South Cairns
I was born and raised in the South Cairns townships of Gordonvale and Edmonton in Far North Queensland. As an adult I have lived in Bentley Park and Mount Sheridan, which are also part of South Cairns. I have also represented part of the area on the local council. With all this disclosed my parochialism is now evident. However, it should not devalue my argument that this part of the Cairns region is missing out. Indeed missing out badly on our fair share of government spending and support.
Councillor Speaks Out
South Cairns has been neglected by all levels of government. However, it is at the council level where I have had the most recent experience. In no department does Cairns Regional Council spend as much in South Cairns as in the City or Northern Beaches. Not spending on parks, recreational facilities, community facilities or libraries.
One of the biggest examples of inequity is the failure to invest in the South Cairns park known as Sugarworld. While council staff do a good job maintaining it, there is nowhere near the spend on this facility that one sees on Collins Avenue or Cairns Esplanade. The SugarWorld masterplan looks fine. However, council is not prepared to spend the money required to see the plan advanced.
South Cairns Suburbs
South Cairns suburbs include:
– Woree
– White Rock
– Wrights Creek
– Mount Sheridan
– Bentley Park
– Edmonton
– Gordonvale
Local Parks
There are many beautiful parks and gardens in the area. The most well-known Park, recognised by Council as a District Park, is Sugarworld Parklands. With many historic trees and the adventure water park it is a popular venue.
Other enjoyable recreational parks in the area are:
Bentley Park
- Todd Park
Edmonton
- Allan and May Oliver Park
- Down Park
- Fuller Park
Mount Sheridan
Woree
- Jeff Pezzutti Park (Woree)
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