Around the traps: Eight Far North projects funded in the Queensland budget

Regional and remote art centres, health facilities and First Nations land management programs across the Far North have received funding in this year’s state budget. Find out what’s coming to your community soon.

Artist impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Pormpuraaw Primary Health Care Centre. Picture: Supplied

Regional and remote art centres, health facilities and First Nations land management programs across the Far North have received funding in this year’s state budget.

However at first blush many of these projects have been previously announced, with the list of major new announcements for the region largely narrowed down to $87.5m for the Cairns water security project.

Advance Cairns chief executive Jacinta Reddan described additional money for the critical water infrastructure development as a win for the region.

“The water security project will ensure that the city is equipped to meet the needs of the growing region,” she said.

“Importantly, we would hope that the Federal Government matches this funding, therefore collectively alleviating cost of living pressures on ratepayers.

“We are particularly pleased to see this announcement in the wake of recent green light given to the CHIC (Cairns Health and Innovation Centre), with an initial $60m committed by Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman here in Cairns.”

Here’s what else is in the 2024-25 budget for Far North Queensland.

1. Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

$14.8m out of a $16m total spend to expand TAFE Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef International Marine College. This includes constructing a new workshop, additional classrooms, staff facilities and a boat shed. First announced by former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in 2023.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pilots a ship out of the Trinity Inlet in the facility's simulator. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

2. Cairns Marine Precinct – Common User Facility

$37m out of a $360m total spend towards the project for increased maintenance, repair and overhaul of service capabilities. Delivered in partnership with the federal government.

3. Moa St Pauls Public Health Community Centre Rectification

$8.7m out of a $10.7m total spend to deliver a new extension to the public health community centre. The project is in the initial stages of development. Staff accommodation will also be refurbished.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles was in Pormpuraaw to launch the plans for the new health centre on July 19. Picture: Supplied

4. Pormpuraaw Primary Health Care Centre and Home and Community Care

$12m to address ageing infrastructure. The emergency section will be equipped with a procedure and resuscitation room, a treatment room, mobile X-ray facilities, and a decontamination shower. The centre will feature six dedicated outpatient consult rooms.

Coen artist Naomi Hobson’s work has been showcased around the world.

5. Coen Art Centre

$6.7m out of $8.2m total spend for the construction of a new art centre. Home of internationally acclaimed First Nations artist, Naomi Hobson.

6. Cairns Youth Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Community Treatment Facility

$10m out of a $17.8m total spend to deliver a new purpose built 10-bed facility providing a 24/7 operating model for medical and non-medical support. The project became a contentious point of debate during Cairns’ local government elections.

7. Cape York Peninsula Land Management Program

$26.4m out of $38.5m for negotiation of agreements with Cape York Traditional Owners, purchase of land and management of certain Cape York lands.

8. Workforce Accommodation – Torres Strait

$12m to replace existing staff accommodation in the region providing appropriate, safe, and fit-for-purpose accommodation.

Originally published as Around the traps: Eight Far North projects funded in the Queensland budget