Convention centre delay
Minister justifies delay in centre upgrade
THE Palaszczuk government’s 2017 election promise of a $176 million expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre has been put back yet again.
The long-awaited extension has been delayed 18 months.
Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni is expected to announce the setback in Cairns this morning.
The centre underwent a $13 million partial roof replacement in 2016 with the final stage of roof renewal now scheduled to run from May-October in 2020.
It is believed he will explain that the delay will coincide with more roof works to minimise any impact on conference bookings.
CONSTRUCTION of the $176 million Cairns Convention Centre upgrade and extension is not expected to start for another year and a half.
Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni will hold a media conference outside the building this morning to explain the State Government’s logic behind the long wait.
The centre underwent a $13 million partial roof replacement in 2016 with the final stage of roof renewal now scheduled to run from MayOctober in 2020.
The Cairns Post understands the State Government intends to dovetail the upgrade and extension project on to the roof replacement works – ostensibly to minimise impact on conference bookings.
The complex would remain open for Cairns Taipans basketball games but large conventions could not be booked at the venue.
The timing may push back construction far enough for the State Government to require the convention centre works to be privately funded through the proceeds of the billion-dollar “global tourism hub” casino proposed for the prime real estate next door.
However, the Palaszczuk government has repeatedly said the project is fully funded.
It has also stressed that it is reliant on a successful final business case, which Mr de Brenni last month told the Cairns Post would be completed in the first half of 2019.
To date, only a preliminary study has been completed.
City leaders have been operating on the understanding construction would begin next year – critical to maintaining a skilled construction workforce once Crystalbrook Collection’s three hotel developments reach an end.
“We’ve made the decision to deliver these significant capital works projects concurrently to minimise site disruption and maximise the economic opportunity of the venue,” Mr de Brenni said.
“This project will provide immediate employment during the construction phase but also ongoing jobs, thanks to the boost it will provide for the city’s conventions industry.”
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