General News
26 September, 2024
Grand entry
A GATEWAY to Palm Cove has become a state election issue in the electorate of Barron River.
Deputy mayor Brett Olds has cranked up his push for an ‘entrance statement’ next to the old zoo site at Palm Cove Boulevard.
“Many northern beaches locals have been speaking for years about the need for a better solution to traffic issues along the state-owned Captain Cook Highway,” he said.
“This section, which is directly next to the old zoo site in Palm Cove, is slated to have another set of stop lights installed in the not too distant future.
“We all know the headaches the two sets that already exist at Clifton Beach (which is merely a stone’s throw to the south of this site) cause and by extending suburbia even further north to here would be a terrible outcome.
“We are asking the state government to deliver an entry statement for Palm Cove at the intersection of Palm Cove Boulevard and the Great Barrier Reef Drive.
“Despite attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors each year, there is little to mark the way from the Captain Cook Highway to Palm Cove, or announce the start of the Great Barrier Reef Drive – an iconic tourism drive connecting Cairns to Cape Tribulation.
“As well as providing much-needed place making, the entry statement will provide a lasting and positive first impression of the region, support broader destination marketing, improve traffic and pedestrian safety, and serve as a focal point for the community, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents.
“We have an opportunity to remedy this though. There is a state election only a few weeks away and the council has endorsed a set of priorities that we are advocating for, and this entrance statement concept is one of nine priorities we believe is needed.”
Cr Olds said all Barron River and Cairns candidates and MPs had been briefed on the proposal and he urged residents to email, call or speak to them about the opportunity. “It would really help to build some positive pressure, in order to get the best outcome possible for our ‘jewel in the crown’,” he said.
Advance Palm Cove (APC) president Robert van den Hoven said the concept, including a tourist hub and carparking, was revealed earlier this year on behalf of APC with help from Mark Olsen of Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
He said he had met Tourism Minister Michael Healy on the issue and been in contact with Barron River MP Craig Crawford.
“To date still no result,” Mr van den Hoven said.
He said APC was meeting the LNP soon to present their proposal.
“I am in constant contact with the owner of the zoo site as we are also worried if this parcel of land gets sold to a commercial operator,” Mr van den Hoven said.
“Not only traffic lights will be part of the proposed development, a fuel station is already approved but it could also include fast food outlets,” he said.
