Far North Queensland’s future is being decided right now, and the government is asking for your feedback (during the busiest time of the year)
The Queensland Government has quietly released their Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan: a major long-term plan that will shape how our towns, landscapes and coastlines change over the next 20+ years.
Most people haven’t heard of it, but it will influence everything from housing, infrastructure, and tourism to rainforest protection, coastal development, and wildlife habitat.
The deadline for public feedback is the 5th January, right in the middle of Christmas holidays — which is why we need people to pay attention, fast.
What is this Plan?
It’s a blueprint for how FNQ will grow to 2046 and beyond.
It decides what land can be developed, what must be protected, and what infrastructure (roads, water, schools, energy) will be built.
Once finalised, it becomes law-backed direction that councils must follow when making planning decisions.
In other words: It guides what our region will look like for the next 20+ years.
Why this Plan matters to us
Our region is one of the most environmentally precious regions on Earth.
We sit between two World Heritage Areas, hold some of the last remaining rainforest-to-reef corridors, and live among wildlife found nowhere else.
This plan affects:
- where new housing will go
- how villages, farms and coastal areas can expand
- what environmental areas receive protection
- what gets zoned for development
- how habitat corridors for cassowaries and other species will be managed
- who gets a say in future development applications
It’s the sort of plan that, if done well, can protect our region for generations —
and if done poorly, can open the door to irreversible damage.
Things to look for:
1. Check the maps closely.
- What’s protected and what’s changed?
- Have important environmental areas or corridors changed?
- Are any missing or reduced?
- Do the Strategic Rehabilitation Areas still reflect what we know on the ground?
2. Look for clear environment monitoring plans.
- Who will track environmental impacts?
- How often?
- How will the community know what’s happening?
3. Look for how the community input is treated.
- Do we really get a say?
- Will residents still have a say in development decisions?
- Does this plan reduce community influence over what gets built, and where?
This affects all of us
Whether you live in Cairns, Innisfail, Maria Creeks, Tully, Mission Beach, Mareeba, the Tablelands, Port Douglas or Yarrabah, this plan will shape:
- how wildlife can move through Country
- where new suburbs appear
- how our coasts and forests are treated
- the character of your towns
- what “future FNQ” looks and feels like
- the landscapes your children (and grandchildren) will inherit
Have your say. Before January 5th.
The government is asking for our feedback via submissions right now ( during one of the busiest months of the year). Here’s how to do it:
- Online: via the Queensland Government planning website
- Email: FNQRPsubmissions@dsdip.qld.gov.au
- Post: PO Box 15009, City East QLD 4002
A valid submission must include your name, address, and the reasons for your feedback.
Don’t let this be decided without you
Regional plans don’t come along often, the last one was more than 15 years ago!
This draft will influence everything that happens next: planning rules, development decisions, habitat protection, and how our region grows.
Don’t let this be decided without you, this is your moment to speak up.