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

Monday March, 24 2003 107th Edition

Whilst Cairns like the rest of the world, is watching events unfold in the Middle East, there is some cause for celebration and festivity with the opening of the new Esplanade redevelopment.

Cairns joins the rest of Australia in supporting troops in IRAQ
Support for Australian defence force troops in IRAQ has been strong in Cairns and Townsville. Much of this support is due to the large number of defence force personnel living in the region. Whilst peace protestors have also been active, all demonstrations have been passive and respectful, an important consideration for those people whose relatives are part of the active collation forces. To date there have been no known casualties from soldiers deployed from the Cairns or Townsville regions.

Official launch of Esplanade redevelopment set for 29th March
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the grand opening of the new Esplanade and Cityport redevelopment. The new parkland and swimming lagoon, situated in the heart of Cairns, have changed the entire foreshore with stunning gardens, water features, outdoor art, public recreation areas, boardwalks and a new sound shell for concerts.

The Premier, Mr Peter Beattie, will be attending the opening along with numerous other Federal, State and Local Government representatives. The opening will offer a full day of entertainment followed by a fireworks show and festivities going into the night.

Work will commence around the foreshore area with development of a new children’s playground ($1.5 million) and a new coffee shop and entertainment area.

Macho men come to Cairns
Cairns played host to the Village People last week in a concert that was described as “sensational” by those who managed to get tickets. The Village People played to a full house, singing all of their most well known songs and dancing in the true style of the world famous entertainers that they are. All of the favourites songs were played included YMCA, Macho Men, In the Navy, Go West, Can’t stop the music and more.

Pier Marketplace plans $20 million expansion
The Pier Marketplace is a very prominent icon on the Cairns foreshore. The Centre was recently sold and the new owners have announced a $20 million refurbishment and expansion, which will see the Centre blend in with the new Esplanade redevelopment. The Radisson Plaza Hotel is incorporated in The Pier and the hotel will also undergo extensive renovations.

Cairns population expected to exceed 200,000 within 20 years
The Shire of Cairns is growing at a rate far exceeding the national average. Based on a growth rate of 2.5 percent per year there should be over 200,000 people living in the Shire by 2023. Cairns Mayor, Mr Kevin Byrne stated that he actually felt the projections for the city’s growth were actually conservative, predicting that the figure may actually be achieved in ten years.

German Love Boat series filmed in Cairns
Cairns is expected to have a major boost in the German tourism market with the filming of an episode of the country’s most popular television show, Dream Boat, taking place in Cairns at present. The show has been airing in Germany for 20 years and an expected 10 million people watch each episode. The North Queensland Dream Boat episode will feature the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest locations, old Queenslanders and hotels.