General News
10 February, 2026
TRC pushes for more in plan
RECOGNISING Atherton as the primary inland growth area, stronger commitment to upgrading the Palmerston Highway, and recognising the Tablelands as an agricultural hub of national significance are three of six changes Tablelands Regional Council wants included in the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan.
The council is also sending a formal invitation to Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie to launch the final Far North Queensland Regional Plan from the Tablelands.
The draft plan, which sets the strategic planning framework to guide growth, land use and infrastructure investment across Far North Queensland over the next 20 years, was sent to all local governments for comment, and TRC has used the opportunity to ask for changes it believes are important.
In its submission, TRC raised six key focus areas it wants in the plan:
Update regional growth assumptions to reflect genuine drivers of growth on the Tablelands, including transient and itinerant workers, seasonal labour demand, tourism pressures and short-stay accommodation needs.
Explicitly recognise Atherton as the primary growth area supporting greater Cairns, and the second most significant growth location in Far North Queensland.
Strengthen the commitment to upgrading the Palmerston Highway as region-shaping infrastructure critical to freight movement, workforce mobility, agricultural supply chains and regional resilience.
Elevate long-term water security for the Tablelands as a key regional priority, recognising its fundamental role in enabling housing supply, agricultural production, industrial activity and community resilience.
Recognise the Tablelands as an agricultural hub of Australian significance, contributing directly to national food security, export capacity and economic resilience, and
Acknowledge the regional significance of Atherton Hospital and associated health, allied health and education services in decentralising care, supporting workforce training and improving resilience for Far North Queensland.
Council says its submission supports the strategic intent of the documents while seeking refinements to ensure they accurately reflect the Tablelands’ regional role, growth trajectory and infrastructure needs.
