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In Focus, 3 February 2014

Dear reader, welcome to the latest edition of In Focus, full of news, events and opportunities from your council.

Mayor's Message

Welcome to the first In Focus e-newsletter for 2014.

We're looking forward to a big year, with major events including the Australian Tourism Exchange and G20 Finance Ministers and Bank Governors' Meeting just around the corner.

It's been a busy start to the year. A little over a week ago, I had the pleasure of announcing Ian Allen as our 2014 Citizen of the Year. Congratulations to Ian and all of our very deserving Australia Day Award recipients.

Last week we were placed on a Cyclone Warning for Tropical Cyclone Dylan. While we were spared any significant impact as the system drifted south, it did remind us that we need to be prepared at all times during the cyclone season.

We are only halfway through the season so, if you haven't already, take the time to prepare your household plan.

Even if we don't get a cyclone, heavy rain can at times result in power outages, so it's a good idea to have your kit packed and easy to access at all times.

Mayor Bob Manning

Ian's our top citizen

Citizen of the Year Ian Allen

More than three decades' service to the Cairns community has been acknowledged with the announcement of the 2014 Cairns Regional Council Citizen of the Year.

Ian Allen joined Lions in 1979 and has since held many office positions, including that of Zone Chairman.

But it is his involvement with the Cairns Show for which Ian is best known. At the helm of the Cairns Show Society since 2002, Mr Allen was made a Life Member of the organisation in 1994. His contribution was recognised by the Showmen Guild of Australia in 1996.

Young Citizen of the Year awardee Nicole Chan has demonstrated leadership as the chair of her school's Cultural Committee, where she enthusiastically promoted multiculturalism in the school community.

See all award recipients

Lake Street extension

Construction will soon start on a second road link between the Cairns CBD and Cairns Airport.

Site preparation works for the northern extension of Lake Street to join Airport Avenue have started with the installation of signage and delivery of fill material.

The project will extend Lake Street by approximately 85m, creating a T-intersection at Airport Avenue and improving access to the airport from the CBD.

A new section of cycleway will be constructed concurrently along Airport Avenue and Lake Street, linking via a cyclist crossing function that will be included in the new traffic signals.

The road is expected to be completed in August 2014, weather permitting.

Lake Morris public use

Aerial image Copperlode Dam

Council is preparing a new Recreation Management Plan, exploring the possible recreational uses for Lake Morris, also known as Copperlode Dam.

Already popular with cyclists and bushwalkers, consideration is being given to allowing recreational activities on and around the lake.

Members of the public are invited to have their say on what facilities and activities they would like to be available.

To contribute to the plan, visit Council's Your Say website before 28 February and complete the survey. 

Disaster prep for business

Plan, pack, listen

Residents are asked to consider whether they would have been adequately prepared, had Tropical Cyclone Dylan taken a different path, and to take advantage of upcoming free disaster preparation workshops.

Next week’s Business Roundtable Extend will focus on business continuity and commercial resilience, helping businesses to prepare an emergency plan and assess risks.

The free forum will be held on Thursday February 13 from 6pm to 7.30pm. It is presented by Volunteering Queensland in partnership with Council and is open to all business owners and representatives. Registrations are essential and must be received by close of business on Friday 7 February. Phone 4044 3571.

Residents are invited to drop into a free community information session at Stratford Library on Wednesday 12 February 10.30am-noon. There will also be an information stall at this Sunday's Holloways Beach Markets.

A range of resources is available on Council’s website to assist with household preparation, including Auslan videos for people with hearing impairment and a brochure to assist people with complex communications needs.

Gardens upgrade

artist's impression of new conservatory

A purpose-built conservatory will soon showcase many of the Cairns Botanic Gardens' most spectacular plant species.

Inspired by the iconic licuala palm, the concept design for new building blends with the picturesque botanical surrounds.

The Friends of the Botanic Gardens have raised nearly $100,000 for the project.

To allow the project to progress to schedule, the current George Watkins Orchid House and Munro Martin Fernery have closed.

The new conservatory will house an array of ferns, orchids, palms and carnivorous plants. Tenders are expected to be called in April with a view to completion in August.

Pink shows support

Employees wearing pink shirts

A splash of pink is visible every Friday at the Portsmith Waste Transfer Station, as employees show their support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pink shirts bearing the Cairns Regional Council logo have been produced for Waste Branch staff, who dig into their own pockets to purchase the attire via a donation to charity.

The transfer station staff hold regular fundraising barbecues and have so far raised about $500 for the Breast Cancer Foundation.