Talk about new vision

Send them to PO Box 126, Cairns 4870 or email letters@cairnspost.com.au

IT’S great to see Darren Halpin revamping his project to allow more open space. (CP, 18/9). Hopefully, this will be the catalyst to bring a divided community together and enable public meetings for those with concerns to get their head around the new proposal.

I strongly encourage Mr Halpin to allow a couple of months to hold public meetings to explain his plan in detail to the thousands who have reservations. This small time delay could avoid years spent in the EPA courts. Trust me, I know.

On the proposed splash and play area, again, this will be a welcome addition to those families buying a property in the new exciting development.

In saying this, expectations must be realistic, the proposed splash and play area versus a water park is like comparing a Woolworths to a 7/11 store.

The proposed splash and play area cannot be the commercial drawcard attraction that Cairns locals are seeking, nor a tourism driver on its own.

Water parks due to their size and appeal, create significant noise, traffic and parking issues, hence why they are built away from residential areas.

This is not to say the new development is not going to be a great addition to the region, as all construction and em

The Palms tourist park is the centrepiece of the proposed $300m-plus redevelopment of the former Paradise Palms golf course. ployment opportunities are welcomed.

Finding investors in these current times will be a bigger challenge than before COVID-19.

I encourage those opposed to the redevelopment to allow Mr Halpin to put forward his plan and take an open mind to any possible future public meetings.

We need to work together as a community to help our city and region recover and I commend Mr Halpin for pursuing this development while, it seems, hearing the community concerns around the extensive loss of open space in the northern beaches.

Explaining in detail his new vision will be the key to winning public and council support.

Paul Freebody, Adventure Waters project