City trader can’t wait for boom to begin

CAIRNS City Tattoo has presided over the intersection of Lake and Shields streets for the past seven years and owner Duane Cash knows the hardship of doing business in the CBD better than most.

Mr Cash owns 26-28 Shields St and cannot find anyone to rent four vacant retail spaces in the property.

“The boom keeps getting talked about but it just hasn’t happened yet. I don’t think it’s too far away,” he said.

“The Crystalbrook owner has brought a bit of confidence back – we’d love to see a bit more life in the city.”

He said many building owners faced high costs from rates and insurance. After starting work in the city at 15, Mr Cash, now 51, said quality goods and services were key to longevity.

“You’ve got to do your trade well. If it’s coffee, it better be good coffee, if it’s tattoos, you’ve got to do good tattoos,” he said.