Upgrade for Parklands
$1.3m to improve facilities at venue
BALLET dancers will no longer have to get changed in tents behind the stage of Munro Martin Parklands, which will receive a $1.3 million upgrade.
The $71.5 million outdoor performance space, which opened in August 2016, will receive behind-the-scenes facilities including changerooms, toilets and an office area, alongside a permanent box office, upgrades to the Minnie St gate, and better power distribution.
The revamp, which is set to start at the parklands in June, will create 10 jobs during its construction phase, and eight ongoing jobs in the long-term.
It is being jointly funded through the State Government’s Building Our Regions program, and Cairns Regional Council.
Queensland Development Minister Cameron Dick said the project would ensure it had the entertainment infrastructure to support local performers.
“We have some of the most talented people in the performing arts world right here in Queensland,” he said.
“But we need to give them a platform and a stage to perform.
“The parklands here are a very important public space here in Cairns, open to the community and we’ve had performers from around the world come to Cairns to perform, including the Royal Ballet and our own Opera Queensland.”
Cairns Deputy Mayor Terry James said the upgrades were the “icing on the cake” for the popular performance space.
“Normally, the performers would be out the back in a tent, in the rain,” he said. “So this will really top it up.”
Division 5 Councillor Richie Bates voiced concerns in December that Munro Martin Parklands was off limits for many acts, fearing the council may develop an elitist mentality detrimental to emerging and non-traditional art forms despite the venue being set up for more contemporary performers.
A majority of performances since the outdoor entertainment space opened have catered for classic entertainment crowds, including ballets, orchestras and operas.
Cr James said the upgrades would help lure bigger acts.
“I think you’ll find we’ll attract more than international rock acts,” Cr James said.
“In particular, for our local artists, this will be fantastic.
“We’ll be attracting acts from around the world.
“The sky’s the limit.”