Future Cairns: How the city will grow its population while keeping its ecological beauty

Cairns needs a realistic plan to grow sustainably to attract and retain younger residents. This is how decision makers need to shape the future.

Cairns is a city with a bright and vibrant future, but it will take a real effort to shape what comes next.

The regional council’s director of planning, growth and sustainability Ed Johnson said there was a focus on getting the balance right.

“Our Towards 2050 study will unpack different growth scenario,” he said.

“There are many options to consider, and the technical studies that underpin the strategy, alongside consultation and engagement with the community, will explore those options.

“This will include looking to introduce appropriate density around suitably located and well serviced centres.”

Cairns Regional Council Director Planning, Growth & Sustainability, Ed Johnson, said the city’s future planing will include looking to introduce appropriate density around suitably located and well serviced centres. Picture: Supplied

But James Cook University Associate Professor, Tropical Urbanism and Design Lab (TUDLab), Lisa Law, who sits on the council’s Planning and Development Industry Reference Group with Mr Johnson, had concerns about recent developments.

“Covid has placed real pressure on regional cities such as Cairns to grow and in some cases we should be going up, not out,” she said.

“Cairns is a wonderful city situated between the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest, but when I look at what’s happening to the southern growth corridor I feel devastated as recent housing developments appear you can walk from roof-to-roof the blocks are so small.”

Mr Johnson said the council’s Economic Development Strategy 2022-2026 aims to build Cairns into a $13 billion per annum economy.

JCU doctoral candidate Rachael Walshe is researching how school gardens contact to nature in urban environments.

She said cities need spaces where residents can connect through gardening, playing sport or walking dogs.

“Covid was the best example when we sought green spaces to relieve the mental pressure,” she said.

“We need to ensure that urban design incorporates a connection with nature.”.

Originally published as Future Cairns: How the city will grow its population while keeping its ecological beauty