RDA Tropical North is thrilled to announce that projects across Far North Queensland have received funding through the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP). This major initiative—delivering $400 million between 2023–24 and 2025–26—is designed to unlock place-based infrastructure development across regional, rural, and remote Australia.
The current round will see $67 million invested in 15 projects across regional, rural and remote Australia. The rPPP supports locally‑defined “precincts”—from business and cultural hubs to activity centres—crafted by communities to reflect unique regional needs. Through two distinct funding streams — Stream One, supports precinct development and planning (grant range: $500,000–$5 million), and Stream Two, funds precinct delivery and infrastructure build-out (grant range: $5 million–$50 million) — the rPPP aims to anchor regional investments in robust planning and sustainable infrastructure delivery.
The program emphasizes partnerships—bringing together local governments, First Nations groups, community organisations, businesses, and universities—to ensure precincts are shaped by and for communities. By investing in these precincts, the government seeks to boost regional productivity, equity, and resilience while addressing national priorities like Closing the Gap, affordable housing, decarbonisation, climate adaptation, and economic diversification.
RDA Tropical North extends heartfelt congratulations to the successful proponent in Far North Queensland and stands ready to continue to support them as these transformative precinct visions move toward reality.
Successful Projects in Far North Queensland
- Cairns Regional Council has successfully secured funding under Stream One – Precinct Development & Planning for its Major Events and Sporting Precinct Concept, targeting the development of a comprehensive masterplan for the precinct encompassing Barlow Park, the Cairns Showgrounds, and surrounding community sporting facilities. The proposal is designed to unlock the site’s full potential as a premier regional hub, guiding future investment and long-term planning. This funding will enable Cairns to establish an evidence-based framework for creating a vibrant sporting and events precinct that supports community engagement, regional economic activation, and strategic infrastructure delivery—thanks to up to $850,000 in grant funding from the rPPP.
RDA Tropical North, are proud to have supported these successful projects—from strategic precinct concept development to building partnerships and guiding applications. These successes not only reflect FNQ’s local vision and ambition but also show how thoughtfully designed precincts can deliver enduring community, economic, and regional prosperity.
“I’m thrilled to see Cairns Regional Council’s visionary precinct planning recognised with rPPP support. This funding charts a clear path for turning the Barlow Park–Showgrounds precinct into a vibrant, world-class events and sporting hub—one that will energise community life, grow our regional economy, and guide strategic investment for years to come.” said Professor Hurriyet Babacan, Chair RDA Tropical North.
We look forward to working closely with project teams to bring these precincts to life, and to continuing our role as regional advisors in navigating investments that will strengthen communities across Far North Queensland.
Regional Development Australia Tropical North Inc is an independent organisation driven by community leaders to broker regional development solutions that will create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.
ENDS
Media contact
RDATN CEO, Sonja Johnson | Ph 0493 080 143 | ceo@rdatropicalnorth.org.au
RDATN Chair Prof Hurriyet Babacan | Ph 0413 819 884 | chair@rdatropicalnorth.org.au
Visit www.rdatropicalnorth.org.au for more information about
Regional Development Australia Tropical North.