General News
24 June, 2026
Climb aboard new bus
JULY has been confirmed as the starting month for a new community transport service between Babinda, Innisfail and Cairns.
While more details are yet to be released, Babinda Taskforce announced via its Facebook page that a community passenger service will be starting “next month” (July) and “will provide the residents of Babinda and surrounds with vital access to Innisfail (one day per week) and Cairns (one day per week).”
A bus service of some type giving the Babinda community access to Innisfail has been planned for some months, but the latest announcement appears to be unrelated to a proposed service reported recently by The Observer (29 April edition).
That service was part of a state government contract awarded to Cairns-based operator Which-Way Cultural & Community Care, which had planned a one day per week service to Innisfail and possibly also to Cairns – depending on demand.
But it is yet to be revealed who will operate the service announced by Babinda Taskforce.
“If you are interested in using this service, we want you to come along to our community planning session on Wednesday 24 June at 2pm at CWA Babinda. We want to know what the community needs are so that our service schedule works for you,” the taskforce said.
“The vehicle will be a 10-seater Toyota Commuter with wheelchair access and the service will be free.
“Please note: Babinda Taskforce hopes to increase service provision as the initiative progresses but initially, it will be two days per week, one day to Innisfail and one day to Cairns.”
The contract for the new service is believed to come under the state government’s Community Transport Program – which supports people who have trouble accessing transport options but is fairly restrictive in its guidelines.
The government website states: “You may be eligible for the program if you are under 65 years of age, have no or limited access to other transport options, including public or private transport or transport funded through other funded/subsidised schemes.”
Other eligible potential passengers are unpaid carers who are not receiving transport services for the same or similar purpose under another government program, for example the NDIS or School Transport Assistance Scheme.
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