Parking remains major roadblock in support for Palm Cove plan

A council masterplan for Palm Cove has been met with mixed reviews, but there’s one glaring omission from the vision that has sparked an uproar. Read what locals want.

BUSINESS owners argue not enough is being done to fix Palm Cove’s growing parking problem, as the community reacts to proposed upgrades of the scenic beachside destination.

Local woman Loreen Bradley, who has run Palm Cove Retreat Day Spa for nine years, said scarce parking options were creating hazards on the roads.

“It can be quite dangerous, people are often parked up on corners or verges. A lot of it is not well signposted at all,” Ms Bradley said.

“It can get so busy, sometimes my customers have to walk 10, 15 minutes just to get to us.”

Cairns Regional Council released its new Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan on Wednesday, detailing proposals to reconfigure public space and upgrade facilities.

Business owners argue not enough is being done to fix Palm Cove’s growing parking problem. Picture: Brendan Radke

The plan, developed after community consultation, hopes to improve access and layout of existing car parks, but makes no move towards adding extra lots.

Parking was also a top concern for owner of Espresso and Co Cafe Palm Cove, David Calcagno.

“Parking is always definitely an issue here,” he said.

“All businesses are limited by how many people can come in and park. There isn’t a lot of parking close by.”

David Calcagno, owner Espresso & Co said parking was his top concern. Picture: Brian Cassey

Mr Calcagno would also like to see more space for outdoor dining and trading along the esplanade where his cafe is located.

The plan proposes to widen and extend footpaths, but with a focus on pedestrian access rather than business expansion.

Ms Bradley said more footpaths were sorely needed, and largely welcomed the council’s plan.

“On big event days or market days on the weekend there are often people having to walk on the road, walking up with prams, and it’s quite dangerous.

“We really need more footpaths and not just along the esplanade.”

“I think it’s really lovely what they’ve done in Cairns, something like the Esplanade walk extended up here would be really lovely,” Ms Bradley said.

Several Facebook users were not happy with the idea of changing the relaxed beachside town.

“Leave it as is,” Ian Locke commented on a post.

Lyn Nelson wrote “as long as we don’t lose any of our beautiful palms”. Picture: Ross Palm

“Gotta ruin everything, just bloody leave it as is,” another commenter, Scott Jones said.

“As long as we don’t lose any of our beautiful palms,” wrote Lyn Nelson. “This is why tourists come here to Palm Cove … don’t mess with perfection.”

“Hope plans don’t interfere with jetty accessibility or use for anglers,” wrote Charles Sowden.

The last major redevelopment plan for the area’s public space was prepared in 1999. Since that time the number of Palm Cove residents has doubled, alongside a boom in tourists passing through.

In the Cairns Post poll asking readers what they would like to see at Palm Cove, 55 per cent of respondents voted for more parking options.

Next was more toilets, with 14 per cent of votes, followed by safer pedestrian beach access at 11 per cent.

Originally published as Parking remains major roadblock in support for Palm Cove plan