to capture a
share of this growing market.
Cairns Airport has developed the Cairns
Aviation Excellence Precinct (CAEP) businesses. Consequently, partial public
masterplan to meet this demand. This funding is required to make this catalytic
will see the redevelopment of the existing regional development viable.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT General Aviation precinct adjacent to the Ultimately, CAEP will deliver at least
This priority aligns with and supports Captain Cook highway. 28 new business locations. These are a
the implementation of the following combination of different size hangars for
The land is at approximately 1AHD
Australian Government strategies and
(Australian Height Datum). In other words, MRO, as well as other industry operators
initiatives:
it is in practical terms a wetlands area in avionics, training, research development
• Emerging population, and advanced manufacturing businesses.
and subject to frequent flooding. The
decentralisation and migration policy
• Northern Australia Agenda land needs to be raised to approximately Over 1,200 high value jobs will be
• Pacific Step-up - Stepping up 2.65AHD before any construction of the created, with this contributing a minimum
Australia’s engagement with our of $105 million into the local regional
Pacific family
534,673m² of groundworks, aprons and
• Region’s 2030 Unlocking roads could take place. This is a significant economy each year. This supports
Opportunity (2017) cost for Cairns Airport to overcome, whilst sustainable population growth, sustainable
• Tourism 2020 (Strategy)
retaining competitiveness in attracting new aviation route development, the Pacific
8
Development Years 2020-2030 2030-2038
$million $million
Cairns Airport investment 32 22
Recommended Federal investment 20 -
Estimated total cost 52 22
Estimated benefit to local
economy from new jobs
$2.1billion $3.3billion
(over period of development)
engagement strategy, the education and example of recent investment and success reputation for excellence that comes from
research sectors, tourism growth and within the aviation services industry in being trained in Cairns.
advanced manufacturing. The true impact Cairns. Cairns should be a major destination
for the region is expected to be well in Cairns is perfectly positioned at the centre for aviation services in the APAC region
excess of $3.3 billion over the length of the of the APAC region; equal flying distance because it can meet the needs of industry
development. to Bangkok, Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong – perfectly positioned geographically,
The precinct is already home to a thriving and Kuala Lumpur. Fiji and Hawaii are geopolitically and as a place that already
aviation services industry, with Hawker a manageable flight time away and the has a reputation for aviation excellence with
Pacific being a prominent example of an closest capital city, Port Moresby in PNG, is a pipeline of highly skilled people.
MRO operator in growth mode. In 2017, less than half the distance to Sydney. Cairns Airport is seeking assistance
Hawker Pacific undertook a significant The airport is home to the CQUniversity with the cost of this catalytic regional
expansion of their hangar, which resulted Asia Pacific Aviation Hub and Cairns development in order to make it viable.
in an additional 39 high value jobs worth Aviation Skills Centre (CASC). Since This is a partial investment, with Cairns
an estimated $3.9 million. In 2019, Hawker 2003, CASC has graduated 650 aircraft Airport meeting the majority of the cost.
Pacific confirmed winning $4 million worth technicians and upskilled over 7,000 Cairns Regional Council supports Cairns
of new contracts for 2020. This is just one aviation professionals, all with the industry Airport’s proposal in this regard.
9
FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Cairns City Centre
Master Plan
Guiding the ongoing evolution of public spaces within the Cairns City Centre
to ensure the city remains a vibrant and liveable space for everyone
THE MASTER PLAN IS UNDERPINNED BY FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
Embrace Support Create an Celebrate Deliver a
tropical economic accessible & arts, sustainable,
urbanism growth & connected culture & safe &
diversity city centre creativity liveable city
T ourism is a significant driver for the
Cairns and TNQ economy with the
region attracting almost three million
COMMITMENT CAIRNS
visitors every year and annual visitor CITY CENTRE
REQUIRED
expenditure now exceeding $3.4 billion. 2019
$33 million commitment from the Whilst Cairns’ tourism reputation has
Federal Government (as part of a traditionally been built on its location at
$100 million tripartite funding pool)
the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier
CAIRNS CITY MASTERPLAN 2019 1
over the ten years to 2030 for the
implementation of the Cairns City Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, an extensive resources in developing the
Centre Master Plan. opportunity exists to further develop Cairns City Centre Master Plan 2019
the city as an attraction in its own including significant public input and
right. In doing so, there is potential to consultation. Almost 2,500 people took
further increase visitation, visitor length the opportunity to give feedback and
of stay and visitor expenditure. Recent make suggestions on initial project ideas
developments including the Cairns using innovative mediums including
Aquarium, Munro Martin Parklands, Council’s interactive online ideas wall.
Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Residents and visitors told Council
Crystalbrook Collection suite of hotels, how they use the city’s public spaces,
have all made positive contributions in this what they value most, what issues they
regard as will the proposed Trinity Wharf would like to see addressed, and also
Cairns (Global Tourism Hub) and Cairns generated new ideas. Reflecting on the
Convention Centre expansion projects. A community’s feedback and suggestions,
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT comprehensive city centre master plan is Council developed a suite of opportunities
This priority aligns with and supports
critical to ensuring the future development and preliminary concept sketches.
the implementation of the following
Australian Government strategies and of the City Centre occurs in a coordinated Council invited feedback on these project
initiatives: and guided manner. In doing so, it not only opportunities throughout July and August
supports the jobs and economic benefits 2018, with over 3,300 people engaging
• Emerging population,
decentralisation and migration policy increased visitation will deliver, but also in the process. The process culminated in
• Northern Australia Agenda ensures the City Centre is a vibrant and the endorsement of the Cairns City Centre
• Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity
(2017) dynamic public space that can be enjoyed Master Plan 2019 by Council in early April
• Smart Cities Plan (2016) and City by the local community. 2019. Funding is now required to support
Deals Policy/Program Throughout 2018 and early 2019, the progressive implementation of the
• Tourism 2020 (Strategy)
Cairns Regional Council invested Master Plan recommendations.
10RENEWED ESPLANADE PARKLANDS
A renewal of the parklands’ key spaces, connections and
facilities will build upon the Esplanade’s most valued
qualities and features and distribute activity more evenly
along the full length of the parklands. The Esplanade is a
large and diverse space and the project will consider the
discrete features and activities unique to the Esplanade’s
north, centre and south.
FLORENCE STREET
Council has created a new, world-class cultural hub spanning
Florence Street, with the construction of the Cairns Performing
Arts Centre and adjacent Munro Martin Parklands. The
opportunity now exists to enhance Florence Street with the
creation of a pedestrian boulevard that supports walkability
and connects these public places to the Esplanade Parklands.
Florence Street will become an extension of Munro Martin
Parklands, with an avenue of shade trees. Tropical planting will
feature along revitalised footpaths, and flowering shade trees
will highlight the intersections.
CITY STREETS
This project recognises that all streets within the City
Centre are valuable public spaces, playing an important
role for movement and circulation. Vibrant and well-
defined streetscapes foster walkability, encouraging
people to explore, relax and gather. Drawing from
feedback during consultation, this project focuses on
delivering streetscapes that create a connected, tropical
public place with an active street life.
ESPLANADE DINING PRECINCT
This project will enhance the best features of the
Esplanade Dining Precinct, expanding the dining area
to provide space for additional dining and seating,
improving views to the parklands and increasing
pedestrian connections.
CAIRNS GALLERY PRECINCT
The project will transform and connect three heritage listed
buildings in the Cairns City Centre (the Cairns Art Gallery,
former Cairns Court House and former Mulgrave Shire
Council offices) and establish a vibrant new world-class
gallery building. This project has been separately included
within this City Deal proposal as a full business case for
the project has been completed and the capital investment
required has been quantified.
11FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Cairns City Deal
Unlocking the economic potential of Cairns and Far North Queensland
C ity Deals are a key mechanism
to deliver on the opportunities
and challenges in Australia’s cities
The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision provides
a framework that will deliver economic
prosperity, quality of life and liveability for
by bringing together the three levels the Cairns community both today, and
of government, the community and for the generations that follow. It sets
private enterprise to create place-based out the projects, investment and policy
partnerships. They work to align the required for the vision to be realised.
planning, investment and governance Using the Cairns 2050 Shared
necessary to accelerate economic Vision as a foundation, Council has
growth and job creation, stimulate urban again worked with key stakeholders to
renewal and drive economic reforms. develop the Cairns Region City Deal
City Deals are designed to secure Proposal Document (‘the Proposal’).
the future prosperity and liveability for A full copy of the Proposal is available
COMMITMENT
Australian cities. on Council’s website (https://www.
REQUIRED
In June 2018, the Joint Standing cairns.qld.gov.au/building-planning-
Federal Government commitment Committee on Northern Australia business/advocacy). The Proposal
to sign a statement of intent with released its report ‘Northern Horizons clearly articulates how a City Deal can
Cairns Regional Council and
– Unleashing Our Tourism Potential’. A unlock Cairns’ full potential and deliver
the Queensland Government to
establish a 10-year City Deal for key recommendation from that report significant benefits for the region, the
Cairns based on the priorities was the establishment of a City Deal State of Queensland and Australia as a
outlined in the Cairns Region City for Cairns. A City Deal for Cairns would whole. The Proposal identifies six key
Deal Proposal Document.
support the Federal Government’s areas of focus where Cairns has unique
agenda for the development of Northern competitive advantages that can be
Australia and would also contribute leveraged to deliver economic growth
to the implementation of a variety of and quality of life outcomes:
Queensland Government strategies and • Food Production
policies. • Tourism
It is recognised that in order to be • Tertiary Education
effective, a City Deal for Cairns needs • Strategic Location
to be developed in the context of a • Skilled and Growing Population
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT broader regional strategy to ensure • Renewable Energy
This priority aligns with and supports
such initiatives are complementary and Further details on how these areas
the implementation of the following
Australian Government strategies and contribute to the realisation of a long of focus align to both Cairns’ unique
initiatives: term vision. With this in mind, Cairns competitive advantages and emerging
Regional Council and key regional trends at both a national and global level
• Emerging population,
decentralisation and migration stakeholders have worked together to are set out on pages 6 and 7 of this
policy develop the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision document.
• Indigenous Advancement Strategy
• Northern Australia Agenda
(www.cairns.qld.gov.au/vision2050). Linking directly to these areas of
• Pacific Step-up - Stepping up This vision also incorporates the views focus, the Proposal sets out and further
Australia’s engagement with our and priorities of the Cairns community develops 19 key projects/initiatives
Pacific family
• Region’s 2030 Unlocking as expressed through the 2016 Our drawn from the Cairns 2050 Shared
Opportunity (2017) Cairns Survey, a community survey Vision that should be incorporated in a
• Smart Cities Plan (2016) and City City Deal for Cairns.
conducted by Cairns Regional Council,
Deals Policy/Program
• Tourism 2020 (Strategy) which attracted over 6,000 responses.
12A PROPOSAL BUILT ON A SHARED VISION
Throughout 2018, Council dedicated significant resources to the development of a shared
The City Deal proposal
vision for Cairns. The Cairns 2050 Shared Vision (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/vision 2050) provides
is underpinned by a the framework to deliver long term economic prosperity and liveability for the Cairns community.
significant body of work The vision was developed with two clear objectives in mind: as a basis for direct advocacy to
and consultation led by both the State and Federal governments; and as a foundation from which to negotiate and
secure a City Deal for Cairns. The timeline provides an overview of the milestones achieved to
Cairns Regional Council. date as well as the next steps required to secure a City Deal for Cairns.
EARLY JUNE AUG NOV FEB MAR OCT Q1 Q1/Q2 Q2 Q3
2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020 2020
Cairns Regional First stakeholder Second Vision formally First meeting of Local Federal and City Deal Statement of Preparation and Signing of Implementation
Council initiates workshop to stakeholder endorsed by Council’s Shared State members Proposal intent for a negotiation of the Cairns plan developed
development of inform vision workshop to Council. Shared Vision Advisory of parliament developed using Cairns City Deal Cairns City Deal City Deal and endorsed
2050 vision development inform vision Vision Advisory Committee endorse/ support Shared Vision as
development Committee Vision a foundation
established
Desktop review of previous Finalisation of the vision Endorsement and support
regional planning work and endorsement by for the vision provided by
undertaken. Cairns Regional Council. the relevant Federal and
Queensland members
Two half day external Establishment of of parliament and key
stakeholder workshops to a Shared Vision stakeholders.
inform vision development with Advisory Committee (19
approximately 40 stakeholders members) comprising Initial public awareness
at each workshop drawn from representatives from a and communication
a diverse range of interest broad range of external activities including
groups. stakeholders as well provision for the
as Council’s Mayor, community to register
Preparation of a draft vision Deputy Mayor and their support for the
and circulation to key CEO to support vision vision. Despite only
stakeholders for comment and implementation. being launched in late
feedback. 2018, the vision has
already received over
400 registrations of
support from the Cairns
community.
13FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Cairns Gallery Precinct
An iconic new cultural tourism project driving increased visitation,
tourism diversification and regional employment
C airns is recognised as the Arts
and Culture Capital of Northern
Australia. The Cairns Gallery Precinct
Barrier Reef region is home to Australia’s
highest proportion of Indigenous
Australians and its greatest diversity of
is a project that strongly supports this Indigenous cultures. Community demand
status and complements recent regional for the arts, the burgeoning local creative
investment in arts and cultural facilities, sector, the opportunity to showcase more
events and programs. These include the Indigenous arts, and the need to diversify
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), Cairns our tourism offering all contribute to the
Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), Munro need for increased scale and diversity of
Martin Parklands (MMP) and Centre of Cairns’ visual arts infrastructure.
Contemporary Arts (CoCA) refurbishment Establishment of the precinct will also
among others. The project will transform have significant positive impacts on
and connect three heritage listed buildings jobs and economic growth. In addition
COMMITMENT in the Cairns City Centre (the Cairns Art to the significant economic impact and
REQUIRED Gallery, ‘Old’ Court House and former employment created during construction,
Mulgrave Shire Council offices) and once operational, the project will add
$13.3 million funding commitment
towards the estimated capital cost establish a new world class gallery building $20.7 million per annum to the regional
($39.8 million) of the Cairns Gallery to create a dynamic and unique gallery economy (Gross Regional Product)
Precinct as part of the proposed precinct with benefits for both the local and support 177 ongoing full time jobs
tripartite (Federal, State and Local community and domestic and international through its direct operation and induced
Governments) funding arrangement
visitors. tourism expenditure. An independent
for this iconic cultural and tourism
infrastructure project. The project would have a particularly and comprehensive business case for
strong connection to the region’s the project has been completed utilising
Indigenous community and also links/ funding provided by the Queensland
aligns with the National Indigenous Government.
Heritage Centre proposal that is outlined The business case supports the case
on page 32 of this document. The project for project investment with the preferred
would also broaden the region’s tourism project option having a Benefits to Cost
offer and enhance liveability within our Ratio (BCR) of 1.19 and a Net Present
community. Value (NPV) of $13.3 million. Cairns
A significant proportion of Cairns’ Regional Council is calling for a tripartite
population identify as First Nations funding arrangement to construct and
peoples. Cairns is also the principal establish the precinct with Federal, State
connection point for the exchange and and Local (Council) Governments each
celebration of Indigenous art and culture contributing one third of the project’s total
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
from communities throughout Cape York capital cost of $39.8 million.
This priority aligns with and supports
the implementation of the following and the Torres Strait. The Cairns and Great
Australian Government strategies and
initiatives:
• Emerging population,
decentralisation and migration policy
• Indigenous Advancement Strategy
• Northern Australia Agenda
• Region’s 2030 Unlocking
Opportunity (2017)
• Tourism 2020 (Strategy)
14CAIRNS
GALLERY OLD SHIRE
PRECINCT OFFICES
ESPLANADE
COURTHOUSE
SPENCE STREET
NEW
GALLERY
EXISITNG
GALLERY
THE
LAWN
ABBOTT STREET
15FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Cairns University Hospital
Investing in the infrastructure and services required to keep our community healthy
COMMITMENT
REQUIRED
Confirmation of the $60 million
announced previously for James
Cook University’s Cairns Tropical
Enterprise Centre (CTEC). Advocacy
support to help secure $100 million
in funding from the Queensland
Government to establish the
Cairns Health and Innovation
Precinct (CHIP) and allocation of 80
additional places within James Cook
University’s Bachelor of Medicine
H ealth and wellbeing are critical the medium term and for the hospital
and Bachelor of Surgery programs.
foundations to a community’s to continue to expand the higher
quality of life and are essential if level of services offered locally. For
communities are to continue to this objective to be realised, facilities
grow and prosper. The Cairns and need to be developed which support
Hinterland Hospital and Health Service clinical research and education.
(CHHHS) is the FNQ region’s largest The establishment of James Cook
employer with approximately 6,000 University’s Cairns Tropical Enterprise
staff delivering a wide range of hospital Centre (CTEC) is a critical step in the
and health services across the region. Cairns Hospital achieving university
The Cairns Hospital is a critical facility status. The CTEC project has already
within the CHHHS network and caters received a federal funding commitment
for approximately 100,000 patient of $60 million. The proposed Cairns
admissions every year. The hospital Health and Innovation Precinct (CHIP)
also deals with a diverse range of health is another piece of critical infrastructure
and wellbeing needs of the regional which also supports this initiative and
community including the region’s will complement the CTEC facility. A
significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait $100 million commitment is actively
Islander populations. being sought from the Queensland
Expansion of the facilities and Government to enable the design and
status of the Cairns Hospital, as well construction of the CHIP to progress.
as investment in the broader regional The allocation of additional places
services managed by the CHHHS, will within James Cook University’s
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT be required to meet the future needs Medicine and Dentistry school will also
This priority aligns with and supports
of a growing regional population. The be required to support the hospital
the implementation of the following
Australian Government strategies and region’s unique demographics, including achieving university status. Specifically,
initiatives: significant visitor and Indigenous 80 additional places (50 Commonwealth
populations, are also key considerations Supported Places and 30 International
• Emerging population,
decentralisation and migration policy when planning for the future health Places) within James Cook University’s
• Northern Australia Agenda needs of Cairns. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of
• Region’s 2030 Unlocking
Opportunity (2017) The aim is for Cairns Hospital to Surgery programs will be required.
become a university hospital within
1617
FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Cairns Road
Network Projects
Investing in an integrated road network that will support the future economic
prosperity, liveability, safety and resilience of the Cairns and FNQ community
COMMITMENT
REQUIRED
Extension of the National Land
Transport Network from Draper
Street (just south of the Cairns
City Centre) to Smithfield and
confirmation of the $287 million
in Federal funding allocated
to enhancements on this road
corridor.
$21 million for a Strategic
Assessment of Service
Requirements, Preliminary
Evaluation and Business Case
development for the Kuranda
Range Road corridor to address
significant safety, capacity and
reliability issues on this strategic
road link between Cairns, the
Atherton Tablelands and beyond.
Confirmation of the $180 million
commitment from the Federal
Government towards the Cairns
Southern Access Corridor Stage 5
(Foster Road Intersection) project.
Advocacy support from the
Federal Government to secure an
T
investment of $370 million from
the Queensland Government for
he road networks both within Cairns underway) that are critical to the delivery
the upgrade of the Cairns Western and connecting Cairns to regions of an integrated road transport network
Arterial Road. located to the north, south and west are for Cairns and to support enhanced
critical enablers for the regional economy. connectivity with the surrounding
An effective road transport network region. The projects all contribute to the
contributes to the region’s liveability by priorities contained in the Queensland
facilitating efficient travel both within Government’s Far North Regional
region and to/from outside the region for Transport Plan (Draft) 2018 and a number
economic, leisure and social purposes. also align with the Federal Government’s
Safety for all modes of transport is Roads of Strategic Importance initiative as
an important consideration as is the they facilitate efficient freight connectivity
resilience of the region’s road network to to the Cairns Seaport and Cairns Airport.
weather events and flooding. There are Each project is depicted in the adjacent
seven key road network projects (three diagram with further commentary in the
of which are already fully funded and paragraphs that follow.
18Smithfield
Bypass
Kuranda
Range Road
National
Highway 1
Draper Street
to Smithfield
Cairns Western
Arterial Road
(CWAR)
Cairns Southern
Access Corridor
Stage 4: Kate St
to Aumuller St
Cairns Southern
Access Corridor
Stage 5: Foster Road
Intersection
Cairns Southern
Access Corridor
Stage 3: Edmonton
to Gordonvale
KEY PROJECTS
*denotes road projects already funded and currently underway
19FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
Cairns Road
Network
Priority
Projects
NATIONAL HIGHWAY 1 KURANDA RANGE ROAD
DRAPER STREET
TO SMITHFIELD
T he Kuranda Range Road links Tablelands and beyond. An updated
T
Smithfield to Kuranda and provides and comprehensive review is required
he National Land Transport Network
critical connectivity between Cairns, to determine the best way to unlock
(NLTN) currently terminates at the
the Atherton Tablelands (including this road corridor’s economic potential
corner of Comport and Draper Streets
Mareeba), Cape York and the Gulf whilst at the same time addressing the
(just south of the Cairns City Centre). The
of Carpentaria. The FNQ region’s current safety and reliability issues.
road corridor provides key connectivity to
agricultural sector is a key driver of the The Queensland Government has
the Cairns Seaport, Cairns City Centre,
need for an improved Kuranda Range announced $1.25 million towards
Cairns Airport and Smithfield (including the
Road. With a sector value of $2.95 a planning project in this regard.
Cairns Campus of James Cook University).
billion and export value of $1.81 billion In addition to this planning project,
Significant investment in capacity
and potential for significant further $21 million is required to complete
enhancements to this road corridor are
growth (particularly if the region’s a Strategic Assessment of Service
required to ensure the efficient movement of
enormous water and arable land Requirements, Preliminary Evaluation
freight and people particularly to the city’s air
resources are further developed), a and Business Case development to
and sea ports. Population growth in Cairns’
solution to the safety, efficiency and fully investigate options to address
northern suburbs has also seen increased
capacity issues are needed to unlock the service requirements. The ultimate
commuter congestion along this route.
the sector’s full economic potential. An solution needs to be included within
The Queensland Transport Minister has
Impact Assessment Study of the road the National Land Transport Network
made a written request to the Federal
by Maunsell McIntyre (now AECOM) to ensure there is a clear partnership
Transport Minister for the extension of the
in 2000, identified that the road’s between the State and Federal
NLTN to Smithfield as part of the Federal
inadequacies contributed to poor Governments for future investment
Government’s NLTN Determination Review.
safety, poor economic performance in this road corridor. It is noted that
Cairns Regional Council strongly supports
(travel times, vehicle operating costs this road is included in the Cairns to
this extension and is advocating to the
and inability to accommodate freight- Darwin corridor under the Federal
Federal Government for its approval. Whilst
efficient vehicles) and poor reliability. Government’s Roads of Strategic
the outcomes of the NLTN Determination
18 years on, these issues have Importance initiative.
Review have not yet been finalised, Council
not been adequately addressed with
also welcomes the announcement of $287
significant investment now needed to
million in funding via the 2019-20 Federal
deliver increased capacity, improved
Budget delivered in early April 2019 and
safety and to enable the road to
is seeking further confirmation of this
deliver its full economic potential for
funding allocation in the 2020-21 Federal
the region. This road corridor has
Budget. Council is also advocating to the
strong alignment with the objectives
Queensland Government for the $72 million
of the Federal Government’s Roads
funding announcement made by them in
of Strategic Importance initiative given
relation to this project to be confirmed in the
the significant agricultural resources
State Budget for 2020-21.
and potential located on the Atherton
20FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
CAIRNS SOUTHERN ACCESS CAIRNS WESTERN
CORRIDOR – STAGE 5: FOS- ARTERIAL ROAD
TER ROAD INTERSECTION The Cairns Western Arterial Road provides
The Cairns Southern Access - Stage an important linkage to the north, west and COMMITTED
5 project is part of the National Land south of Cairns via its connections to the ROAD PROJECTS
Transport Network and involves a grade Captain Cook Highway, Kuranda Range The four projects mentioned previously
Road and Bruce Highway respectively. will complement the following three
separation upgrade at the Bruce Highway
projects already funded and currently
and Foster Road intersection in Cairns. The road corridor alleviates traffic flows
underway in the Cairns region:
This project will build on the existing through the Cairns City Centre by providing
commitments made along the Cairns an alternate ‘bypass’ route to the National
SMITHFIELD BYPASS
Southern Access Corridor (including the Highway 1 route that traverses through the The 3.8-kilometre-long bypass between
Stage 3 and Stage 4 projects currently Cairns City via Sheridan Street. the McGregor Road roundabout and
underway). The project has an estimated Whilst elements of the Cairns Western the Cairns Western Arterial Road and
capital cost of $225 million and will Arterial Road are ‘dual laned’ in each Captain Cook Highway roundabout
improve capacity and traffic flow including direction, further investment is required will provide an alternative route to the
movements in and out of nearby suburban to ensure this road corridor can deliver Captain Cook Highway. The project is
streets. It will also improve road safety to its full potential supporting the efficient currently underway and scheduled for
by reducing congestion around the and safe movement of freight and people. completion in late 2020.
intersection and facilitate the efficient Cairns Regional Council has identified a
range of upgrades on this road corridor that BRUCE HIGHWAY CAIRNS
flow of passenger and freight traffic. An
SOUTHERN ACCESS CORRIDOR
announcement of $180 million in Federal would significantly enhance its capacity and
STAGE 3 EDMONTON TO
funding was made in the 2019-20 Federal improve connectivity and safety. Projects
GORDONVALE
Budget delivered in early April 2019 include ‘dual laning’ of the northern
The project will deliver significant
and Council is calling on this funding section of the road, through to upgrades enhancements on this road corridor
announcement to be reconfirmed in the to McCoombe Street to deliver improved including the ‘dual laning’ of the Bruce
2020-21 Federal Budget. Whilst a $45 connectivity with the Bruce Highway to the Highway in both directions between
million funding allocation to this project south. An estimated investment of $370 Edmonton and Gordonvale. Early
has been included in the Queensland million from the Queensland Government procurement works have started and
Government’s Queensland Transport and is required to deliver these enhancements construction is expected to commence
Roads Investment Program 2019-20 to and unlock this road corridor’s full potential. in early 2020 with project completion
Council is advocating directly to the scheduled for mid-2023.
2022-23, Council is advocating for this
funding allocation to be confirmed in the Queensland Government to secure this
BRUCE HIGHWAY CAIRNS
State Budget for 2020-21. critical investment and would welcome
SOUTHERN ACCESS CORRIDOR
the advocacy support of the Federal
STAGE 4 KATE STREET TO
Government in this regard.
AUMULLER STREET
This project will deliver capacity
improvements to the Southern
Access Corridor between Kate Street
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT and Aumuller Street and additional
This priority aligns with and supports the implementation of the following Australian improvements from Comport Street to
Government strategies and initiatives:
Kenny Street. The project is underway
• Emerging population, decentralisation and migration policy and expected to be completed in mid-
• Northern Australia Agenda 2021.
• Region’s 2030 Unlocking Opportunity (2017)
• Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative
21FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR CAIRNS
CQUniversity City
Campus and Impact Plan
Delivering improved tertiary education access for the Cairns and FNQ community and supporting
international education industry development and Cairns City Centre activation
C QUniversity is undergoing rapid growth in the Cairns region. By adopting a
collaborative partnership approach to expansion, CQUniversity has been able to
help build capacity across a range of industries and community initiatives. In 2017,
CQUniversity released a community impact plan consisting of six primary projects.
Most of the projects in the 2017 plan were completed (to varying degrees) by the
end of 2018, requiring the development of an updated CQUniversity 2019 Cairns
Community Impact Plan. Three projects identified in this impact plan are outlined over
the following pages.
COMMITMENT PERMANENT NEW CITY CENTRE CAMPUS
C
REQUIRED QUniversity seeks $50 million to to absorb further growth. The nature of
establish a permanent, purpose-built CQUniversity’s current lease arrangement
$50 million towards the
establishment of a new permanent CBD campus capable of accommodating doesn’t provide the stability or security
city centre campus, $25 million (with 2,500+ students. The new, permanent CQUniversity needs for further investment
a further $20 million to be sourced campus will deliver an expanded range of and growth in Cairns.
from industry) towards Asia Pacific training, education and research offerings CQUniversity requires a permanent,
Aviation Hub development and $25
that will diversify and grow the local purpose-built CBD campus capable
million towards the establishment of
Queensland’s first University High economy and skilled workforce, while of accommodating 2,500+ students
School. stimulating greater international student to continue being an educator of
numbers in the Cairns CBD. This will impact in Cairns. Community and
cement CQUniversity’s presence in Cairns industry engagement will be the
with a permanent CBD campus capable defining philosophy of the new campus,
of absorbing forecast student growth, with an ‘open-door’ campus model
while galvanising Cairns’ identity as an being employed. This will further help
agile, innovative two-university city. to engage local students from low
CQUniversity has witnessed socioeconomic and/or disadvantaged
tremendous growth in Cairns since backgrounds – a student base of which
first opening a modest study hub in CQUniversity outperforms every other
2012. Student numbers have grown Australian university in terms of enrolment
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT persistently; averaging 20% year-on- proportion and student support. But most
This priority aligns with and supports year through to 2018, with a 30% leap importantly, this permanent new campus
the implementation of the following in enrolments in the past 12 months will finally galvanise Cairns’ identity as an
Australian Government strategies and alone. CQUniversity has approximately agile, innovative two-university city with a
initiatives:
1800 students currently. CQUniversity’s highly skilled, professionalised workforce.
• Emerging population, growth is having a profound impact on This permanent new campus will give
decentralisation and migration policy the higher education participation rates CQUniversity the security it needs to
• National Strategy for International
Education 2025 of local students, narrowing the gap with invest further in education in Cairns.
• Northern Australia Agenda metropolitan student participation rates.
• Pacific Step-up - Stepping up CQUniversity’s current (leased) CBD
Australia’s engagement with our
Pacific family
campus is at capacity, with little flexibility
• Region’s 2030 Unlocking
Opportunity (2017)
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