Stakeholders have the chance to find out how stage two of the Cape York Region Package, which includes the new Archer River bridge, is progressing, as well as help shape the stage three priorities when an open forum is held on 7 November. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Cape York road users will have a chance to help identify what parts of the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) should be prioritised for upgrading when an open forum is held in Cairns on 7 November.
The Cape York Region Package (CYRP) taskforce, in collaboration with Regional Development Australia Tropical North and the Department of Transport and Main Roads will host the event at the Cairns RSL from 10am-12pm that will provide an update on stage two works and open discussion on what parts of the PDR should be next when stage three of the project commences.
Stakeholders who cannot attend in person have the option to log in remotely to participate in the forum.
Taskforce co-chair Profess Hurriyet Babacan urged Cape York residents, business owners and road transport operators to have their say through the forum process.
“The continued investment in the CYRP has emerged because of strong and ongoing community input into the taskforce process,” she said.
“The taskforce provides the opportunity for people in the Cape to shape the direction and delivery of the package; moving beyond stage two, it will be crucial for community members, including private and commercial users of the Peninsula Developmental Road and community access roads, to actively engage in shaping the priorities for stage three of the CYRP.
“As highlighted in our May taskforce meeting, the taskforce relies on community input to advocate effectively for package-related projects that meet local needs; engaging with council representatives through the Torres and Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA) in particular has also been a key way to ensure that community priorities are heard and can be included in future advocacy efforts.”
The State Government has committed $60 million to stage three of the CYRP project but the funding is contingent on the Federal Government agreeing to contribute $240m to continue an 80:20 funding arrangement, something taskforce co-chair Professor Allan Dale said he believed needed to remain in place.
“The current 80:20 funding arrangement between the Australian and Queensland governments has been very successful in delivering crucial infrastructure upgrades under the CYRP stage one and two,” he said.
“[We] would be keen to see this publicly-funded model continue.”
The timing of the 7 November forum will coincide with the next TCICA meeting in Cairns, meaning Cape York mayors and executive staff will be able to attend and provide feedback on behalf of their respective communities.
Professor Dale said he believed successfully identifying infrastructure priorities for stage three of the CYRP would provide continued social and economic benefit to the northernmost part of the state.
“There has been great social and economic benefit from stages one and two,” he said.
“As such, stage three of the Cape York Region Package is not just about infrastructure – it will also provide a critical component of addressing broader goals, including those outlined in the Closing the Gap framework.
“By improving access to essential services, enhancing food security and enabling better connectivity through vital road upgrades, stage three will directly support efforts to close gaps in health, education, and economic outcomes for communities in the region.
“Public involvement is key to ensuring that these objectives remain central to our planning and advocacy, and engaging with the community allows the taskforce to shape projects that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits, contributing to the overall wellbeing and equity for Cape York residents.”
To register, call RDA Tropical North on 4041 1729 or email [email protected].
The last Cape York Region Package taskforce open forum in May was well attended and provided stakeholders with an opportunity to speak directly to members and representatives from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
