Parklands are for all to enjoy

A MOVE to open up Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns to community use is the result of Cairns regional councillors listening to the public.

The multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the former rundown city park has created a wonderful venue for outdoor entertainment.

But its use has been strictly controlled by the council with many in the community dismayed that it was only for what were considered elitist events under its previous arts and cultural activity policy.

The council says it “will adopt a more liberal approach to the hire of Munro Martin Parklands to broaden community use”.

So, instead of just arts and cultural activities, there is a broader definition of “venue hire for externally run events”.

Events after 10pm must be approved by the full council while a council general manager can be delegated to approve all “externally run events”.

Cr Richie Bates, whose division includes the venue, has been pushing for more community events at the park and said the new policy was a step in the right direction.

But he has raised concerns that the cost might be too much for some groups.

Cr Brett Moller wants to make sure the events don’t become a freefor-all and are balanced to respect the arts and cultural intention for the facility.

The land was gifted to the city to be used by the entire community.

Before the multimillion-dollar makeover it had become a den of iniquity.

The upgraded amenity should constantly be a place of frequent and cheerful activity.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor