QUICK SUMMARY
Cairns Regional Council granted a lease for council-owned land at Smithfield to FNQ Legacy to develop Legacy House for veteran families. The organization aims to raise $5 million for integrated support services, including crisis accommodation and counselling. Mayor Amy Eden emphasized the project's importance for the region's veteran community.
FNQ Legacy secured a 30-year lease from Cairns Regional Council for land at Smithfield to develop Legacy House, aimed at providing integrated support services for veteran families. Acting executive officer Melanie Allen stated that the organization needs to raise $5 million to bring the project to fruition, which will include crisis accommodation and counselling services. Mayor Amy Eden, a Navy veteran's spouse, affirmed the project's importance, emphasizing that it symbolizes a promise to support families of those who have served. The council confirmed that the development will not interfere with the leisure precinct masterplan approved in 2017. Community consultation and fundraising will begin shortly as FNQ Legacy seeks public support for the initiative. The Royal Commission's findings highlighted the necessity for enhanced veteran support, making this project timely and essential. With over 11,000 veterans residing in the region, Division 8 Councillor Rhonda Coghlan welcomed the decision as a critical advancement in veteran assistance. The project's success hinges on collaborative efforts from the community and government to secure adequate funding.