CAIRNS Mayor Val Schier has told developers that building approvals have increased since she took office and she is not against them or their industry.
Her comments came at a "Meet the Mayors" breakfast yesterday, hosted by the Cairns branch of the Urban Development Institute of Australia at the Sofitel Reef Hotel Casino.
She was joined by other Far Northern mayors Bill Shannon from Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Tom Gilmore from Tablelands Regional Council and Peter Scott from Cook Shire Council.
"I have never been anti-development,’’ Cr Schier said.
"I have always talked about appropriate development, environmentally responsible development, sustainable development."
She said the new regional council had increased the number of building application approvals.
"We want to grow in a way that doesn't destroy the natural aspects of this place," Cr Schier said.
