BIG business operators are threatening to take their business elsewhere if they find it to too hard to deal with Cairns Regional Council, says councillor-elect Alan Blake.

Mr Blake said he had been fielding calls since the March 15 election from members of the business community concerned about the city’s future after mayor-elect Val Schier and the Cairns 1st team made anti-development comments.

The re-elected councillor moved to quash people’s fears, saying an independent majority would ensure the city would be well looked after.

"I am not exaggerating when I say that our phones have been ringing hot from concerned members of our business community who fear for the economy of our region," Mr Blake said.

"I speak with considerable experience, because I am a businessman, and I know how negativity about our town’s
vibrant economy can spread like a virus if not checked early.

"Some well-known operators who employ large workforces in this region and support hundreds of families, are now saying if they find it too difficult to do business with Cairns Regional Council, they will take their business elsewhere.

"These irresponsible outbursts must cease, and some balance and sensibility must be restored to this debate," he said.

Ms Schier refused to comment to The Cairns Post about the issue.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce president Jeremy Blockey said the city would be "business as usual" and people need not be too concerned by the change in council.

"There won’t be any great changes because we have a town plan that pre-determines what will happen," he said.

Mr Blockey said Ms Schier should be given a fair chance to settle in to her new position.

"The last thing we need is negativity when we really don’t know how she is going to perform," he said.

"We need to give her time to get her feet under the table and see how she operates."

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