Cairns Community Cabinet took place on Sunday 2 March 2025
Thanks for welcoming us, Cairns!
While Premier David Crisafulli oversaw response preparations for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie led Ministers and Assistant Ministers to Cairns for the new Queensland Government's first Community Cabinet.
Residents, business owners, industry representatives, and community stakeholders met with Ministers and Assistant Ministers to focus on the opportunities and priorities for Cairns and Far North Queensland.
More than 250 people attended, with an afternoon tea at Brothers Leagues Club followed by more than 100 meetings where Ministers spoke to locals about a range of subjects including community safety, disaster recovery, roads, health, tourism, and the environment.
Minister Fiona Simpson and representatives of Queensland Corrective Services at Community Cabinet
Funding to boost community safety
More than $31 million will be invested in high visibility police operations targeting high-crime locations to help restore community safety across the state, including Far North Queensland.
Police stations around Queensland, including the Far North, will benefit from the largest Queensland Police Service graduation ceremony in 33 years with 155 new officers deployed to the frontline.
From February 28 to March 5, the new State Flying Squad arrested 58 youth offenders in Cairns, including five serious repeat offenders, resulting in 197 charges. The State Flying Squad tackles serious crime in targeted regions.
Far North Queenslander helping to fix the Bruce Highway
The joint-owner of HEH Civil, Luke Bird, is one of six regional representatives on the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council. As a Far North Queenslander, he understands the complexities of one of Australia’s most significant highways.
Healthy outlook for hospital services
59 new junior doctors are joining Queensland Health across the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. They will receive world-class training and assistance from experienced clinicians, delivering additional support for the health services in the region.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg with attendees at Community Cabinet
Cairns at the heart of exciting new tourism future
More than 150 tourism industry and community stakeholders attended the Queensland Government’s consultation session in Cairns to develop the future of Queensland tourism.
Their advice will support the Tourism Cabinet Committee and help shape the 20-year Tourism Plan Destination 2045: Queensland's Tourism Future. As well as giving locals more to see and do, the Plan will deliver growth in Queensland tourism, attract investment, support jobs, accelerate infrastructure and experiences, and maximise the legacy of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dealing with disaster
The impacts of the heavy rain and flooding across Far North Queensland at the beginning of the year are still being felt, and a range of State and Commonwealth funding supports are available. Eligible residents, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations, primary producers, rural landholders, and communities are encouraged to seek assistance at qld.gov.au/disasterhelp (Opens in new window) .
Supporting the future for Cairns youth
A new youth foyer in Cairns will help young people at risk of homelessness to step back into study and the workplace. The Queensland Government's Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan is delivering 8 new youth foyers across the state, and the new Staying On Track youth criminal rehabilitation program and the Regional Reset early intervention program will help keep our young people on the right track.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie with attendees at Community Cabinet