General News
3 July, 2026
Bus service starts
THE state government has confirmed there will be two public bus services in opposite directions from Babinda: one to Cairns and the other to Innisfail.
As foreshadowed in The Observer (24 June edition), starting this month, a 10-seater, wheelchair-accessible commuter bus has been secured to run the two services.
It has now been confirmed they will be operated by Babinda Taskforce under a state government contract, offering free passenger services and referred to as ‘micro public transport’.
On separate days of the week yet to be determined, two return trips per day will run between Babinda and Cairns and Babinda and Innisfail.
Disclosing further details about the transport services, the state government said in a release: “Services will operate at minimum two days per week, with two return trips per day, with flexibility for operators to deliver additional services in response to community demand.”
The services will be part of a three-year trial running until June 2029, which the state government says is in response to ongoing requests from community members, elected representatives and local governments for improved transport options.
Babinda Taskforce general manager Tanya Tuttle says the new services are a welcome response to Babinda’s transport challenges.
“The Babinda Taskforce is absolutely thrilled to deliver this initiative for the residents of Babinda and surrounds,” Ms Tuttle said.
“Our location, 60km from the Cairns CBD and 30km from Innisfail, means some residents cannot access services, such as dentists, optometrists and specialist medical appointments, educational opportunities, like TAFE, and some essential retailers, like clothing, footwear, technology, furniture and appliance stores.”
Long term Babinda resident Holly Goriss says the services will positively impact her everyday life.
“I personally will find the Babinda service of immense value as, not having my own transport, it will enable me to attend ongoing medical appointments and treatment in Cairns and Innisfail,” she said.
“In addition, the service will also enable me to shop for items that are not available in Babinda. It will be a life changing service for me and others like me.”
Two other similar services will also operate as part of the same trial, between Mareeba and Dimbulah, as well as Ravenshoe and Atherton. Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa said it was critical to provide a transport solution linking regional Far North Queensland towns to essential services and regional centres.
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