Cash deal helps yacht club
PUBLIC pressure has forced the State Government to put up $150,000 to help save the Cairns Yacht Club building from destruction.
But last night’s offer of cash to assist with the relocation of the 90-year-old clubhouse has failed to impress campaigners who want the building kept on its existing site or moved nearby.
The state’s offer requires the clubhouse to be relocated away from Trinity Wharf and its heritage precinct.
Cairns Ports has set an October 17 deadline for the yacht club site to be cleared to allow development.
People Against the Demolition of the Yacht Club spokeswoman Wendy Richardson said at least $500,000 was needed and any requirement to move the building away from the precinct was unacceptable.
"We reject the offer to move the building substantially off site," she said.
"But we are willing to continue negotiations .
"We would hope to continue the dialogue in the best interests of Cairns."
The offer of $150,000 comes after Far Northern MPs Desley Boyle and Steve Wettenhall lobbied Premier Anna Bligh for assistance.
The Government has also offered engineering and administrative support for any move.
One option that has been suggested is a shift to Ellis Beach.
Ms Boyle said the money was available to any community group willing to raise the required extra funds needed to move, restore and manage the building.
"It is now important that the community members who want the yacht club relocated identify an appropriate location in accord with the Cairns Regional Council," Ms Boyle said. Mr Wettenhall added: "It is a genuine offer to try and find a solution to save the building."
Cairns Mayor Val Schier said she would work with groups interested in making the financial contribution to move to building.
"We would certainly be willing to explore potential sites," Cr Schier said.
PADYC will continue its fight today at noon with a rally beginning at Anzac Park near the Reef Casino and concluding at Cairns Ports headquarters on Hartley St.
Yacht Club Commodore David Kelly could not be contacted last night.
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