General News
21 February, 2026
Lighting up parks
NIGHT-TIME ambience in the centres of Innisfail and Tully will have a new dimension added, with a project to light up large trees in parks in both towns.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has decided it wants to get the tree illumination program going as soon as possible, after realising that it can use state government funding.
Money for lighting up trees at centrally-located parks in Innisfail and Tully will not come from council’s budget, but rather from funds that had previously been allocated to redevelop Port Hinchinbrook.
Now that the state government has taken on the revitalisation of Port Hinchinbrook, that move has freed up more money for council to use from the $4.91 million it was granted under the 2024 to 2027 ‘Works for Queensland’ program.
A report to council’s January meeting said the works “will generate local employment during procurement and installation, supporting council’s strategic objectives for sustainable infrastructure, community well-being and a thriving local economy that supports local businesses as part of the tender process”.
Anzac Park, Innisfail, will have uplighting installed to one large tree while Fitzgerald Esplanade along the Johnstone riverfront, will see three trees lit up at night in the near future.
Council is also looking at further options for festoon lighting – large, often globe-shaped, bulbs spaced evenly along a thick cable, designed to be hung in decorative, drooping, or straight lines – in Innisfail’s Edith St.
In Tully, there’ll be fairy lighting on one large tree and uplighting to three other trees in Banyan Park, next to the Golden Gumboot.
“The project will install feature and amenity lighting to create inviting night-time spaces, improve public safety and encourage evening activity,” council’s agenda report said.
Councillors unanimously supported the tree illumination project at the meeting.
“So, I’m really happy that we’re getting something down,” Cr Ellen Jessop said in favour of the project.
“And we’ve been saying we are, because a lot of times I’ve heard that people are telling me that, are they going to lop all the trees down in the park?” she said.
“And no, they’re not, like going to light them up, you know? So, getting this right was a big step. So, thank you to everyone involved.”
According to the agenda report, council undertook investigations into a range of lighting options and locations, seeking advice from professional consultants and neighbouring councils which have delivered similar CBD lighting projects.
“The ‘Illuminate CBD’ project incorporates two complementary lighting treatments, fairy lighting and uplighting, selected to balance visual impact, asset longevity, vegetation health, local fauna considerations and overall project affordability,” its report said.
“The Illuminate CBD Project represents a significant investment in the liveability and economic vitality of the Cassowary Coast, delivering lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
“Beyond its immediate visual and safety improvements, the project supports council’s broader objectives for community activation, tourism appeal, and sustainable infrastructure management.”
Read More: Cassowary Coast