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Living in Cairns Volume 3, 25 June 2015

From the Mayor...

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of unveiling the plans for The Precinct - a brand new performing arts centre complemented by tropical gardens and an outdoor performance space in Munro Martin Park.

This is an exciting project for the people of Cairns and I'm heartened by the level of positive feedback received from within the local performing arts community. Not only will our city get a purpose-built, affordable performing arts facility with two theatre spaces, but also a beautiful park that will showcase our colourful tropical plant species and provide a wonderful community gathering space.

In addition to this project, our much-loved Tanks Arts Centre will receive upgrades worth $2.2 million ahead of the demolition of the Civic Theatre, as part of a transition plan to ensure there is no loss of performance opportunities during the construction of The Precinct. 

We look forward to keeping you updated on this great project.

Mayor Bob Manning

 
 

This is an exciting project for the people of Cairns and I'm heartened by the level of positive feedback received from within the local performing arts community"

 
 
 

Work starts on Green Arrow

A hidden hiking gem will soon be unlocked, with work starting this week on the Green Arrow walking track. The 2.5 kilometre bush trail will feature bush paths, steps and link the Bel-Air lookout with the Blue Arrow. Once completed and connected to the Blue Arrow, the Green Arrow track will result in a 5km-6km bush walk, and can be completed as a return trip, via Collins Avenue, to make a 10km loop. Either end of the walk will be accessible by bus, making it an attractive outing for tourists and residents alike. Work on the Green Arrow is expected to be completed in eight weeks, weather permitting. Read more

 
 

EoI to be invited for CPAC

Expressions of Interest will be invited next month for the construction of the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), which will form part of The Precinct. A shortlist of suitable applicants will then be selected and invited to submit a full tender. Design works are well under way for the new performance complex, which will include a 940-seat main theatre with orchestra pit and balcony seating, a second 400-seat theatre/rehearsal space, bar, foyer and amenities. Works to transform Munro Martin Park into a lush tropical parklands with outdoor performance space is expected to start in September. An animated fly-through video shows the concept for the gardens.

More info on The Precinct

 
 

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Coming up...

  • PBR Cairns Invitational - 4 July - Cairns Convention Centre - professional bullriding action live in the arena.
  • Little Taccas - 9 July - Cairns Botanic Gardens - free nature-based activities for kids aged under 5. Bookings essential.
  • AFL Bulldogs vs Suns - 11 July - Cazalys Stadium - Live AFL action comes to Cairns. On sale now.  Win VIP tickets!
  • Cairns ARTescape - 13-17 July - Tanks Arts Centre - 5-day program of visual art workshops for all experience levels.
 
 
 

2015-16 Budget meeting

Cairns Regional Council will table its 2015-16 Budget next Monday 29 June. All members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at 9am in the Council Chambers on Level 3 of the Spence St Administration Building. If you can't be there in person, follow the live commentary via our Twitter account @CouncilCairns.

 
 

Active Living new timetable

Two new classes with a "back to basics" theme will be introduced under the winter Active Living timetable, which starts 1 July.

Intro to safe fitness exercise is all about first time fitness, teaching safe and effective techniques for basic body weight exercise anywhere, anytime

Running start teaches the fundamentals and basics of safe running and walking.

Also new to the program are HIIT (high intensity interval training) and Calligraphy Qigong Yoga which combines yoga and tai chi techniques. View the full program

 
 
 

Holiday fun

Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Libraries will host school holiday activities starting Monday 29 June and extending through the two-week break.

Urban dance workshops and Fun Free Fitness will be back at the Esplanade along with Kids Zumba, Kids Bouldering and Kids Clay Play on the Esplanade. New additions are ukulele workshops and bumper soccer, along with hula hooping workshops.

Cairns Libraries will host an array of activities at various branches, including board games, watercolour painting, calico bag art, paper lantern making and basket weaving.

Full details via the Cairns Libraries  website and Cairns Esplanade Facebook page.

 
 

Markets return to Palm Cove

Palm Cove markets will return in August in a new format on Williams Esplanade. A monthly market held on the first Sunday of the month, is expected to attract more than 150 stalls. It will replace the Friday night market held at the jetty carpark.

A public survey conducted earlier this year, showed strong support from businesses, residents and visitors for the revised market concept. The proposal also has the support of Tourism Palm Cove. To make the market possible, Williams Esplanade will be closed to traffic. Additional parking will be arranged for market days.

 
 
 

Do your bit - desex your pet

Cairns Regional Council has put its support behind a statewide campaign encouraging pet owners to have their dogs and cats desexed. The RSPCA's Operation: Wanted campaign aims to increase the number of pets that are desexed and reduce issues related to unwanted litters, wandering pets and aggressive behaviour. Four local vets are offering discounted desexing until 31 August. Read more