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Cairns Regional Council wants your feedback on Palm Cove masterplan

Locals and business owners are invited to share their vision of a beloved seaside village as the council asks for feedback on its latest masterplan. HAVE YOUR SAY

Palm Cove development

LOCALS and business owners are invited to share their vision of a beloved seaside village as council asks for feedback on its latest masterplan.

Cairns Regional Council is calling for feedback on the Palm Cove Esplanade Streetscape and Landscape Masterplan after its 2020 Our Cairns community survey identified the suburb’s top issues were footpaths, speeding traffic and traffic congestion.

Palm Cove resident Demi Morris, 22, and her friend Emily Govier who was visiting from Adelaide said they loved the village's relaxed vibe.

“I feel Palm Cove would be ruined if we have more parking as it’s getting more touristy,” Ms Morris said.

Palm Cove resident Demi Morris (left) enjoys a day out at the beach with her friend Emily Govier, who is visiting from Adelaide. Picture: Brendan Radke
Palm Cove resident Demi Morris (left) enjoys a day out at the beach with her friend Emily Govier, who is visiting from Adelaide. Picture: Brendan Radke

“You don't want too much more (development) or you’ll feel like you will be in the inner city. And I’d like to see a pet-friendly park for people and their animals.”

Ms Govier, 23, agreed.

“The traffic is OK but you wouldn't want to make it any busier,” she said.

“It’s nice and quiet.”

Cairns Regional Council interim general manager planning and environment, Martin Garred confirmed $150,000 was allocated in the 2020-21 budget for the masterplan.

He said council would gather technical data and investigate factors including pedestrian movement and accessibility; condition and consistency of existing public infrastructure, open space and landscaping; traffic circulation, congestion and parking; and local economic, social, cultural and environmental considerations.

Council hopes to have the research completed by the end of June 2022.

A seaside suburb north of Cairns with a popular swimming beach is the focus of the Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan. Picture: Brendan Radke
A seaside suburb north of Cairns with a popular swimming beach is the focus of the Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Garred said council wanted residents, traders and visitors to share insights and expectations and help guide the preparation of the masterplan.

“Consultation is being conducted now, before any technical work commences, to ensure community input about the unique values of Palm Cove are properly captured.”

You can speak with council staff at the Palm Cover markets on Sunday about your thoughts in the Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE
You can speak with council staff at the Palm Cover markets on Sunday about your thoughts in the Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Cr Brett Olds whose division covers Palm Cove urged everyone to voice their opinion.

Cr Olds said he hoped they could find a balance between locals, welcoming tourists and parking issues at the popular village.

“You can visit online anytime or speak with council officers at this Sunday’s Palm Cove Markets,” he said.

“We want to hear what you think we should include as we move forward with these plans.”

What do you think? Have your say in the comments below.

Originally published as Cairns Regional Council wants your feedback on Palm Cove masterplan

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/cairns/cairns-regional-council-wants-your-feedback-on-palm-cove-masterplan/news-story/0a3e0523d8baaf920d6808dacb2421a0