A weekly re-cap of the events that have made news in Cairns over the past week.

Tuesday April, 22 2003 111th Edition

Kuranda Markets for sale
One of the Far North’s biggest tourist icon, the Kuranda Markets, are up for sale. Owners Jim and Olive Mealing have priced the markets and adjoining market mall at $2.4 million. The attractions are considered prime sites in the heart of the rainforest village. Don Sutherland of Quaid Real Estate said the sale was a ‘one-off opportunity’ to take on a unique business and lifestyle. “These properites also offer loads of additional potential. New buyers could explore that potential, both for their own commerical benefit and for the benefit of the tourism industry as a whole.”

EcoReef Centre reconsidered
The EcoReef Centre proposed by Sunlover Cruises for Moore Reef, has undergone several changes in its design. Sunlover Cruises’ managing director Captain Terry Russell, said he had received considerable feedback on the island pontoon. Changes include using hydroponic Green Island fig trees for greenery instead of palm trees, removal of the canoe and kayaking area, removal of wind turbines, adding futuristic shading, covering the waterslide so the island does not look like a theme park and various other changes. “EcoReef Centre will be a cleaner, greener, more scientific way to visit the reef,” Mr Russell said.

Virtual studies for JCU
James Cook University students and researchers are now able to talk in ‘real time’ with colleagues anywhere in the world, thanks to the installation of the campus’s new virtual room. The room cost $50 000 and is part of an access grid linked with about 10 virtual rooms Australia wide. Cairns campus rector Eric Wainwright said the new technology was leaps and bounds ahead of video conferencing, which was used up until now. JCU is the first Australian university to have two virtual rooms installed.

$1.6b building boost for Far North
Cairns and the Far North have more than $1.6 billion worth of development projects either underway or ready for commencement. Regionally, more than 40 projects from $2 million to $300 million in value are being constructed or expected to be launched in the coming year.The developments will mean an extra 2000 residential and resort apartments for the Far North, with 1200 at the northern beaches and 470 in the Cairns CBD. Chairman of the Northern Development Industry Association Greg Wood, said “these developments show an enormous confidence in the region.”

Lotto agency celebrates second win
Westcourt Plaza News has sold another winning ticket with the $1.9 million winning entry going to a Cairns couple on the weekend. It was the second division one winning ticket sold by the business in the past three weeks. The couple were one of three Queenslanders to share the first division pool. “This is the biggest surprise ever,” the winners said. “We always laugh and say what a joke it would be if Golden Casket was to call us and now that it has happened it is no joke.”

$100m boost for Innisfail
Innisfail, the Far North’s second most populous municipality, is soon to receive a $100 million boost. The town may soon be boosted by an $80 million eco-resort and major supermarket developments for Kmart and Big W. Spokesman for Ella Bay Properties, Tony Schultz, said international giant General Hotels Management, was ready to develop its first resort in Australia at Ella Bay, just north of Innisfail. The envisaged resort is likely to be five star plus.

Crowe honeymoons in Port Douglas
Newlyweds Russel Crowe and Danielle Spencer were seen in Port Douglas recently while on their road trip honeymoon up the Queensland coast. The pair were spotted at the Sheraton Mirage Country Club but where they were staying remains a mystery. The couple spent several days in the Port Douglas area, including a trip to Low Isles.