Cairns City Council flags $40 million waterfront precinct upgrade in long-term infrastructure plan

Cairns City Council has signalled a major reinvestment in the city's waterfront precinct as part of its long-term infrastructure strategy, with a proposed allocation of approximately $40 million directed at the Trinity Inlet foreshore and the Esplanade dining and retail strip.

The proposal, which is subject to budget approval and community consultation, would see improvements to public amenity along the waterfront, upgraded lighting and shade structures, and enhanced pedestrian connections between the CBD and the inlet. Council officers have also flagged improvements to the Marlin Marina public access areas as part of the broader scope.

The Esplanade remains one of Cairns' most visited public spaces, drawing residents and tourists alike. Business owners along the strip have long called for investment in shade and seating infrastructure to extend the comfortable hours visitors can enjoy the foreshore, particularly through the warmer months when temperatures and humidity can limit outdoor activity to early morning and evening periods.

The waterfront investment is expected to complement private sector projects already under way in the CBD, where several hospitality and accommodation developments are progressing through the planning system. Council says the combination of public and private investment is central to its economic development framework for the next decade.

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