Cairns MP falls short of promising funds for major university’s student accommodation project

A Far North MP has pledged to support James Cook University’s $100m plans to triple its student accommodation in Smithfield and the CBD but refused to promise funding in the coming state budget.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NCA NewsWire Photos - 21 March, 2024: Qld Tourism and Sport Michael Healy MP speaks in Queensland Parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

A Far North MP has pledged to support James Cook University’s $100m plans to triple its student accommodation in Smithfield and the CBD but refused to promise funding in the coming state budget.

Advance Cairns have backed the “shovel ready” project with proponents arguing works could start within the year if the state and federal government get behind the developments.

The 600-bed increase in accommodation across the city would have the added benefit of easing pressure on the city’s housing market, the advocacy group’s chair Nick Trompf said.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said recent figures showed the lucrative international education and training sector supported 372 full-time jobs and was worth $57.4 million across the region.

“Many also contribute culturally, socially, economically and to meeting current and future

critical workforce needs in the regions,” Mr Healy said.

“Local businesses that benefit most from international students include accommodation

providers, cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services, retail trade and education

and training providers.”

James Cook University (JCU) Cairns campus, located at the corner of Captain Cook Highway and McGregor Road at Smithfield. Picture: Brendan Radke

Other industries stood to benefit from an increase in student dwellings, Mr Healy said.

“There is also a strong relationship between IET and tourism, with education being the

second largest source of overnight visitor expenditure statewide in 2023 of $1.5bn,” he said.

“Queensland Visiting Friends and Relatives tourism also reached a record $1.1bn in

2023 – up 34.3 percent compared with 2019.

Cairns is currently Queensland’s sixth largest region for international student enrolments with Japan, India, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Colombia the top home countries.

JCU currently offers just 300 beds for students at John Grey Hall at the university’s Smithfield campus.

Originally published as Cairns MP falls short of promising funds for major university’s student accommodation project