Cairns Regional Council has granted a six-month extension to developers yet to comply with conditions to access an infrastructure charges discount.

Last year, 32 applications for discounted headworks charges were successful under a program to stimulate the local construction industry that made available up to $4 million in discounts.

Of those, eight projects have been completed and a further 10 are under construction, with the June 30 deadline looming.

“Some of the developers have contacted Council seeking an extension of time to get their projects finished,” Acting Mayor Terry James said.

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“By offering this extension, developers of some of the outstanding projects, including several that have yet to start, will be able to access the discounts that have been offered to them.

“We hope this extension, combined with the onset of good weather conditions will provide extra incentive to these developers to move ahead with their projects, in turn creating both direct and indirect employment.”

At the close of applications in May 2011, Cairns Regional Council had received 95 applications, seeking a combined $24.5 million in headworks discounts.

A report is expected to be presented to Council in July outlining potential future development incentive programs.