Green light for cultural facility

But location a concern

IT JUST MAKES SENSE TO MAKE IT PURPOSE-BUILT TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF ALL DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS

MORE than 15 years in the making, a council decision to progress the Cairns Multicultural Facility has been met with both joy and alarm.

Cairns and Region Multicultural Association president Kesa Strieby said she was pleased by last week’s unanimous council vote.

“I’ve been waiting for more than a decade to have this done,” Ms Strieby said.

“We were looking forward to it; we’ve been waiting patiently.”

The facility will provide a space for many community groups, including 45 distinct cultural groups represented by CARMA, to practise cultural activities, host events and youth programs, and co-ordinate important meetings.

But Ms Strieby, who has been closely involved in consultation with Cairns Council regarding the facility, expressed concern about its planned location.

She said she was shocked to hear it would be built in White Rock, and not at a more centralised location that would be convenient for those who lived in the northern and western suburbs.

“It’s good for the people in the south of Cairns, but what about those in the north and

CR CATHY ZEIGER

west? I’m worried less people will access it as it’s far to travel,” Ms Strieby said.

“I’ve been there from the beginning, part of consultation for 10 years, but I did not know it would be built there.”

The motion was moved by Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger at the council’s meeting on Wednesday.

Ms Zeiger said it was exciting to see the council addressing the needs of Cairns’ multicultural community, who had been requesting the facility for many years.

“It just makes sense to make it purpose-built to meet the requirements of all different backgrounds,” she said.

“The south side is the fastest-growing area of Cairns, so it makes sense to put it there.

“I understand a lot of people from multicultural backgrounds live in the western suburbs, but a lot of them are moving south.

“This is going to cost in the vicinity of $14m … we’ve got the money put aside for it.”