App lauds retro past
A NEW app extolling the virtues of the Cassowary Coast’s art deco architectural history has been unveiled.
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council officially launched the Tropical Art Deco app yesterday providing directions, distances, photos and information about historic buildings and places.
Cassowary Coast Mayor John Kremastos said beneath the region’s buildings lived powerful stories of the past and how the Cassowary Coast had thrived.
“It was in 1918 after a devastating cyclone hit the region that almost all buildings in the district were destroyed, leaving only the buildings constructed of reinforced concrete,” said Cr Kremastos.
“This tragedy led to the rebuilding of the region and the beginning of art deco in the Cassowary Coast which is famous for having one of the largest concentrations of art deco buildings in Australia.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said highlighting the strong art deco heritage in Far North Queensland was a fantastic way to boost tourism in the region.
Cr Kremastos said the best part about the app was it was free.
“We haven’t reinvented the wheel here, we’ve got some magnificent buildings with great history and stories behind them, so to showcase this as a tourist attraction free of charge is a great asset to our region,” he said.
“This is what economic activation is all about in that the self-guided tour will take them on a journey throughout our region and give them the opportunity to stop in at shops and cafes along the way where they will spend money.”
Senator for Queensland James McGrath, who attended the launch, said the streets of Innisfail and Tully came to life earlier this month for the Tropical Art Deco Weekend.
“Now an annual event, the weekend is about showcasing the town’s rich history, complete with vintage cars, vintage fashion and tours of the region’s art deco buildings rebuilt after the cyclones in 2006 and 2011,” he said. This project was funded through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
For those who do not have a smartphone, a brochure is available from any of the Cassowary Coast’s Visitor Information Centres.
The app is now available for smartphones running on iOS or Android.
Visit your app store and search Tropical Art Deco to download.