Accommodation for Students
Cairns Housing Crisis
Like many communities across Australia, Cairns desperately requires solutions to address the housing crisis currently being experienced, a problem made even worse in the wake of household displacement caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper. With a rental vacancy rate of 0.7%, Cairns has one of the lowest rental availabilities in the nation. This crisis is amplified across the economy with housing a critical enabler of growth. This shortage of dwellings places additional pressures on the region’s ability to attract and retain staff across the board. Driven by a combination of factors, including population growth, limited housing supply, rising construction costs and labour shortages, Australia’s housing crisis is a multifaceted issue requiring interventions from all levels of government, the private sector and not-for-profit sector.
James Cook University is committed to meeting the needs of domestic and international students in Cairns. These students contribute to the regional economy and their work as professional graduates is an important factor in growing Cairns. Students require safe, affordable and appropriate housing.
The existing self-catered John Grey Halls student accommodation located on the Nguma-bada, Smithfield Campus is at capacity. John Grey Halls student accommodation is a 300-bed facility occupied by 60% domestic and 40% international students. In addition, other student accommodation providers are moving out of this student sector, leaving a critical shortage and further exacerbating the housing crisis in Cairns. These halls provide fit for purpose accommodation for students who would otherwise be forced to enter into the general housing market, directly impacting the limited supply available for residents.
To address the immediate housing needs of the Cairns region, James Cook University (JCU) has developed an initiative to deliver a 250-bed student accommodation facility, alleviating pressure on Cairns’ rental market by releasing rentals currently occupied by students back into the general community, whilst also contributing to a more vibrant and dynamic precinct for Cairns.
This development requires capital funding of $60m. It is proposed that this be funded jointly by federal and state governments, with contributions of $25m each, and a contribution of $10m from JCU. In addition, JCU will provide the land, intellectual capital, the governance structure, and project management team required to successfully deliver this project.
JCU has a proven track record in the delivery of significant capital developments including the recently (2022) completed $55m, 400 bed Burralga Yumba Student accommodation complex on the Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville.
Augmenting existing designs for the recently completed student accommodation without the requirement for DA will allow JCU to fast track this project.
Benefits to the region
• Scarce freehold land available in Cairns and Smithfield and the CBD.
• Address immediate housing needs of Cairns.
• Increase Cairns’ growth, economy and overall liveability.
• Promote continued growth in the education sector and increase economic diversification as well as the compounding economic return from students studying and working in the city.
• Positive reflection on Cairns as a student-friendly city and demonstrate commitment to education.
• Supports JCU’s recruitment and retention of a diverse student body through an improved living and study experience.
• Promote diversity through a broad range of accommodation offerings, catering to different needs and preferences.
Recommendation
The Queensland and Australian Governments make a joint commitment of $50m ($25m each) towards capital funding for a student accommodation facility. James Cook University will support the project with a $10m contribution towards capital funding in addition to supplying the land, intellectual capital, governance, and project management team required to successfully deliver this fast-tracked project.
Last updated: July 2025
Advocacy
