Cairns Cycleway passed
Cyclists will have an improved ride in future, as the plan for construction of a cycleway from the city heart to Aeroglen will continue on its path to completion, after the results of community feedback were tabled yesterday. Cairns Regional Council has endorsed the recommendation to proceed to a detailed design stage for the dedicated cycleway, which has been divided into three sections, and investigate the feasibility of an alternative route for one section.
A Council Spokesperson said community consultation has shown that the majority of respondents had supported the proposed cycleway from Cairns CBD to Aeroglen. “The Sheridan St Aeroglen Business District section of the proposed cycleway plan has triggered strong resistance from business owners who have said that the loss of parking and potential conflicts with heavy vehicles would adversely affect them,” Cr Schier said. “Council staff has outlined an alternative route for this section that will fit with the plan for future extensions to the cycleway in order to resolve their concerns. The alternative option will take the cycleway across Sheridan St at Airport Avenue and link it into Aeroglen Drive,” she said. The three sections of the dedicated cycleway are: Sheridan Street, Captain Cook Highway, Esplanade Route and Muddy’s Playground.
Community feedback has demonstrated that residents were also concerned with loss of trees along the Esplanade that would be removed to make way for the construction of the bike route. “Along the Esplanade section, the cycleway will weave to ensure that impact on existing trees will be minimal,” a spokesperson said. “The design will be carefully implemented to allow for tree relocation and planting where necessary.”
Council will continue to explore options for the Muddy’s Playground section to ensure the cycleway is safe for all users and to improve parking in the area.
10/12/2009 at 7:29 pm
So when are they going to look at a cycle path south of Cairns?
10/12/2009 at 8:06 pm
Yes, I agree that a cycle way for SouthSide residents should be a priority. It will happen. Eventually we will have a high speed cycle way from Gordonvale to Palm Cove.
Unfortunately (for us) stage 1 will be from the CBD for Aeroglen. Construction of this stage will start next year. I hope to see the Woree to CBD stage under construction by 2011. If this does not happen I will be very disappointed.
In many ways, we are directed by the state in what work to proceed with. The state will give a million or 1.5Mil for cycleway, or to Hockey or Tennis and then say that funding is conditional upon CRC providing matching funds. With the cycleway CRC provides 1.5M and the state
will contribute 4.5M.
It makes it really hard to say no when we are told the money will be not be spent in the region unless Council comes to the party.
Please contact me any time you have questions re this or other matters and best wishes for a good Christmas break.
Warm Regards,
Rob Pyne.
11/12/2009 at 2:52 pm
Thank you Rob
I might be in Malanda by then! The Malanda North project sounds like a great idea.