NORTHERN beaches residents need not fear council will "pave paradise and put up a parking lot" on the Palm Cove Caravan Park site.

The much delayed project, which has been mooted since 2005, has been dusted off by the Cairns Regional Council.

The former council had planned to redevelop and run the park.

However, Cr Sno Bonneau who had Palm Cove in his division before amalgamation, says the council will now call on developers to fund the work.

"Because of extra financial pressures, the decision has been made to call for expressions of interest," he said. "With Cleaner Seas and the purchase of land at Edmonton for a sporting precinct there is no way we would find that kind of money. We are asking for people who are interested in building and operating the park on behalf of council on a lease."

He assured residents that fears that the council was planning to "pave paradise" were unfounded.

"There is no way the property can be anything but a van park," Cr Bonneau said.

Council documents show plans to move the car park access to the rear of the park have been removed, the number of sites will remain the same, the boat ramp will stay put, the jetty untouched and that a commercial site would be integrated into any concept.

Mr Herkess said his association would be "looking very closely" at any plans.

Cr Julia Leu, who now has Palm Cove in her division, said any redevelopment would be good for the community and tourists, as many van parks had been lost to developers.

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