General News
6 July, 2026
Budget items lack specifics
ADVANCE Cairns has welcomed 2026-27 state budget funding commitments for two of the Far North’s biggest economic projects – Cairns Hospital expansion and the common user facility (CUF) at the Cairns marine precinct.
Advance Cairns chief executive officer Jennifer Spilsbury said “we have been fiercely advocating for these two projects for many years”.
“We are pleased to see Cairns included in the hospital rescue plan major hospital infrastructure, as well as receiving additional funding of $37.6 million in 2026-27 from within the $750m easier access to health services funding, to operationalise new capacity at Cairns Hospital as part of the hospital rescue plan,” she said.
“Advance Cairns commends the Crisafulli government for their health investment in the Far North with the redevelopment of Cooktown’s multipurpose health service facility also included.
“A total of $8.3m is allocated to the common user facility for 2026-27 to progress critical activities and market engagement following the announcement that an expression of interest process will begin to find a private investment partner.
“The budget papers show the money is sitting there with $333m beyond this coming financial year.
“We look forward to seeing what comes out of that EOI process – and the sooner the better.
“We understand the Cairns Western Arterial Road is an Olympics legacy project and is slated for completion by 2032, however, we are keen to see a timeline and hard financial commitment as contracts are awarded.
“While the Barlow Park upgrade is included in the Olympic schedule, it is not clear at this stage whether the high-performance Cairns community hub will be funded.
“However, Barron River MP Bree James has thrown her support behind a broader precinct vision and we will continue our advocacy to become the premier destination for women’s sport.”
Read the Advance Cairns budget summary on our website.
