Cairns industrial land to be ‘activated’ through State Development Area

The state government believes “the timing is right” for privately-held land in Cairns to be converted for industrial use, but fell short of acknowledging compulsory acquisition.

The Cairns South State Development Area. Picture: Queensland Department of State Development.

A former Cairns councillor once part of an administration opposing the creation of an industrial hub on the southside has now vowed to fight to “activate” a State Development Area, as businesses snub the city due to lack of commercial availability.

Mulgrave MP Terry James says “the timing is right” for the “activation” of the Cairns South State Development Area.

The gazetted zone of privately and publicly-held farm land near Wrights Creek and a separate section near the Mulgrave Mill at Gordonvale spans over 1159ha, designated for use of industries including medium and high impact industries, intermodal transport and rail-dependant industries.

Mr James said he agreed with commercial real estate agent Danny Betros’ assessment of there being “next to no” industrial land available to businesses wishing to set up or expand operations in Cairns.

Mulgrave MP Terry James wants to “activate” land recognised within the Cairns South State Development Area. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I’m actually receiving inquiries in my Mulgrave office, on people looking for industrial land for larger scale developments,” he said.

“I think the timing is right and we’ve got a new government that’s got an appetite to look at these sort of things. So, I’ve actually commenced looking into the State Development Area to see if I can get that activated.”

Asked what “activation” looked like, Mr James said it would mean planning the infrastructure required to support the development.

“Whilst we’re looking at Mount Peter for infrastructure, why not do both?

Director of planning, growth and sustainability for Cairns Regional Council Ed Johnson speaks with Member for Mulgrave Terry James. Mr James says infrastructure planning for both the Cairns South SDA and Mount Peter are required. Picture: Brendan Radke

“That’s what I’m going to be advocating for. So that when these (landholders) do want to sell, and are ready to sell, we know exactly what’s happening.

“But even though it’s privately-owned it doesn’t stop you from putting a sewer in.”

However, he wouldn’t be drawn on compulsory acquisition of the land given the urgency of demand.

In 2018, former Mayor Bob Manning described the SDA as “a bit of a rush job,” when making public a report his council had commissioned to review the land allocation.

“That was the advice provided to the council at that time; You’re talking over five or six years ago,” Mr James said.

December 2004 – then Minister for State Development Tony McGrady (left) and CEC operations manager Brendan Rogina inspecting the site for what would eventually become an industrial park at Woree. Picture: Pasco Rogato.

A Department of State Development spokeswoman responded to questions about potential land acquisitions and said some lots within the recognised SDA were already publicly owned, despite still being used for cropping.

“The Minister for Economic Development Queensland holds land in the SDA reserved for future industrial development opportunities,” the spokeswoman said.

“Government continues to review opportunities for strategic acquisitions across all State development areas to support economic development.”

Originally published as Cairns industrial land to be ‘activated’ through State Development Area