Plan resubmitted
PLANS for Crystalbrook Collection’s $120 million redevelopment of the former Bellview Hotel have been tweaked and resubmitted to Cairns Regional Council. Only minor changes have been included in the five-star “Flynn” hotel’s redesign, with new floor plans changing four threebedroom apartments on the 11th and 12th floors into 12 smaller hotel suites. “There is no change to the building form or setbacks associated with the development, with all changes being internal,” the application states.
Disaster assistance
DISASTER assistance has been extended to Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook producers affected by the flooding in early March. Assistance is being provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor said a large number of primary producers in the areas were affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. For more information go to the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au or the Queensland Government’s Disaster management website at disaster.qld.gov.au.
Submarine arrives
A COLLINS Class submarine has spent Easter in Cairns. HMAS Farncomb, from Fleet Base West in Western Australia, sailed into port last week. The 78m submarine carries 49 sailors and officers and was commissioned in 1998. The electric Collins class submarines use a bank of batteries to silently watch and defend Australian waters in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Revise plans
STRATA owners have been urged to heed lessons from recent cyclones and wet weather. “These events happen, whether they be cyclones or even severe storms, and there is very little time to prepare,” Archers’ Andrew Staehr said. Property owners have been urged to conduct building inspections, check insurance and revise disaster management plans.
Recruits flying high
ARMY choppers had new recruits flying high despite torrential rains. Two MRH90 helicopters from Townsville’s 5th Aviation Regiment flew the soldiers home to Wujal Wujal last week when they finished two weeks of training at Weipa. The soldiers had been cut off from their families by rains from ex-Cyclone Nora.