A Community Plan has been adopted for the Cairns region, providing a broad set of guidelines for planning and development during next 20 years.

Imagine Tomorrow: Your Community Plan 2011-2031 was adopted by Council on Wednesday after what Council describes as "the result of extensive public consultation and assessment as to how people view the future of the Cairns region."

Mayor Val Schier said the plan holds true to what residents find important about living in the region.

“This document reflects the wants and needs of the community as it grows, while protecting the environmental and lifestyle characteristics that make our region liveable.”

The project is a requirement of the Local Government Act, with all Councils to have developed and adopted a long-term community plan by December 1.

More than 2500 pieces of public feedback was received during a series of consultation processes. These submissions were made through workshops, an online survey, specially-designed postcards and "other correspondence".

“Many of the comments related to the maintenance of a sustainable tropical lifestyle, while the need for improved public transport and other infrastructure was also identified,” Cr Schier said.

“Creating the right balance is important to many people in the region and this Community Plan will help to achieve that goal.”

A public launch of Imagine Tomorrow: Your Community Plan 2011-2031 will be held next Wednesday, October 26, at 9am.

The document will be made available for download at Cairns Regional Council’s website.

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