Community
5 April, 2025
Makeover for Muddy’s
A $1 MILLION makeover could be in the making for the iconic Muddy’s Playground including new playground equipment, better water filters and more accessibility if an LNP government is elected in May.
LNP candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal announced the commitment to the revitalisation of Muddy’s which was flagged as a key priority by the Cairns Regional Council.
The money would go to update the filtration systems, work on the flooring and add more play equipment.
Mr Neal said this project was not only one that focused on beautification, but it could also help address cost of living issues.
“Muddy’s Playground is a staple of the Cairns Esplanade, Far North Queenslanders and visitors have loved Muddy’s to death, but some areas are a bit tired,” he said.
“The council put forward some really good cost of living proposals and this proposal was to do some work around the filtration systems, a lot of the flooring and some of the playgrounds here to make sure that families and the next generation of kids can enjoy Muddy’s.
“Far North Queenslanders are talking about the cost of living and when you look around there’s no entry fee to come in here, the council covers all operation costs, it is as cheap as a $5 coffee to come here as a mum or dad, sit here for a couple of hours, get your kids worn out and have an awesome day.
“That’s why we’re pushing this cost-of-living measure, and the new filtration system will also reduce water consumption.”
Deputy mayor Brett Olds welcomed the commitment and said it would give the 20-year-old playground a much-needed revamp.
“This is one of our advocacy priorities and he’s (Jeremy Neal) listened to that,” he said.
“Everyone in Cairns can come down here at any time of the week and use it for free, it’ll mean more safety barriers to support all abilities and fixing up some of the swings.
“Even if it’s only $1 million, it absolutely is a big announcement, these things are important when you talk about the liveability of a city and why people love where they live.”
No designs have been drafted yet, but Cr Olds said if the funding went in the project could be finished in 12 to 18 months.
The overall revitalisation of Muddy’s Playground will be co-funded by Cairns Regional Council which will contribute the remaining $1 million.
