STALLHOLDERS have baulked at a proposal to move the iconic Rusty's Markets to the waterfront, despite promises of more room and parking.

Fruit and flowers stallholder Tony Iacutone said he did not think the markets would move to Trinity Wharf as mooted by Cr Alan Blake.

His proposal came after a 12-storey twin tower development above the markets was approved for construction by Cairns Regional Council.

"It’s too soon to know what’s going to happen, but some people have been here for most of their life," he said.

"It’s in the middle of town, and yes, it’s no good for parking, but will that place be any better?"

John Ball has had a crystal stall at Rusty’s ever since its Sunday markets began and he said he would rather close down than move to Trinity Wharf.

"They talk about parking problems here, but parking is worse there and you’ll have to pay.

"I just think it’s too out of the way and I would prefer it here. I think it would be bad for business."

The Cairns Post has received many texts and letters both supporting and rejecting the proposal.

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Cr Blake said he had received overwhelming support and good feedback to the proposal.

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle believed the markets should remain at Grafton St but did admit a site with better parking and more room to incorporate features such as busking, performances and local art displays was appealing.

"In the end, what matters to me is that we have a Rusty’s Markets that is a real people’s markets," Ms Boyle, who is also the Tourism Minister, said.

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