Trinity Beach towers up for approval today
A DECISION is about to drop on one of the most controversial developments to hit the northern beaches this year – all without any community input.
Cairns Regional Council will today vote on a proposal to build two seven-storey apartment towers and a line of luxury duplexes at the corner of Moore and Mararna streets at Trinity Beach.
A limit of four storeys – or “no higher than the coconut palms” – has historically been accepted as the rule of thumb for beachside development in Cairns.
It looks likely to be overruled this time as planning officers recommend the project for approval.
It was also classed as code assessable, not impact assessable, meaning no community consultation was required.
Architect Mark Buttrose used to be the driving force behind the Save Our Slopes lobby group which successfully campaigned against False Cape and Taylor Point developments in the 2000s.
He said he was keeping a keen eye on Mararna Pty Ltd’s new Trinity Beach apartment endeavour which would “set a new precedent for Cairns” if approved and damage views from Palm Cove and Kewarra Beach.
He argued the lack of public consultation was a sign of an eroded planning scheme.
“If council approve this apartment tower at the end of Palm Cove and Kewarra beaches, it will be a clear message to developers that anything goes,” he said.
“As a community, we risk losing the very reason why people select Cairns as a place to live and holiday.”
Planning officers beg to differ, finding the downward slope of the land and existing four-storey apartments in front of it provided a substantial visual buffer and filter when viewed from Moore St.
“The proposed development is considered to maintain and enhance the character, scenic amenity, landscape features and regional landscape values of the area, and key landscape features will not be obstructed nor substantially affected by the proposed development,” the report said.
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