Cairns Hospital expansion
Statement 19 August 2026
The Queensland Government values the Cairns Hospital Expansion at more than $1 billion, with completion set for 2031. The first new 32-bed ward opened in August 2026, with 28 surgical and orthopaedic beds and four high-care trauma bays. A further 32 beds are expected in 2027, and the hospital has been accredited as a Trauma Service. The master plan adds 104 beds, a Health Innovation and Surgical Centre, a rooftop helipad and a staff car park of around 950 spaces. A CPB Contractors and Hansen Yuncken joint venture has been engaged for stage 1: the helipad is due in 2027, the Health Innovation and Surgical Centre in 2031, and other site works are expected to start before the end of 2026.
Mount Peter Priority Development Area
Consultation closed 28 October 2026
Mount Peter, in Cairns’ southern growth corridor, was declared a Priority Development Area on 30 July 2025. It covers about 2,650 hectares and is planned for around 18,500 homes for more than 42,000 people, backed by $1.05 billion in catalyst infrastructure ($438 million for roads and transport, $613 million for water, sewer, stormwater, parks and community facilities). Public comment on the proposed Development Scheme ran from 15 September to 28 October 2026. EDQ will now review submissions, and the Minister will decide whether to approve the scheme, with or without changes; EDQ’s timeline shows it finalised in January 2027. Cairns Regional Council lodged a submission supporting the PDA and asking for infrastructure funding and long-term maintenance to be settled early.
Cairns Water Security Stage 1
Council release 1 September 2026
A new drinking water supply for Cairns, drawing from a new intake on the Mulgrave River, with a treatment plant and reservoirs at Gordonvale. Cairns Regional Council reports 30 km of pipeline is complete and the project is in pre-commissioning, on track for completion by mid-2027, weather permitting. The federal government is investing $195 million through the National Water Grid Fund, with the Queensland Government co-funding.
Cairns Marine Precinct common user facility
Statement 17 June 2026
Ports North is seeking private-sector co-investment to deliver and run a common user facility inside the Cairns Marine Precinct. The Australian and Queensland governments have committed a combined $387 million. Expressions of interest opened in June 2026. Ports North says that stage is complete and the first request-for-proposal phase has begun.
Bruce Highway: Foster Road intersection, Cairns Southern Access Corridor
TMR page updated 17 July 2025
Planning is under way to upgrade the Bruce Highway intersection at Foster Road, on the southern approach to Cairns. Total investment is $225 million, funded $180 million by the Australian Government and $45 million by the Queensland Government. Planning is due to finish by early 2027; scope and construction timing are still to be confirmed.
YouTube updates coming soon: Tony’s “What’s happening in Cairns” videos will be linked from each project.
Projects checked against official sources on 3 November 2026.
