 The Divisional board had its precursors in the forms of the Road Board, which was established to advise on the allocation of government funds for roads in the region, and the Cairns Progress Association.The first meetings were held in Port Douglas, but were not suitable for Cairns residents to attend.The divisional boundaries were redrawn a number of times, and a new Cairns Divisional Board met in Cairns in mid 1880.