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Cairns infrastructure projects: key decisions ahead on water supply, highways and marine works
Council must decide on construction timelines and funding allocations for several major projects now in planning or early delivery stages.
How we reported this
Cairns Regional Council is weighing next steps on multiple infrastructure projects, with the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project remaining in the planning and design phase as the largest undertaking by the council.
Water security and flood recovery
The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project will deliver a new drinking water supply drawing from a Mulgrave River intake. A $325.5 million construction contract has already been awarded to John Holland Qld. The Flood Recovery Program is listed as in progress under the infrastructure category, while the Jeff Pezzutti Park upgrade is also underway in the sport, recreation and parks category.
Highway upgrades and hospital expansion
The Captain Cook Highway upgrade from Cairns CBD to Smithfield carries combined funding of $287.2 million from the Australian Government and $71.8 million from the Queensland Government, with early works expected to finish in late 2025. The Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Stage 3 from Edmonton to Gordonvale is a $535 million project with the Australian Government contributing $428 million and is nearing completion. The Cairns Hospital Expansion Project Tranche 1 is adding 64 beds at a cost of $171 million, with early refurbishment works already underway.
Marine precinct and airport redevelopment
The Australian Government has committed $180 million to the Cairns Marine Precinct, which will include a 5,000-tonne ship-lift, with construction expected to begin later in 2026 and create 460 construction jobs. Cairns Airport is progressing a $60 million Eastern Aviation Precinct and a $55 million international terminal upgrade.
These projects sit within the council’s current major projects list, which residents can track through the dedicated page on the Cairns Regional Council website. Key decisions ahead include finalising construction sequencing for the water security project, confirming start dates for the marine precinct, and managing any remaining early works on the Captain Cook Highway. The council’s project status categories of planning and design versus in progress provide the clearest indicators of where further approvals or contractor mobilisation will be required next.