No Images? Click here Cairns Regional Council e-news - Volume 26, 25 May 2017Join the ECOfiesta this weekendBe part of the region's premier sustainability event this Sunday (28 May). ECOfiesta back and is bigger than ever. Come along to the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal to explore more than 120 expo stalls, waste-wise food options, interactive workshops, an on-site licenced bar, roving performers and world-class entertainment. There is nearly $5000 in prizes up for grabs simply by snapping a selfie at the event and uploading it to the Cairns ECOfiesta 2017 Facebook event. Prizes include return trips on Skyrail, white water rafting adventures, reef trips and accommodation. If you arrive by bicycle or bus, you can get a free drink or coffee made from locally roasted beans and local milk. Check out the event program to plan your day. Indoor stalls are open 10am-4pm and entertainment and outdoor activities continue until 7pm. Next step for rainforest trailA proposed 76km rainforest walking and cycling track could be worth more than $10 million a year to the regional economy, according to an economic study into the Wangetti Trail concept. The concept will now enter the next phase of planning, with a project working group to oversee its development. Starting at Palm Cove and weaving its way through coastal rainforest toward Port Douglas, the Wangetti Trail has the potential to become a major tourist drawcard. The economic study estimated 28,000 mountain bikers and walkers will use the trail annually, generating an estimated input of $10.4 million a year for the region. The trail is a priority recommendation within the Tropical North Queensland Regional Mountain Bike Strategy. It would be a shared use trail for both mountain bike riders and walkers, providing exceptional views of the ocean from the escarpment, and access to pristine waterfalls and rainforest streams. Read more Reduced energy, water use brings savingsDespite increasing electricity costs, Cairns Regional Council has reduced its total energy spend by more than $1 million in the past two years. The annual State of the Environment Report shows that total water consumption across the Cairns region decreased by 6.5 per cent from the previous year. Council’s own water consumption reduced by a massive 16 per cent. Overall, 53 per cent of our region’s waste is recycled – well ahead of the state average of 43.5 per cent. Council's goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2020 is also on track. Read more Big night for film buffsGet along to the Understory Film Festival on Saturday 17 June. The screening and awards night for short films produced in Far North Queensland will be held at the Tanks Arts Centre from 6pm. Audiences will enjoy a mix of comedies, documentaries, music videos and more by student, emerging and professional filmmakers. Now in its fourth year, the quality of films is growing year on year. This is a free event.
Looking for us on Twitter? We're @councilcairnsPets in the ParkPets in the Park is back in 2017 with a packed program of free events for animal lovers. Pet behaviour experts will provide classes during the day and there will be prizes up for grabs in the Pets Parade. Information stands, market stalls, kids activities, sausage sizzle and refreshments for sale. Safety, amenity drives carpark upgradeA multi-million-dollar revamp of the Lake Street carpark will start in June. The carpark will be upgraded with CCTV and security features, improved lighting, all-abilities access and a rainforest-inspired façade to complement the tropical amenity created through the City Centre Alive project. The result will be a safer, more accessible and more user-friendly parking option. The carpark will close on Tuesday 13 June for a period of about six months. There will be no vehicle access from Abbott Street to the City Library carpark or to the drive-through return facility but pedestrian access will be available. Alternative parking arrangements have been made for all permit holders. Read more International watersCairns Regional Council is participating in a “twinning” program with Vietnam's Son La Water. Delegates from Son La were in Cairns this week to tour Cairns' water treatment facilities and to learn from Council's specialist staff. The aim is to improve drinking water quality in Vietnam and to share knowledge relating to water treatment. The program is fully funded by the Federal Government. Adventure Festival road closuresThere will be changed traffic conditions associated with the upcoming Cairns Airport Adventure Festival, featuring IRONMAN Cairns. This includes the closure of the Captain Cook Highway between Palm Cove from 6am to 5.30pm on Sunday 11 June. Access to the Cairns Airport will be maintained but extra travel time should be allowed. Full details of changed traffic conditions including downloadable maps can be found on the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival website. Waste-wise toursHave you ever wondered what happens to your waste once it leaves your kerb? Join one of our free waste and recycling tours, which give an interesting insight into how waste is processed. The tours are held as part of ECOweek and will be held next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (30 May - 1 June). Suitable for adults and children aged 8 and up. Places are limited. Phone 4044 8352 to book. |