COMMUNITY CABINET All parties back work on centre

A CRITICAL expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre is all but guaranteed after the State Opposition followed the Government and pledged its full support for the $176 million project.

The expansion, dubbed the “top priority” for the Far North, is one step closer to fruition after the Liberal National Party revealed yesterday it would match funding announced in Treasurer Curtis Pitt’s State Budget.

Cairns Convention Centre general manager Ross Steele welcomed bipartisan support and said it was great that the expansion was seen as a key piece of infrastructure.

“The expansion will benefit the region through bringing more conventions, driving economic impact, knowledge transfer and innovation,” he said. to be held,” she said. The State Government will spend $1 million in the 2017-18 Budget to develop a business case, but further pledged to set aside the $176 million to complete the project – subject to outcomes of the business case.

The plan involves upgrading the structure and adding 3000sq m of exhibition space and meeting rooms.

It is expected to add $30 million to the Far North economy every year, with more than 300 workers needed during construction. The upgraded centre is forecast to generate an extra 25 large conventions a year and draw 25,000 more visitors.

Ms Frecklington accused Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk of “swanning” into Cairns ahead of an election.