Yacht Club protest goes on
A PROTEST to keep the old Cairns Yacht Club building on Trinity Inlet will go ahead on Saturday despite James Cook University signing a deal to move it to its campus.
The clubhouse is set to be moved within a month to be part of a $3.5 million university expansion, at Smithfield, which will include a bookshop, refectory, bar, amphitheatre and retail stores.
It would be on a 900sq m site, with the balcony facing Chinaman Creek and a bridge connecting the development to the library.
Deputy vice-chancellor Prof Scott Bowman said the deal would bring heritage and history to the campus.
He said a State Government offer of $150,000 would be enough money for the move.
The club's dance floor would still be used and he said university dances and community events would go ahead in the old building.
The roof sheeting will change in the development, which is expected to be finished by July next year.
Project manager John Parker said the "core" of the building would be moved, but would not include the "wings" of the building or concrete slab.
Cairns Ports board chairman Clive Skarott said the situation was "win, win, win" for all parties involved.
He said it would bring a little bit of heritage, while still being near water on the banks of the creek.
But People Against the Demolition of the Yacht Club co-ordinator Wendy Richardson said Premier Anna Bligh was still expected to meet Cairns Regional Council to discuss the issue.
She expected hundreds to turn out to a protest at 2pm at Anzac Park on Saturday and said the club should remain at Trinity Inlet.
Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall yesterday said the political games involving the club were now over.
The building had previously been scheduled for demolition in mid-October.
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New address: Clive Skarott, Prof Scott Bowman and Steve Wettenhall look over the yacht club plans for JCU.
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