Member for Cairns Michael Healy hammers Far North MP’s development record

A blockbuster blame game over Cairns’ housing crisis has broken out with a Far North MP taking a sledge hammer to the Member for Mulgrave’s record as chair of a key committee during his time as a councillor.

Funding for Cairns’ southern growth corridor is a key focus ahead of next week’s state budget. Picture: Brendan Radke

A blockbuster blame game over Cairns’ housing crisis has broken out with a Far North MP taking a sledge hammer to the Member for Mulgrave’s record as chair of a key committee during his time as a councillor.

But Member for Mulgrave Terry James has accused Labor of dropping their tools while in power, failing to approve a critical plan that would have laid the foundation for growth and development across the city.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy has criticised fellow MP Terry James’ tenure as the chair of Cairns Regional Council’s planning committee. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Member for Cairns Michael Healy took a wrecking ball to Mr James’ run on Cairns Regional Council’s planning committee, arguing the former mayor was responsible for the city’s soaring median housing prices and low rental vacancy rates.

The lack of development meant the state would now be forced to cough up at least $150m to kickstart progress on the city’s southern growth corridor, Mr Healy said.

“For 12 years Terry James was the chair of the planning committee,” he said. “From my understanding, very little was done at that time.

“Now we find the Cairns council is having to compete with other councils and regional entities for a limited amount of money to expand housing opportunities in our city and region.

“It’s unacceptable.”

Member for Mulgrave Terry James has defended his record lobbying for development and infrastructure while serving as a councillor and briefly mayor at Cairns Regional Council. Picture: Brendan Radke

In response, Mr James drilled into former premier Steven Miles’ failure to approve the FNQ Regional Plan which provides a framework to guide growth and development.

“After 10 years they want to start throwing rocks,” the former building designer said.

“I brought it up with Steven Miles when he was premier that his government was holding up the plan. That document feeds into the city’s planning scheme.

“He basically said, ‘Leave it to me’ and nothing got done.”

Aerial view of the Cairns Water Security Project Stage One construction site, north of Gordonvale. The $472 million project will generate a new drinking water supply from the Mulgrave River once completed in 2026. Picture: Brendan Radke

Funding for key projects like the $472m Cairns water security project were approved as a result of his advocacy while on the planning committee, Mr James said.

“Michael Healy sat around the cabinet table and oversaw Labor’s housing crisis,” he said.

“Including, approving Cameron Dick’s renters tax which we got rid of.”

Opposition spokesman for planning Cameron Dick said the LNP needed to back the council’s $450m Securing Cairns’ Housing Foundations proposal in next week’s budget.

“The Cairns region needs more homes and investing in Mount Peter will unlock more development,” Mr Dick said.

“Unlocking homes here must be a priority which is why we are calling on the Crisafulli Government to declare it a Priority Development Area.”

Originally published as Member for Cairns Michael Healy hammers Far North MP’s development record