Cairns to Cardwell Light Rail Could Transform Far North Queensland’s Transport—Is This the Future of Travel in Australia?

Published on December 3, 2025

The Cairns Regional Council is putting forward a bold plan to improve transport infrastructure and regional connectivity through a proposed light rail connection between Cairns and Cardwell. Although the 2025-2026 advocacy plan lacks specific technical details, the council has emphasized the importance of securing funding for a $2.5 million feasibility study over the next two years. This study would focus on assessing the viability of a light rail system that could connect Cairns to Cardwell, boosting regional growth, tourism, and access to services.

The Need for Improved Transport Connectivity

In its advocacy plan, the Cairns Regional Council highlights the critical need for better transport connectivity between Cairns and Cardwell. The plan asserts that improved transportation is essential for driving regional growth, enhancing tourism opportunities, and ensuring better access to employment and education services. With a growing population and an increasing demand for sustainable travel options, the proposed light rail system could significantly reduce travel times, making commuting between these towns faster and more efficient.

The council envisions the light rail as a sustainable transport solution that would provide a reliable and accessible mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. Not only would this system ease travel between these two key regional hubs, but it could also provide a long-term solution for reducing traffic congestion and supporting the region’s broader economic development.

Funding Proposal and Feasibility Study

To move forward with the light rail project, the Cairns Regional Council is seeking $2.5 million in funding over two years to conduct a feasibility study. This study will examine various factors, including engineering, environmental, social, and economic aspects, to determine the viability of the light rail connection. The aim is to assess how the project could contribute to regional development by improving connectivity for employment, tourism, and the wider Far North Queensland area.

At this stage, no formal technical plans have been developed for the light rail system. The feasibility study will consider a range of options, including the possibility of utilizing the existing Queensland Rail infrastructure. This would involve assessing the potential for integrating the light rail system with the current Queensland Rail passenger and freight train line, which runs from Cairns to Brisbane, and serves various stations between Cairns and Cardwell.

Potential Benefits for Regional Growth

The Cairns Regional Council has made it clear that improving transport infrastructure is a key priority for the region’s future growth. The introduction of a light rail system could serve as a catalyst for regional development by making travel more accessible and reducing reliance on cars. In particular, the plan emphasizes the potential benefits for tourism, which is a major economic driver for Far North Queensland.

A light rail system could enhance the visitor experience by providing an easy and convenient way for tourists to explore the region. Additionally, the system would support employment opportunities by improving access to key workplaces and encouraging greater mobility for the workforce. Students, seniors, and visitors would also benefit from a more reliable public transport option, particularly in remote or underserved areas.

The proposed light rail connection is also seen as a means of supporting sustainable transport in the region. With growing concerns about climate change and the environmental impacts of increased road traffic, a shift toward public transport options like light rail could play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener travel choices.

Collaborative Planning for Evidence-Based Outcomes

As part of its advocacy, the Cairns Regional Council is calling for collaborative planning with state agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the light rail project is based on solid evidence and clear data. This collaboration will be crucial for addressing any potential challenges and ensuring that the proposed system meets the needs of the local community while also being economically viable.

Mayor Teresa Millwood has emphasized the importance of securing support for this project at both the local and state levels. She points out that the Queensland government has provided 50 cent fares for public transport in Southeast Queensland, and she advocates for similar support for Far North Queensland. Millwood believes that this light rail project could be transformative for the region, providing a modern, accessible, and reliable transport option that would benefit all sectors of the community.

A Vision for the Future of Far North Queensland

The Cairns Regional Council envisions the light rail system as a long-term solution for the growing transportation needs of Far North Queensland. The proposed system would not only address the immediate transport challenges facing the region but also provide a foundation for future growth. The council’s advocacy plan includes exploring additional regional transport routes, such as bus services that connect commuter towns to Cairns, further enhancing the region’s overall connectivity.

The vision for a modern, reliable, and accessible public transport system is aligned with the broader strategic priorities of the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, which has identified regional transport development as a key goal for 2025–2026. The success of this light rail proposal could set a precedent for future transport projects in the region, potentially improving infrastructure in other parts of Far North Queensland.

Public Support and Positive Reactions

Public response to the light rail proposal has been generally positive, with many locals expressing excitement about the potential benefits of improved transport options. On Facebook, many community members have voiced their support for the project, with one user, Tony Constance, reminiscing about the days when a “silver bullet” bus used to travel between Cairns and Innisfail in the morning and afternoon. This nostalgic sentiment underscores the region’s long-standing need for a reliable public transport system, and many residents are eager to see such a system restored and modernized.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Regional Transformation

The proposed light rail connection between Cairns and Cardwell represents a significant step forward in addressing the transportation needs of Far North Queensland. With the Cairns Regional Council seeking funding for a feasibility study, the project is gaining momentum as a transformative initiative that could reshape the region’s transport infrastructure. If successful, this proposal could pave the way for a more connected, sustainable, and accessible Far North Queensland, benefitting both residents and visitors alike.