People power

Crowd packs out council chambers to watch vote on the future of cash at local facilities

The largest crowd to pack the Cairns council public gallery in more than 20 years - according to one councillor - have had their voices heard. Their presence at the Cairns Regional Council’s Spence St headquarters made a difference that led to the torpedoing of a divisive plan to continue cashless payments for council services.

The about-face on a previous call to end cash payments followed the submission of a petition signed by more than 5000 Cairns residents.

On Wednesday, more than 50 issue-motivated residents packed the gallery of the council’s chambers, abuzz with speculation on the outcome of the vote. About fifty more watched a live broadcast in the council’s foyer.

An alternative motion put forward by Deputy Mayor Terry James aimed to placate the frustrated mob.

“You’ve got to read the tea leaves, and listen to the people. It’s as simple as that,” Cr James said.

While holding out against a national move toward a cashless economy may be like trying to hold back the tide, resistance for as long as possible has merit for those concerned about a digital footprint easily monitored by financial institutions and the associated risk of corporate cybersecurity breaches.

Understandably, many are uneasy about their data being harvested or tracked by big businesses. And others simply wish to exercise their right to pay for services with legal tender, perhaps collected from the bottom of the coin drawer of their town car.

Leading the charge against a Cairns cashless economy, Mooroobool resident Frankie Hogan argues any decision to go cashless impacts the vulnerable, is discriminatory and is controlling.

“A lot of people are not happy about it. I meet elderly people who tell me ‘I only use cash’,” she said ahead of Wednesday’s council meeting.

“Council needs to realise we, the people, want to keep cash in society.”

The backflip by Cairns Regional Council is testament to influence people still have to affect change amid a perceived erosion of 21st century people power.

The community still has the power to make change.