Have your say on new vision

CAIRNS Regional Council is inviting ratepayers and residents to help develop a new city centre master plan.

It comes as the city marks 15 years since the $32.5 million-plus Esplanade redevelopment with the iconic lagoon as the centrepiece.

More recently have been the refurbishments of Lake St and Shields St, the creation of Munro Martin Parklands and the construction of the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The city continues to evolve and the council is focusing on three key areas: a renewed Esplanade parklands, an Esplanade dining precinct and a gallery precinct.

The council says it is fulfilling the wishes of those who responded to the 2016 Our Cairns community survey and forums.

Among the ideas for the parklands are new viewing platforms and interpretative displays along the entire length, better connections between spaces and uses, well defined paths for pedestrians, runners and cyclists and a wider promenade.

The biggest debate will be over the Esplanade dining strip, whether the road should be closed to traffic or a shared vehicle-pedestrian area.

There is a need for better pathways, landscaping and lighting and to allow a true al fresco dining precinct that enhances the waterfront and parkland views.

By buying the Courthouse Hotel the council will be able to provide much-needed extra space for the art gallery and also optimise the garden areas beside Abbott St.

The ideas are not set in concrete and will need finetuning. The council is inviting input from all those interested. Nick Dalton Deputy editor