THE Cairns Show Association will consider moving out of the Mulgrave Rd showground to make way for a mooted new hospital.

The Cairns Post yesterday revealed Ms Boyle would lobby her government to build a new hospital on the site within 10 years, as well as go ahead with its planned $450 million redevelopment of the Cairns Base Hospital on the Esplanade.

The showground site is owned by the State Government and the association holds a lease on the land with 13 years to run.

Association president Ian Allen said the issue would be raised at Tuesday’s management meeting.

He said the showground staying put was the preferred option "(but) we would not rule out moving to accommodate a new hospital".

"We would have to weigh the options up, such as where any new grounds would be," he said.

Cairns Jockey Club president Tom Hedley said a move by the show to the racetack was logical.

"I am all for it," he said.

"It would be great for Cairns."

Former Cairns mayor Kevin Byrne said he had put forward the same plan in 2001.

"I have been a great supporter of the concept," he said.

However, he said building a new hospital at Smithfield and attaching the James Cook University medical school to it was also an excellent option.

Chairman of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce Health Services Taskforce Bob Norman said he personally thought the showground site was a good option.

"But before we come to a final decision on the location of the hospital we want to hear all submissions to the task force," he said.

Cairns Mayor Val Schier declined to comment.

 

Share this article