Far North Queensland
Regional delivery — Queensland Budget 2023-24
Highlights
- •New youth detention centre near Cairns
- •Great Barrier Reef International Marine College expansion
- •Torres Strait Islands Marine Infrastructure Program
- •Vehicle Immobiliser Trial in Cairns
Capital works & projects
31 projects from the Regional Delivery Plan.
Source: Regional Delivery Plan. Not all projects have published amounts.
Region-specific budget initiatives
Teams of youth workers and police engage with high-risk young people to divert them from offending and break the cycle of youth crime, part of the government's $446.4 million community safety package.
General Government operating, $96.2M over 4 years and $17.9M per annum ongoing across Youth Justice ($78.1M) and Police ($17.8M). The $29.9M in 2023-24 combines the Youth Justice ($24.459M) and Police ($5.447M) line items.
Up to $30 million helps seniors install security upgrades so they can feel safer in their own homes.
General Government operating, up to $30M over 2 years (including $15M held centrally if needed)
Residents in Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa can get help to install vehicle immobilisers, making it harder for cars to be stolen.
General Government operating, $10M over 3 years held centrally, administered by the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport. Annual split not disclosed.
New youth detention centres at Woodford and near Cairns, plus interim measures, increase capacity to detain young offenders and reduce the number held in police watchhouses.
General Government, total $89.7M over 3 years ($78.1M new funding + $11.6M existing) to address youth detention capacity. The $14.7M is the 2023-24 operating line; capital for Woodford construction is subject to commercial negotiation.
200 Indigenous land and sea rangers care for Queensland's environment using traditional knowledge, supporting First Nations jobs and conservation.
General Government operating, $49.9M over 4 years and $16.4M per annum ongoing (indexed)
Freight subsidies help reduce the cost of getting goods to remote and very remote communities, easing prices for residents who live far from supply centres.
General Government operating, $77.9M over 5 years ($90.7M over 6 years)
New marine infrastructure improves transport and connectivity for Torres Strait Island communities.
General Government, combining operating ($10.5M over 5 years) and capital ($21.5M over 4 years; $27.5M over 5 years). The $3.5M in 2023-24 combines operating ($2.5M) and capital ($1M).
Expanding the marine college in Cairns gives students more training facilities for maritime careers in Far North Queensland.
Capital, $16M over 2 years
Statewide measures
Most budget measures are allocated statewide rather than to individual regions. The full budget overview lists all 125 tracked initiatives, many of which deliver services in Far North Queensland. The Regional Delivery Plan (linked below) details specific capital works and programs for this region.
Source document
Regional Delivery Plan — Far North Queensland (PDF)Last updated: 2026-06-21. Factual information from published budget documents.