Businesses have thrown their support behind the push to rid the Cairns CBD of crime and grime.

The Cairns Post yesterday revealed the Chamber of Commerce was launching a taskforce to improve the CBD, particularly in safety, parking, lighting, footpaths, landscaping and buildings.

Business leaders immediately backed the plan, saying a collaborative approach was needed to give the city a fresh, new look.

Richard Porter, executive marketing manager at Reef Sofitel Hotel Casino, which is being repainted, said he fully supported the chamber’s efforts.

"I think it is a great thing that everybody works together to present a clean and modern look in a major regional city," he said.

"I think it instils pride in the city itself and brings the community together.

"But it is not just for the tourists, it is for all the residents. We hope others follow our example."

Paul Marshall of Christie Corporate, the owners of the historic Boland Centre, also backed the taskforce.

"I think encouraging everyone to clean and paint, doing the simple things, really lifts the look of the city for locals and tourists alike," he said.

"We are restoring the Boland Centre internally back to its former glory. That is our small contribution."

Across the road, the landmark Adelaide Steamship Company building that houses Quaid Real Estate has just had a complete revamp.

"It was a tough job to renovate. It’s a heritage building so we needed approvals, but we are very proud of our building and it was well worth it," Stacey Quaid said.

Mr Quaid said he hoped the chamber was just as successful in its efforts.

"We support anything that will improve the region and particularly the CBD," he said.

yesterday revealed the Chamber of Commerce was launching a taskforce to improve the CBD, particularly in safety, parking, lighting, footpaths, landscaping and buildings.

 

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