Road name honour
ONE of the most recognised businessmen and philanthropists in Cairns may soon receive another accolade – a road named after him.
Cairns Regional Council at its Wednesday meeting announced the intention to recognise the extensive contribution of Lou Piccone to Cairns, particularly the Edmonton area, by signposting an unnamed service road as Lou Piccone Road.
The road, known as the old Bruce Highway, services the strip from the Petersen Road-Bruce Highway intersection to the Mill Road intersection.
Mr Piccone, the name behind Piccone’s IGA supermarkets, has a lifelong connection to the area through support for community, sporting and charity groups.
Mr Piccone’s son, John, said it was a great honour and that the family was “very proud of dad and everything he’s achieved”.
“We only got the letter from the mayor yesterday and we read it to him,” Mr Piccone said.
“Unfortunately, at the moment, he’s unwell.
“While we haven’t spoken to anyone outside of the family yet about the proposal, I’m sure everybody in Edmonton would be happy for dad to be recognised.”
Mr Piccone said he and his five siblings were by their father’s bedside every day.
Division one councillor Brett Moller said: “Lou Piccone is the heart and soul of Edmonton, an icon of our city, respected and loved.
“His contribution to our community through sponsorships, philanthropic and community initiatives, advocacy, and in a caring way, is appreciated and valued,” Cr Moller said.
The road is currently a state asset, with the council intending to formally apply to rename it and also consult local businesses and residents before proceeding.
As well as servicing a day care centre, accommodation, police station and commercial shops, the road also takes in the former butcher shop and general store run by Mr Piccone’s father.
This site was later developed by Mr Piccone into the Piccone’s IGA and the Edmonton Shopping Village, a shopping centre now operated by John and his other son, Peter. The family also owns the Historic Hambledon Hotel on the road.
Mr Piccone was Cairns Citizen of the Year in 2000 and had a park named after him in 2016.