Residents across Far North Queensland are being called upon to voice their concerns and help identify the most critical challenges facing the region. A new community poll, launched in November 2025, seeks to capture the public sentiment on a range of pressing issues from the cost of living to environmental protection.
What Matters Most to FNQ Locals?
The initiative, championed by journalist Sian Jeffries, is a direct appeal to the people who call this unique part of Australia home. The goal is straightforward: to determine which problems are having the greatest impact on daily life. The poll is confidential and designed to be completed in just a couple of minutes.
The survey aims to gather opinions from a wide geographic area, including Cairns, the Tablelands, the Cassowary Coast, Cape York, and the Torres Strait. By participating, locals can ensure their community's specific needs are heard.
A Wide Range of Community Concerns
The poll covers a comprehensive list of topics that are central to life in the tropics. Key areas of focus include the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, which strain household budgets across the region. Community safety is another major point, with youth crime rates being a significant concern for many.
The availability of affordable housing and reliable access to health services are also critical issues, especially in more remote parts of the Far North. Furthermore, the region's economic and social vitality is tied to airline connectivity, a lifeline for tourism and business.
Environmental stewardship remains a top priority, with the health of the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding rainforests being of both local and global importance.
Shaping Future Advocacy and Planning
The results of this community consultation are not just for publication. The collected data will be used to inform future planning and advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal governments. The objective is to create a powerful, evidence-based mandate that can help direct attention and resources to where they are needed most.
Organisers are encouraging everyone to not only complete the poll themselves but also to share it with their neighbours, friends, and colleagues. This will help ensure the final results truly reflect the collective priorities of Far North Queensland.
Together, the community can help build a stronger and fairer future for the region, ensuring that the actions taken by leaders genuinely address the issues that matter most to its residents.
