Cairns Esplanade markets cancelled in major decision for tourist town
An institution of the Cairns market scene is dead and buried following a decision to cut ties after years in the wilderness.
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AN INSTITUTION of the Cairns market scene is dead and buried following a decision to cut ties after years in the wilderness.
The Esplanade markets were last held in 2019 before being put on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions and further period of absence due to a $28m dining precinct redevelopment in the area.
The once-popular tourist attraction has now been relegated to the history books with Cairns Regional Council removing it from the calendar.
“Given the large volume of community-managed markets now operating in the region and the increase in commercially-managed markets in the CBD, it is felt that the Esplanade markets are no longer required,” a council report stated.
Put simply, the city has gone market-mad in recent years and the return of an old favourite would create unnecessary competition for what is already becoming a saturated sector.
“Over the past two years the region has experienced a noticeable increase in the delivery of community-managed markets, with up to 27 markets held monthly in Cairns and the surrounding area,” the report continued.
“Markets are now delivered in Gordonvale, Woree, Babinda, Redlynch, Holloways Beach, Palm Cove and at The Pier.
“The Cairns Night markets are also expanding their hours of operation in November to include day and night trade (9am-9.30pm) seven days a week.
“Many locally managed events held on the Cairns Esplanade are now also including market-type activities.”
Councillors voted unanimously to axe the Esplanade markets once and for all – with no public discussion held during the most recent ordinary meeting.
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