General News
14 February, 2026
Pathway on track
A $6 million dual walk and cycleway on a narrow and dangerous stretch of road between Brinsmead and Freshwater is gathering pace after a funding application was approved by Cairns Regional Council this week.
The council is seeking half of the cost ($3m) from the Department of Transport and Main Roads ‘2026-2027 Active Transport Grants Program’ for the construction of the Brinsmead to Freshwater connection project.
A council report said the council had previously received funding under the ‘Cycling Network Local Government Grants’ program for the design of the connection.
“The project received final approval from TMR’s technical assessors and is considered ‘construction ready’. In order to apply for funding for construction projects, council must have an approved design under the program,” it said.
The report said it involved 1.2 km of off-road shared pathway connecting Loridan Drive Reserve to Ryan Weare Park “via an alternative route to the highly unsafe Brinsmead Road”.
The report said it would improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists by providing a separated, off-road alternative to the narrow existing road shoulders.
Cr Kristy Vallely, whose division 6 includes the pathway, said she had been advocating to both the state and federal governments on the connection for six years, “alongside residents, schools and community groups, who have consistently told us the same thing – this connection is needed and it’s needed for safety, not convenience”.
“This project didn’t just come out of nowhere. It’s been driven by the community, like parents worried about their kids riding or walking to school, like residents who want to safely move between Brinsmead and Freshwater,” she said. Cr Vallely said Brinsmead Rd was widely recognised as unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, forcing people into cars and trips that could be easy to walk or ride.
