The state’s top planning projects were announced at the 2010 Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence.

Winner of the top Award was the Cairns Transit Network which judges said challenged the notion that efficient public transport networks can’t operate in regional cities.

PIA Queensland President Greg Tupicoff said the top award winner is among a range of clever and imaginative projects that came before the judges this year. “The Cairns Transit Network Plan will become a benchmark for other regional transit plans in the future,” Mr Tupicoff said.

Award judges were also impressed with an entry that encourage people in the street to try their hand at planning. Judges said it was an outstanding way to educate the public about planning matters and helped to advance public interest in planning through fun and entertainment.

All Queensland winners go on to compete against other states at the PIA National Awards for Planning Excellence.

Cr. Rob Pyne welcomed the award saying, “Well done to Racheal Reese and the team of planners at the Department, they have done a great job. They have nominated the transit corridor, which is crucial, if that corridor is converted to light rail in the future, many people would applaud that.

However, he added, “If the state government does not provide funding in their next budget to get this project started, they will be held to account at the state election, that is for sure!”

The above picture shows why public transport is needed in South Cairns

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