Cairns’ mayoral debates start with town hall-style meeting in city’s key growth corridor

Spirited and lively discussions about Cairns’ future have kick-started a series of debates featuring the city’s mayoral aspirants. See the key events ahead up the election.

The Cairns Regional Council office on Spence Street, where the majority of the council offices are situated. The building also houses administration, a customer service centre, a function room and covered courtyard, and the council chambers. Picture: Brendan Radke

Spirited and lively discussions about Cairns’ future have kick-started a series of debates featuring the city’s mayoral aspirants in Edmonton at the weekend.

The Crime and Justice Action Group hosted the event at Fuller Sports Group on Saturday, with five of the seven hopefuls in attendance jousting over topics including crime, governance, transport and community infrastructure.

Community First candidate Denis Walls was one of Cairns’ five mayoral candidates present at the Crime and Justice Action Group debate. Image: Brendan Radke

Around 70 voters gathered to hear from prospective leaders with a focus on giving community members a forum to pose curly questions, moderator and CJAG president Aaron McLeod said.

“It wasn’t just road, rates and rubbish,” Mr McLeod said.

“Our aim was to maximise participation from the public.

“We wanted to accommodate them, so the first hour was spent socialising and mixing with candidates before a two-hour debate and Q-and-A session.

“There was a real demand from the community to have their voices heard.”

Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Amy Eden is also running for mayor. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Candidates Terry James, Amy Eden, Paul Taylor, Denis Walls and Binda Warren all listened intently to the audience’s questions throughout the afternoon, Mr McLeod said.

“They respected the platform and really appreciated the opportunity to engage with their constituents,” Mr McLeod said.

“It was great in terms of audience participation.”

Cairns Regional Council mayor Terry James was voted in by five votes to four at an ordinary council meeting, following former top boss Bob Manning’s retirement late last year. Image: Brendan Radke

Ratepayers will have more opportunities to hear from the candidates at the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre’s mayoral forum at the Cairns Institute on Thursday evening.

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce will then host a debate luncheon next week before voters head to the polls on Saturday, March 16.

Former Deputy Police Commissioner for Regional Queensland Paul Taylor announced he would run for Mayor in late 2023. Picture: Brendan Radke

Following the mayoral debate councillor candidates from Divisions 1, 2 and 4 introduced themselves to the audience and were part of a second Q and A session.

“It was quite exhausting but our volunteers came together really well and stepped up for the community,” Mr McLeod said.

Singer Binda Warren was a surprise late entrant into the Cairns mayoral race. Image: Stewart McLean

CAIRNS MAYORAL CANDIDATES

John Kelly (Independent), Amy Eden (Team Eden), Leah Potter (Independent), Terry James (Unity), Denis Walls (Community First), Binda Warren (Independent), Paul Taylor (Independent)

KEY EVENTS

2024 Mayoral Candidates Forum – Thursday, February 29 from 6-7.30PM at the Cairns Institute, Smithfield

Mayoral Election Debate Luncheon – Tuesday, March 5 from 11.30-2PM at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

SOUTHSIDE COUNCIL CANDIDATES AT THE CJAG DEBATE

Division One – Brett Moller

Division Two – Kesa Strieby, John Schilling, Matthew Tickner, Nikki Giumelli

Division Four – Cate Mahoney

Originally published as Cairns’ mayoral debates start with town hall-style meeting in city’s key growth corridor