Palm Cove jetty fully or partly closed for 10 weeks
Locals are dismayed that a key tourist and fishing spot will be closed from tomorrow. Questions have been asked about why authorities chose the peak tourism season to do maintenance works.
Cairns
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NORTHERN Beaches residents are dismayed to learn Palm Cove jetty will be partly or fully closed from May 19 for maintenance, saying it clashes with the Far North’s peak tourism season.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads says the work will take about 10 weeks – weather permitting.
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Resident Christopher Johnson said it was a slap in the face for local businesses.
“I think 10 weeks is an inordinate amount of time, especially after COVID when businesses need people here, it shows a complete disregard – and why 10 weeks?,” he said.
He said he was among countless locals who used the jetty frequently.
“I walk it, and run it and take time just to ponder.
“There’s a little social aspect to it with people knowing each other and fishing.”
Others pointed out the maintenance work clashed with the Cairns Ironman event on June 6 and the start of school holidays in late June.
One resident said a whole new jetty could be built in 10 weeks and the work was obviously proceeding at ‘snail pace’ at a time when southerners who might normally head to destinations like Bali were visiting Cairns.
A Cairns Regional Council spokesman said it was a matter for TMR, which owns the jetty.
Further information has been sought from TMR.
A spokeswoman for MP for Barron, Craig Crawford, said crews would be onsite from 7am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.
“The works are expected to take six weeks to complete, weather permitting,” she said.
“The jetty will remain open during the works but intermittent closures will be required at some times. Signage will be posted advising of closures.”
Originally published as Palm Cove jetty fully or partly closed for 10 weeks
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