Projects a start for Far North
A MILLION-DOLLAR boat training simulator, a business push into Papua New Guinea and a boost to tropical science research are the "first steps" toward guarding Cairns from future tourism slumps.
Premier Anna Bligh yesterday unveiled a package of projects, largely aimed at diversifying the region's economy to escape the volatility of the tourism market, in what she said was the "first response" to Cairns' call for help.
She also hinted at Government support for the $230 million waterfront arts centre planned for Trinity Inlet, but told Mayor Val Schier she first wanted to see the project's feasibility study, which is nearing completion.
The Cairns Economic Future Plan announced yesterday includes $2.5 million for training equipment at Portsmith's to-be-built Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.
About $1 million of that will be spent on a watercraft simulator for training on small boats, barges, catamarans and tourists charters. Such training is now done in Fremantle, Western Australia.
The Government has also promised to employ a Cairns-based representative for trade with Papua New Guinea to chase business opportunities for the city.
And it will spend $100,000 to move a tropical science conference from Townsville to Cairns next year as part of a promise to make the city a "hub of tropical science expertise".
"We know that the future of Cairns will always have tourism at its heart," Ms Bligh said.
"But we also know that, if we are to protect Cairns from the ups and downs of the international market, we have to diversify the economy."
Business leaders, who have lobbied the State and Federal governments for support for the New Deal economic recovery plan, hailed yesterday’s announcements as a major win, despite many called-for projects being left off the list.
Advance Cairns chairman Russell Beer said yesterday’s announcements were important, but what really counted were Ms Bligh's comments that this was just the "first step".
Cairns Chamber of Commerce president Jeremy Blockey echoed that sentiment, calling the announcements "tremendous" but a "very obvious first step".
Senator Mark Arbib, who is co-ordinating the Federal response to the New Deal call, said in a statement yesterday he hoped to soon reveal more details on what that would include.
He is due back in the region on December 9.
The state package also involves bringing forward money for programs such as a $57 million environmental health infrastructure scheme for remote indigenous communities.
Ms Bligh praised the business sector for its co-ordinated call for help.
Share this article
Responding: Premier Anna Bligh was in Cairns yesterday to announce new funding measures. Picture: JAKE NOWAKOWSKI
Man goes on wild drive in Cairns CBD
THESE are the stunning scenes which brought Abbott St to a standstill yesterday morning.
Sobieralski killed after drug deal failed, court told
BREAKING NEWS: Cairns man Lance Sobieralski was killed over a drug and theft deal gone wrong, a Cairns court has been told.
Boy, 13, caught driving with mum
A 13-year-old boy has been caught behind the wheel of a car at Babinda as his mum took him on a driving lesson through the town and on the Bruce Highway.
Kevin Rudd bound for Cairns jobs expo
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd will attend this week's Jobs Expo in Cairns.
Cairns Post celebrates school formals
To celebrate the end of a 12-year school journey, The Cairns Post is proud to publish Class of 2009 tomorrow, a special 24-page keepsake for graduating school students from Innisfail north to Thursday Island and everywhere in between.
