Cairns divided on the possibility cars might be banned on the esplanade

A proposal to ban cars on the esplanade has sparked debate among Cairns residents. Here’s what you had to say. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

AS Cairns Regional Council considers whether the city’s esplanade should been blocked off to traffic, the proposal has stirred some divisive discussion.

In the most recent council meeting, elected officials discussed how traffic could be restricted on the pedestrian strip.

The tourist zone was officially reopened in June after a $28m overhaul and since then there have been repeated warnings from esplanade traders who have witnessed near-misses involving children.

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As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 240 people have voted in a poll on the Cairns Post website to have their say on the issue.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents so far would like to see cars banned from the stretch of road.

However, 42 per cent are not in favour of the move.

On the Cairns Post’s Facebook page, the majority of respondents were again in favour of blocking traffic.

“I reckon the whole CBD should be walk/cycle only (making sure there is sufficient wheelchair access everywhere of course). Definitely the esplanade should be no cars allowed – I thought that was the original plan?” Mathilde Gordon commented.

“It’s absolutely crazy having cars go through there. It’s an accident waiting to happen. The redevelopment basically disguises the road,” Sandi Brown said.

However, others disagreed with the idea to ban cars.

“Road should be left open as is. It works fine. The council has bent over backwards for the esplanade traders. It’s time they did something for the majority of locals,” Gary Turner commented.

“That’s only going to cause more congested traffic in the city. you know, the tourists that have no idea of the area … Personally, I think it’s a really bad idea,” Tay Schuman said.

What do you think? Add your vote to the poll or have your say in the comments below.

Originally published as Cairns divided on the possibility cars might be banned on the esplanade