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In Focus, 27 March 2014

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

Mayor's Message

Despite the wet weather, works on the City Centre Alive project are progressing well.

While we are confident the end result will be a big improvement for traders and visitors to our city centre, we are very much aware that there are some businesses that are hurting as a result of this project.

That's why we have established a program of incentives that will provide immediate assistance. This includes the waiving of around $75,000 in fees.

But the details of the major component - a $140,000 interactive promotional campaign will be revealed at the end of next week.

While I can't say much at this stage, I can promise that you will want to shop in the Lake Street precint during the next few months.

But there are already plenty of good reasons to shop there. There are some fantastic local businesses operating in our CBD and I'd encourage you to explore just what our city has to offer - especially in and around Lake Street. 

On a separate note, it's pleasing to see that all eight of our library branches have been nominated as Australia's Favourite Library. Nominations were made by members of the public in appreciation of the wonderful service provided by our dedicated library staff. My congratulations to all involved. 

I would encourage you to take a few minutes to vote for your favourite branch in the online poll. More information and links are included downpage.

Mayor Bob Manning

Strategy to secure water

Long-term sustainability of the Cairns region's water supplies will be the focus of a new Council advisory group.

The Water Security Advisory Group will provide guidance on the development of a water strategy that will ensure supplies can meet future demand.

"This group will be asked to look at a range of potential water supply options to complement the existing Copperlode Dam and run-of-river supplies," Mayor Bob Manning said.

"Members will then report back to Council with recommendations for Council to consider."

The group will include a representative from the existing Mulgrave River Aquifer Community Reference Panel, which will continue to oversee the ongoing monitoring project.

Full membership of the Water Security Advisory Group is currently being finalised, with the first meeting expected to take place in early April.

The group is expected to present its findings, including its preferred water supply strategy to Council by the end of 2014.

Seawall reconstruction

Preliminary work started this week on the long-awaited replacement of the Machans Beach seawall.

Cairns Regional Council voted in August to prioritise the project, which will include the removal of the existing structure and construction of a new sloping wall that will provide improved protection for beachfront properties.

Construction of the first 900 metres of the 1.3km structure expected to commence early April, weather permitting.

To allow machinery to access the site, a temporary ramp will be constructed at the far northern end of the Esplanade.

Reconstruction of the wall will be completed in sections, generally moving from north to south.

During construction there will be the need for beach closures and temporary road closures. Fishing and boat access will be prohibited for safety reasons.

There will also be significant vegetation removal during the works but landscaping will take place upon completion to replace lost trees.

Council apologises for any disruptions to residents and visitors and will continue to communicate with residents regarding the progress of the project.

The new seawall will provide protection for beachfront properties and road infrastructure well into the future.

Jabirus help out wetlands

Cattana Wetlands is getting a helping hand from a group of locals under a new volunteer program.

The Jabirus volunteer group has recently taken up residence at Cattana Wetlands on Tuesday mornings.

Members of the small but dedicated group spend their time weeding, planting, collecting seeds and generally helping the wetlands to look their best.

Cattana Wetlands is located upon 80 hectares of former cane land and sand and gravel mining operations at Smithfield. It is now home to six lakes, rainforest boardwalks, recreation areas and bird lookouts.

The Jabirus meet on Tuesday mornings from 9am to noon. New members are always welcome in the Jabirus and other volunteer groups based at the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Contact Cairns Regional Council for more information.

Conversation over a cuppa

What happens when you put strangers, caffeine and ideas in the same room?

Conversation Café is the newest addition to Smithfield Library's monthly calendar, bringing people together to discuss a set topic chosen by participants over a cuppa in a friendly, supportive environment.

Libraries have traditionally been a meeting place in which to share ideas as a community. Smithfield library has renewed this concept, bringing back the art of face-to-face conversation in a time when most of us make our opinions heard via technology.

Held on the fourth Thursday of the month, the next gathering is this morning at 10.30am

All are welcome to attend and participate. The event is free but bring some change for the coffee machine.

Edmonton Pool retirement

The ageing Edmonton Pool will be retired from public service on June 30 as Cairns Regional Council looks to establish new recreational opportunities in the immediate area.

The current management lease for the pool complex expires at the end of the financial year and the lessee has indicated that an extension will not be sought.

"Use of the pool has been declining and the complex itself is deteriorating," Mayor Bob Manning said. "Inspections in the past couple of years have found that many of the components are nearing the end of their serviceable life.

"There is no swimming club based at Edmonton and learn-to-swim classes are held at other pools within the area. We encourage residents to support these local businesses."

Edmonton Pool has the lowest patronage of any of Cairns Regional Council's swimming complexes, with an average of about 120 visitations a week.

Alternative public pools are located at Woree and Gordonvale. View opening hours and details.

Council has resolved to investigate the option to include an additional pool within the Sugarworld Gardens precinct.

Tales of a watery past

In a region defined by water, every river and creek has a story to tell.

Cairns Regional Council has joined with residents of the Barron Delta to document their experiences and memories of flooding in a legacy project celebrating community resilience.

Living With Water is a community-based storytelling project that documents the personal stories of those who have encountered flooding of the Barron River.

Combined with information gathered from a range of other sources and historical records a multi-layered compilation of emotions, memories, facts and experiences has been created.

A storyboard commemorating Old Smithfield - the original centre of Cairns, which was washed away in floods 135 years ago - has also been created as part of the project. An e-book containing a collection of stories can be viewed on Council's website and videos are available on Council's You Tube channel.

The Living With Water project is funded by the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements Community Resilience program.

Pictured above are contributors John Walters and Werner Schmidlin with Cr Jessie Richardson.

Vote for favourite library

Cairns Libraries can already boast Queensland's Favourite Librarian and now library users have the chance to help earn the title of Australia's Favourite Library.

Voting is now open in the Australian Library and Information Association's (ALIA) national poll.

Each of Cairns Libraries' eight branches has been nominated for the national, people's choice competition.

Gordonvale Library's Trish Richards was last year voted Queensland's Favourite Librarian in a similar poll, also conducted by ALIA.

Anyone can vote in the online poll by selecting your favourite branch and clicking the icon.

Cairns Libraries has eight branches from Babinda to Smithfield.