General News
24 July, 2025
Palm Cove upgrades will be ‘costly’
A CAIRNS Regional Council report has warned that a proposal for a safe harbour and lagoon at the northern end of Palm Cove would cost ratepayers “significantly” with several aspects out of its jurisdiction.
Architect Gary Hunt worked with Advance Palm Cove on a preliminary concept at the northern end including a small harbour, a village green, swimming lagoon, playground, landscaped gardens and carparking. But it would also require the relocation of the caravan park.
The council report – noted by councillors at the last council meeting – said the state government had commissioned various feasibility studies to improve the current jetty.
“These studies have provided a range of options such as small wave breaks, however coastal processes, longshore sediment transportation, erosion and fish habitat considerations present significant risks,” it said.
“Any future solution would need to mitigate these risks whilst still achieving value for money.
“Parking is already a major constraint at the site and the development of a major marine tourism hub will most certainly amplify this issue.”
It said a significant new car park would be required.
The report said a masterplan for the northern area of the esplanade did not recommend relocating the caravan park.
It said the council could not justify two major lagoons within its boundaries, there were plenty of aquatic leisure activities on the Northern Beaches, several lagoons and pools within resorts and hotels on the esplanade and a major water park was proposed at Kewarra Beach.
Deputy mayor Brett Olds, who is the divisional councillor for the area, said no immediate decisions would be made.
“People can relax. Nothing will happened out there without extensive public consultation ever because it is so important and vital,” he said.
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