Councillors knock back Cedar Road resort development application on Cairns’ northern beaches

Cairns councillors have voted against an application to build a tourism resort in Palm Cove, citing more than two dozen concerns around the proposed development and its impact on its immediate surroundings.

A Palm Cove development application has been shut down by Cairns councillors at an ordinary meeting this week. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns councillors have voted against an application to build a tourism resort in Palm Cove, citing more than two dozen concerns around the proposed development and its impact on its immediate surroundings.

But a southern suburbs councillor has challenged his contemporaries to “take a bit of risk” and back the project that could create new jobs and re-energise the seaside village.

Cairns Regional Council Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger has backed council officers’ assessment of the proposed Cedar Rd development. Picture: Brendan Radke

Originally lodged in 2017, the 3.5ha Cedar Rd development sought approval for an eight-storey resort, residential complex, restaurants, cafes and function rooms across four precincts on the site.

The proposed height of the resort was later lowered to six storeys.

But Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger said there were still multiple outstanding requests for information from the developer.

“Those living in Palm Cove trust us to ensure that developments are not only beneficial to the economy but must add value to our community, while keeping in the character,” Ms Zeiger said.

“I believe we are all supportive of development but it must be remarkable and of quality.”

Palm Cove residents were vocal in their objections to the Cedar Rd development application, Ms Zeiger said. Picture: Brendan Radke

Widespread community backlash, in addition to multiple planning issues made it impossible to back the project, Ms Zeiger said.

“There have been around 3000 submissions against this development application,” she said.

“Not all of those have been from Palm Cove but I think we can safely say that the community sentiment is against allowing extra height (for structures) in Palm Cove and other beaches.

“Objections were raised in regards to inconsistencies with the Cairns Plan 2016, excess height of six storeys, not meeting the character, identity and amenity of Palm Cove, environmental issues, flooding, stormwater, issues, parking, no public space and a few others.”

Division Two councillor Matthew Tickner speaks at a Cairns Regional Council ordinary meeting. Picture: Brendan Radke

In response, Division 2 councillor Matthew Tickner said the project could have the same effect as Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud’s three Crystalbrook hotels built in Cairns’ CBD.

“Sometimes opportunity comes with some risk,” Mr Tickner said.

“I see the risks and I am comfortable with them.

“Although Cairns is a prime tourist destination, our leisure industry assets and offerings are, in many cases, aged and not keeping pace with other destinations.

“Palm Cove is often called the jewel in our crown, yet it’s ageing infrastructure tells a different story.”

Cairns Regional Council’s Division Eight councillor, Rhonda Coghlan. Picture: Brendan Radke

The opportunity to boost the region’s economy couldn’t come at the cost of cutting corners on development applications, Division 8 councillor Rhonda Coghlan said.

“Where do we draw the line with compliance?” Ms Coghlan said.

The project’s proponents declined to comment when contacted.

Originally published as Councillors knock back Cedar Road resort development application on Cairns’ northern beaches