MASTERPLAN Mayor positive after trip to PNG

MAYOR Bob Manning has returned from Papua New Guinea with tight lips concealing just the whisper of a smile.

“Yes, I spent the weekend there and yes, I met with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League board of directors,” he said. “And yes, I did sit through a Northern Pride game where PNG won.”

Cr Manning has been in talks about gauging the potential for a Cairns-based PNG team to enter the NRL competition, thereby validating his push for a rectangular stadium to be built.

He kept the content of the discussions under his hat but said they were positive.

“We’ve got some matters to be discussed between us,” Cr Manning said.

“Until the PNG Rugby Football League has got a comment to make, I won’t be making any comment.

“Suffice to say, I left feeling the discussions were good and constructive.”

The State Government has launched a $100,000 masterplan for the future of the Cairns Showground, Cr Manning’s preferred site for a stadium.

He expected all options to be looked at — including whether the Cairns Show and a stadium could operate within the same facility.

“We’ve been in discussions with both the Show Association and the State Government for some time regarding the future of those grounds,” he said. “One would assume the consultant would be required to use his skills and imagination.

“I would imagine that includes every option — that’s why you appoint a consultant.”

Cairns MP Michael Healy has told the Cairns Post the Cairns Show would be given priority at the site.