NOVEMBER 2020 LIVING IN

CAIRNSA guide to living, working and playing in the tropical north

www..qld.gov.au My Cairns App (available free for iOS and Android) www.facebook.com/CairnsRegionalCouncil 1300 69 22 47 KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON CONTENTS

ABOUT CAIRNS 4 History & heritage 4 Climate and weather 4 ABOUT CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL 20 Industry and economy 5 Council meetings, agendas and minutes 20 Housing 5 Rates, fees and charges 20 Education facilities 5 Paying your rates 21 Childcare and early childhood services 5 Pensioner remission 21 Shopping 6 COMMUNITY SERVICES 22 Getting around 6 Cemeteries 22 Cycling and walking 6 Citizenship 22 Public transport and coach services 6 Green Space Our Place 22 Rail 6 Community halls and centres 22 Airport 6 Community safety 22 Seaport 6 Disability support 22 Car parking 6 Assisted waste collection 22 Health Services 7 service for elderly/infirm 22 Hospitals 7 Car parking permits 23 Community health services 7 Multicultural services 23 CYCLONES 8 Sustainability 23 NATURAL HAZARDS 10 PETS AND ANIMALS 24 Crocodiles 10 Registration and microchipping 24 Mosquitoes 10 Out and about with your dog 24 Beach safety 11 Lost pets 25 Sun safety 11 Animal complaints 25 ARTS AND CULTURE 12 BUILDING AND PLANNING 26 Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) 12 Swimming pools, spas and wading pools 26 Munro Martin Parklands 12 Pool and spa fencing 26 Tanks Arts Centre 12 ROADS AND TRAFFIC 27 Cairns Libraries 12 Reporting issues with roads 27 Cairns Museum 13 Street lighting 27 Cairns Art Gallery 13 WATER AND WASTE 28 Cairns Convention Centre 13 Water supply 28 Festivals and celebrations 13 Water conservation 28 PARKS AND GARDENS 14 Waste (recycling and garbage) 28 Cairns Esplanade 14 Bin collections 28 Cairns Botanic Gardens 14 Transfer stations 29 Cattana Wetlands 14 Buy Back Shop 29 Sugarworld Parklands 15 COMMON NEIGHBOURHOOD 30 Sugarworld Adventure Park 15 COMPLAINTS Babinda Boulders 15 Rats and mice 30 Crystal Cascades 15 Graffiti 30 Mt Whitfield Conservation Park 15 Noise and environmental nuisance 30 SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING 16 Trees and vegetation 31 Active Living classes 16 Blocked drains 31 Public swimming pools 16 Littering and illegal dumping 31 Cairns International Tennis Centre 16 COUNCILLORS INFORMATION 32 Cycling and walking 16 SISTER CITIES 33 Barlow Park multi-sports facility 17 COUNCIL CONTACTS 34 Boat ramps 17 Other emergency contacts 34 Camping grounds and caravan parks 17 NEW RESIDENTS CHECKLIST 35 MARKETS 18 Cairns Esplanade markets 18 Tanks Arts Centre markets 18

2 3 WELCOME

Welcome From The Mayor This is a very special part of the world and our residents enjoy a great way of life. Our unparalleled natural attractions, superb climate and tropical lifestyle make this one of Australia’s most desirable places to live, visit and do business. Cairns is a friendly, safe and sophisticated international city, alive with charm and spirit. We have world-class schools and universities, health services, sporting and recreation facilities, and enjoy a wonderfully diverse range of community and cultural celebrations.

Our unique position as the international gateway to two of the world’s most precious and pristine natural wonders – the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest – makes this one of Australia’s most popular destinations for international holiday visitors. Cairns is also a premier destination for national and international conferences and sporting events, and we are proud to welcome tens of thousands of delegates, competitors and spectators from around the world to our city each year.

I encourage you to take advantage of all that our city and region has to offer – from the relaxed lifestyle, to the beaches and parks, rivers and reef, markets and community events.

My fellow Councillors and I look forward to welcoming you to our tropical paradise. Bob Manning Bob Manning OAM Mayor

2 3 ABOUT CAIRNS

Cairns is the international gateway to two precious and pristine World Heritage listed natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest marine park and home to more than 9000 species of coral, birds, fish and marine life. The Wet Tropics rainforest is a living, History and heritage breathing ark and home to many Cairns is the traditional homeland of the Bama rainforest Aboriginal people who have plants and animals found nowhere lived here for thousands of years. Cairns else on earth. Regional Council acknowledges the custodians and first people of this country, and respects Over 158,000 people reside in Cairns their ongoing relationship and responsibility and this is one of Australia’s most to their land and sea. vibrant multicultural cities. People In 1770, Captain James Cook was the first from more than 47 nations choose to known European to visit the area where call Cairns home, with around 1300 Cairns is now located. Cairns was founded in 1876 and grew rapidly during the Gold Rush immigrants taking on Australian era of the 1870s. It was declared a city in 1923. citizenship here each year. You can explore the region’s local heritage Cairns is one of Australia’s most through our various heritage drives, trails and self-guided walks – including the popular destinations for international Southern heritage drive, Freshwater holiday makers. We welcome more heritage trail, Stratford heritage trail, than 2.4 million people each year, Cairns heritage city walk and the Cairns Esplanade heritage walk. with approximately half of this number from overseas. Climate and weather The is characterised by The Cairns Regional Council area two seasons – the wet summer season, encompasses 1687 km2 of land on which begins around November and ends around May, and the dry winter season. a narrow coastal strip between the Being a monsoonal climate, most rainfall Great Dividing Range and the Coral occurs between January and March. Sea. It extends from the Eubenangee The cyclone season is normally confined to between December and April. The dry Swamp (near Mirriwinni) in the south season is characterised by low humidity to the Macalister Range near Ellis and cool breezes, and is an ideal time for Beach (just north of Palm Cove) leisure activities. in the north. Typical daytime temperatures range from 14 to 26C (52-78F) in mid-winter/dry season, and from 24 to 33C (75-91F) in mid-summer/ wet season.

4 5 Industry and economy and 25 private/non-government schools Cairns is tropical north ’s major (some with boarding facilities). commercial, industrial, educational, retail Visit Education Queensland’s website and entertainment centre. It provides a www.education.qld.gov.au for an online diverse range of high quality professional directory of state, independent and and business services both locally and Catholic schools. internationally to our rapidly expanding Asia Vocational and tertiary training institutes with Pacific market. campuses in Cairns include TAFE Queensland, and CQUniversity. With well-developed transport and logistical A number of private, registered training networks, extensive health and education providers also offer a wide range of services, a high standard of living, affordable accredited programs. housing and vibrant cultural amenities, the Cairns region is the ideal place to live, visit The Great Barrier Reef International and do business. Marine College is one of the best equipped marine training centres in the southern Housing hemisphere and caters for local, national The Cairns region offers a wide spread of and international students. housing options and rates. Three and four bedroom homes with good sized backyards The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre, located can be found in most suburbs, and the at Cairns Airport, is a purpose-built Cairns CBD offers many modern apartment aviation training centre offering complexes (including some with stunning internationally recognised aircraft water views) close to restaurants, shops and maintenance qualifications. offices. The popular and distinctive high-set “Queenslander” homes are usually found in Child care and early the older suburbs and typify traditional childhood services Cairns Regional Council does not operate Cairns architecture. These traditional child care services. Private child care centres homes feature large verandahs, louvres and can be found in the telephone directory or on lattice to capture the tropical breezes and the Australian Government’s MyChild online are ideally suited to our tropical lifestyle. child care portal at www.mychild.gov.au.

Education facilities A number of playgroups operate throughout The Cairns region boasts a full range of the region (mostly during school terms). quality education facilities from kindergartens Playgroups provide a low-cost, safe and to primary and secondary schools, tertiary supportive environment for young children and vocational education institutions. (from birth to school age) and parents/carers to socialise and play. Search for your There are more than 140 schools including 89 nearest group on the Playgroup website at state primary schools, 27 state high schools www.playgroupqld.com.au.

4 5 ABOUT CAIRNS

Shopping Private bus lines operate services covering Port Cairns is well serviced by a wide range of quality Douglas, Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands retail and service offerings. Unique pieces and Innisfail / Mission Beach. Long distance and designer labels can be found in boutiques and interstate coaches operate from a central throughout the city centre and suburbs. You’ll depot at the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns also find a wealth of world-class art, gifts and Esplanade. homewares, to beauty and personal services, cafes and dining options. > Rail Queensland Rail operates regular passenger Major shopping centres across Cairns trade daily services between and Cairns on and feature a range of national retailers and the high-speed Tilt Train. speciality outlets. > Airport Getting around Cairns International Airport (domestic and With our large network of integrated transport international terminals) is located 7km services, it’s easy to get around the region. from the CBD and provides air links to a range of domestic and international locations. > Cycling and walking The airport’s general aviation precinct is a base Cairns Regional Council provides over for freight consolidation businesses, rescue 450km of off-road paths (including shared paths fire fighting services, avionics, maintenance, suitable for walkers and cyclists) as well as many charter flights, engineering, aviation skills on-road bike lanes and wide shoulders suitable for cycling, so you can explore our unique region. training and more. Find maps of routes in the Cycling and Walking > Seaport Guides available from Council’s Customer The Port of Cairns is a multi-purpose regional Service Centres or website. port that caters for bulk cargo, luxury cruise > Public transport and coach services liners, fishing fleets and reef passenger ferries. The Sunbus public bus service operates across It is one of Australia’s busiest international Cairns, with routes between the northern cruise ship terminals, and is beaches and the southern suburbs via the Lake also home to the HMAS Cairns naval base. Street bus terminal (located between Shields and > Car parking Aplin Streets). For public transport information Council provides more than 6400 short-term including bus routes, fares and service updates, and all-day parking places in Cairns, including visit the TransLink Cairns website translink.com. 4700 in the CBD. Options range from free au/cairns, download the free MyTransLink app to and metered on-street parking to off-street your smartphone, or phone 13 12 30. car parks including the 300-bay Lake Street Sunbus is operated by TransLink, a division of multi-storey parking station. A number of the . Cairns Regional commercially operated parking facilities are Council does not control bus routes, timetables also available. Time limits and prices vary; or fares. drivers should note the on-site signage.

6 7 Health Services > Community health services The Cairns region offers a full range of Queensland Health provides Community health services including private and public Health Centres at Cairns North, Edmonton hospitals, community health centres and and Smithfield which offer a range of general practitioners, as well as allied health services including child and family health, services such as dentists, physiotherapists, parenting programs and immunisations. optometrists and pharmacies. The James Cook University Dental School > Hospitals at the university’s Smithfield campus Cairns Hospital is administered by the is a teaching clinic offering affordable, Queensland Government and provides public comprehensive dental treatment by senior health care for the Cairns Health Service dental students under supervision by District. The Babinda Hospital also provides experienced clinical supervisors. localised hospital and health services. Phone Cairns 1800 050 763 or visit > Cairns Hospital The Esplanade Cairns www.jcudental.com to find out more. Phone: 4050 6333 Wuchopperen is a holistic health service > Babinda Hospital128 Munro Street, for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Babinda Qld 4861 Phone: 4067 8200 communities. It provides primary and social Owned and operated by Ramsay Health health services, including traditional forms Care, Cairns Private Hospital offers a of healing and well-being. Phone: 4080 1000 comprehensive range of medical and or visit www.wuchopperen.com. allied services. Phone: 4052 5200, www.cairnsph.com.au

6 7 CYCLONES

Being tropical and low-lying, the Cairns region is particularly vulnerable to cyclones and other natural disasters such as floods, landslides and even tsunami. It’s vital that your household is ready and you and social media. Emergency services may know what to do, year-round. also door knock and use loud hailers in affected areas.

The cyclone season officially runs Cairns has two cyclone-rated public shelters from 1 November to 30 April each that are a last resort option for people living year. The wet season is when in storm tide surge zones who have absolutely cyclones and floods are most likely to nowhere else to go. The shelters are typically crowded and uncomfortable and pets are occur. Cyclones are violent tropical not allowed. storms with very strong winds and heavy rain that can generate storm Pack Before each cyclone season, take time to surge and flash flooding. pack your household emergency kit with enough food, water, clothing and medicine There are three important steps to for three days, plus copies of important remember: plan, pack and listen. documents. For a checklist of what to put in your kit, visit Council’s website (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/disaster) or contact the Disaster Management Unit on 1300 69 22 47. Listen Plan It is important to listen before, during and after a cyclone. Stay tuned to local radio for First, plan what to do during a cyclone and important weather updates and ensure you know if you may need to evacuate. Evacuation is only advised if storm surge is expected have spare batteries so you can keep listening to inundate developed areas. Evacuation throughout the event. orders are not issued for cyclonic wind. You can follow Council’s disaster messages on In most cases, unless you are in a declared our website and on the Disaster Co-ordination stormtide surge zone, it’s safest to shelter Centre’s Facebook (CairnsDisasterCentre) at home or go to family or friends outside and Twitter (@CairnsDisaster) pages. threatened areas. To check if you live in one of the three storm Disaster Dashboard tide surge zones, look in your meter/power The Cairns Disaster Dashboard provides a box for a red, orange or yellow sticker. You can single point of reference during a disaster, with also use the Storm Tide Property Search on real-time information from Council, emergency Council’s website or pick up a free map book services, utilities such as Ergon and Telstra, from Council’s customer service centre or road status updates, and traffic and flood cams. your nearest library. Residents can also sign up for Cairns Alert to If evacuation is advised, announcements receive disaster-related information via email will be made on radio, TV, Council’s website or text message.

8 9 EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST Collect the following items and make sure they are in easy reach during a disaster.

> Battery-operated radio > Non-perishable food (with spare batteries) (enough for 3-4 days) > Torch (with spare batteries) > Can opener and utensils > Candles, lighter and > Special needs for infants, waterproof matches the aged and people with disabilities > First aid kit and manual > Pet food, water and other animal needs > Combination pocket knife > Tent or tarpaulin, and blankets > Portable (gas) stove with fuel > Other camping equipment > Cooking gear > Cash (ATMs may not be working) > Water in sealed containers > Personal documents (insurance (10L per person) certificates, photographs etc) > Medications > Strong plastic bag > Toiletry and sanitary supplies (for clothing and valuables) > Change of clothes and strong shoes > Emergency phone numbers

8 9 NATURAL HAZARDS

Crocodiles under the water, before emerging from the Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles are an water as an adult flying mosquito. important part of north Queensland’s wetlands, freshwater and marine Many mosquitoes are carriers of diseases environments. As a native species and a such as Malaria, Ross River Fever and Dengue large predator, they help maintain overall Fever. Fortunately, none of these diseases are ecosystem health and balance. endemic to the Cairns area.

Crocodiles are potentially dangerous; they are Dengue Fever is transmitted when a most active at night and during the annual Stegomyia aegypti mosquito bites a person breeding season (September to April). Obey who already has the virus and then bites you. crocodile warning signs and never take The virus cannot be spread directly from unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat. Never person to person, but one mosquito can bite swim in water where crocodiles may live, even and infect your whole family. The Dengue if there is no warning sign present. Take care mosquito is a domestic species that primarily when fishing and camping; don’t leave food breeds in still, fresh water in and around scraps on boat ramps or at campsites. houses, businesses and yards - in containers such as buckets, tyres, roof guttering, Residents can report sightings of crocodiles tarpaulins, boats, coconut shells, fallen in urban areas to the Queensland Government palm fronds, children’s toys, etc. on 1300 130 372. If you notice mosquitoes breeding around your Mosquitoes home, you can help stop the breeding cycle Cairns has a tropical climate with lush by tipping out all containers that hold water rainforests, mangroves and high rainfall, all of and either store them in a dry place or throw which contribute to ideal breeding conditions them out if not needed. Protect yourself and for mosquitoes and biting midges. your family from being bitten by using tropical strength repellent and ensuring window and All mosquitoes require water in which to door screens are ‘bug tight’. breed. Females lay eggs on the water’s surface or edge. Eggs hatch into larvae See www.cairns.qld.gov.au/dengue for (wrigglers) which live under the water and information on defending against Dengue and become pupae (tumblers) which again live controlling mosquitoes.

10 11 Beach safety Sun safety Our region has some of the most beautiful It can take as little as six minutes of sun beaches in Queensland. To help you enjoy your exposure to cause skin damage in the visit and stay safe, Council provides lifeguard tropics. Skin cancer, unlike many cancers, services for bathers at the Esplanade Lagoon, is largely preventable. on beaches and on Green Island at certain times. Protect yourself and reduce your risk. Wear Marine stingers live in Queensland’s tropical sunscreen, protective clothing, a broad- waters, and are of particular concern between brimmed hat and sunglasses. When outdoors November and June (stinger season). The for work or play, try to hold your activities in most dangerous species are the Box jellyfish the shade or take portable shade (eg shade tent, canopy or umbrella). (Chironex fleckeri) and the Irukandji. Box jellyfish stings can be fatal, and hospitalisation may result from the painful Irukandji sting. Large netted stinger-resistant swimming enclosures (marine stinger nets) are installed at major public beaches during stinger season. These help to protect swimmers from jellyfish, and while they afford a high degree of protection, they are stinger ‘resistant’ not stinger ‘proof’.

Beach swimmers should take precautions: > Swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards. > Look for and observe warning signs. Don’t swim when beaches are closed. > To avoid jellyfish stings, check the beach status with the beach lifeguard. > Wear a stinger suit during stinger season (especially important for children).

10 11 ARTS AND CULTURE

Our region offers a wonderfully The Courthouse diverse range of cultural and This regionally significant heritage-listed building on Abbott Street, adjacent to the recreation opportunities for residents Cairns Art Gallery, is the former home of law and visitors. There are many and order in Cairns (1919-1992). Council has invested $6.2 million to restore and refurbish opportunities to embrace our unique the building in order to maintain its unique tropical culture: from art exhibitions, heritage values. museums and galleries to theatre, The Courthouse will open in mid-December concerts and live performances by 2020 as a unique event and gallery space to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage. local and visiting talent, as well as The facility is a key component in Council’s major cultural drawcards such as the proposed Cairns Gallery Precinct. annual Cairns Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations. Cairns Libraries Cairns Libraries operate branches at Babinda, City, Earlville, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Manunda, Smithfield and Stratford.

We also offer a free Homebound Library service for residents who are unable to Cairns Performing access a branch due to illness, disability Arts Centre (CPAC) or advanced age. CPAC is Cairns Regional Council’s leading performance arts venue. It features a 941-seat Library membership is free. You can join theatre with balcony and balcony boxes for online or in-branch. premium viewing, and a versatile 400-seat studio. CPAC hosts a diverse mix of local See the Council listing at the back of this performing artists and touring productions booklet for branch and contact details, or visit including theatre, music, dance, contemporary www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library. circus, opera, film and comedy. Munro Martin Parklands Munro Martin Parklands is a locals’ favourite to experience the performing arts under a tropical sky. The venue hosts a wide range of shows from opera and ballet to circus arts and contemporary music. The Parklands also boast tropical plantings, vine covered pergolas and arbours and an open-air plaza for casual use for the public from 6am to 8.30pm, seven days a week (except on ticketed event days). Tanks Arts Centre This community arts space is uniquely located in three refurbished World War II concrete fuel storage tanks, within the stunning Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct at Edge Hill. The Tanks offers an eclectic mix of visual and performance arts and workshops. Find out more at www.tanksartscentre.com.

12 13 Cairns Art Gallery Cairns Convention Centre The Cairns Art Gallery (located at the This world class venue features 22 meeting corner of Abbott and Shields streets) hosts rooms and is capable of hosting events for exhibitions of fine arts from major Australian up to 2500 delegates. The Cairns Convention and international collections covering historical Centre hosts local, national and international and contemporary art including the work of expos, meetings, conferences as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. concerts and live performances. It also showcases the creativity of artists based throughout the tropical north. Find The venue is also home to the Cairns Taipans out more and check opening hours at NBL team and Cairns locals turn out in force www.cairnsartgallery.com.au. to support the team at home games. Find out more at www.cairnsconvention.com.au. Cairns Museum The Cairns Museum is located in the beautifully Festivals and celebrations restored, heritage-listed Cairns School of Arts Cairns residents embrace our tropical culture building in the heart of the Cairns CBD. It is and celebrate with a wonderfully diverse range owned and operated by the Cairns Historical of exciting and colourful events each year. Society, and houses an extensive collection of objects, photographs and archival records. Major annual events such as the Cairns Festival and Carnival on Collins, the Cairns The Cairns Museum is open Monday to Cup and Cairns Amateurs horse racing Saturday 10am to 4pm (closed New Year’s Day, carnivals, Chinese New Year, Carols by Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Candlelight and New Year’s Eve on the Cairns Entry fees apply. See the website for Esplanade are major drawcards for locals and full details: www.cairnsmuseum.org.au visitors alike.

12 13 PARKS AND GARDENS

Our environment and climate is perfect for outdoor activities and adventure. With more than 400 sports and recreational clubs and facilities, 450kms of cycleways, extensive tropical botanic gardens and parklands, pristine beaches and a wealth of open space, there’s something to appeal to everyone.

Cairns Esplanade Cairns Botanic Gardens The Cairns Esplanade is the city’s iconic The Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct is located waterfront location offering fun for all ages. just 4km from the Cairns city centre, on Collins The parklands, playgrounds, lagoon and Avenue at Edge Hill. This living museum recreational facilities are all free entry. houses more than 4000 species of tropical plants of both native and exotic origins. Cool off in the beautiful 4800m2 lagoon (open 6am-9am daily except on Wednesdays The Gardens comprise the Flecker Gardens, when it is closed until midday for cleaning), Centenary Lakes, Chinese Friendship Garden, laze on the grass, enjoy a picnic or BBQ, Gondwana Heritage Garden, Rainforest stroll or jog along the boardwalk, work out Boardwalk, Nature Playground, Tanks Arts on the Green Gym equipment, rock climb at Centre and Mt Whitfield Conservation Park the Bouldering Park, skate at the skate bowl, (featuring the popular Red, Blue, Green and or simply relax and enjoy the regular live Yellow Arrow walking trails). The Visitor entertainment. Information Centre is open daily from 10:30am to 3pm and the Flecker Gardens You will find electric BBQs and picnic gates are open between 7.30am and 5.30pm areas right along the 2.5km Esplanade. every day. Admission is free. The BBQs are cleaned daily and are free for casual users. Cattana Wetlands The Cattana Wetlands is around 80 hectares Muddy’s playground includes water of formerly degraded land which Council has play features, a flying fox, sound chimes, rehabilitated into a nature conservation park. track ride, rope bridge, slides, see-saw, Facilities include BBQs, picnic areas, toilets, puzzle games and an all-abilities Liberty bird hides and 420m boardwalk through the Swing. Muddy’s is open daily between Feather Palm Forest. 9am and 7pm (with sections closed for maintenance on Tuesday and Thursday from The Wetlands are situated off Dunne Road in 7am to 11am). Smithfield, accessed by either Yorkeys Knob Road or McGregor Road, about 20km north The Endeavour Fun Ship playground at the of the CBD. Cattana Wetlands are open daily northern end of the Esplanade is another from 5.30am to 7.00pm. (Note: It may be popular facility for young families. necessary to close the park at different times during the wet season).

14 15 Sugarworld Parklands Facilities include pedestrian bridges, viewing These beautiful parklands are located just a platform, all-abilities water access at the main 20 minute drive from the centre of Cairns. A swimming hole, picnic tables, BBQs, toilets sprawling exotic fruit tree orchard produces and interpretive signage. many interesting tropical fruits such as the An unpowered campsite at The Boulders Jaboticaba, the Miracle Fruit (which turns sour provides basic amenities with a maximum into sweet), Mangosteen and Breadfruit to stay of 72 hours. name a few. Crystal Cascades The parklands also feature an all-abilities Crystal Cascades – so named for its sparkling playground, BBQs, volleyball court, and a clear freshwater – is fed by Lake Morris, the great shady area for functions and wedding main water supply for Cairns. Hidden in a ceremonies (bookings required). Admission tropical rainforest, this secluded spot is one of is free and there is plenty of free parking. the city’s secrets and a popular spot to cool off on Sugarworld Parklands are open daily from a hot day. A short, scenic walk on a sealed track 7am to 6:30pm. follows the rainforest creek past a multitude of Sugarworld Adventure Park waterfalls, rapids and rock pools. Sugarworld Adventure Park, located at Facilities include electric BBQs, picnic tables, Sugarworld Parklands in Edmonton, is a wheelchair-accessible pathways and toilet splashing good time for the whole family! amenities. Interpretive signage at the site provides information on the area’s local history, Attractions include Splash Town water zone indigenous stories, flora and fauna. with tipping bucket and mini-slides, three Super Slides (tandem tube raft ride, super jet Mt Whitfield open body slide, and mat racer), 9-hole mini- Conservation Park golf course, café, lounges and party pavilions. Mt Whitfield Conservation Park is a 300ha forested mountain range that is home to Sugarworld Adventure Park is a Cairns rainforest, eucalyptus and grasslands. The Regional Council owned facility, managed popular Red Arrow, Blue Arrow, Green Arrow by Belgravia Leisure. It is open 10am to 5pm and Yellow Arrow linked walking tracks wind every weekend, public holiday and Queensland through the park. state school holidays (closed Christmas Day and during severe weather conditions). • The Red Arrow Circuit is 1.3km and takes For admission prices, operating hours about 30 minutes. and more information, visit • The Blue Arrow begins near the lookout on www.sugarworldwaterpark.com.au the Red Arrow Circuit. It is 5.4km and takes or phone 4055 5477. 3-4 hours. • The 3km Green Arrow starts towards the top Babinda Boulders of the Blue Arrow loop and branches off to The Boulders is a popular swimming and picnic the west ending at Whitfield. area nestled in the foothills of Bartle Frere • The 2.34km Yellow Arrow trail provides a (Queensland’s highest mountain), about 6km circuit route via the Red Arrow, Collins from the township of Babinda. Avenue and Saltwater Creek back to Aeroglen.

14 15 SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING

The Cairns region’s environment and climate is ideal for outdoor activities and adventures. With more than 400 > Babinda Swimming Pool sports and recreational clubs and Church Street, Babinda facilities across the region, there’s Phone: 4067 1211 50m swimming pool + children’s wading pool something to appeal to everyone > Gordonvale Swimming Pool – from netball, basketball, BMX, 79 Sheppard Street, Gordonvale gymnastics, rugby league, AFL, Phone: 4056 1353 25m indoor swimming pool (heated in soccer, baseball, tennis, cricket, winter only) + children’s wading pool vigoro, polocrosse, hockey and lawn > Woree Swimming Pool bowls, to arts, ceramics and weaving. Pool Close, Woree Phone: 4054 6964 50m heated swimming pool (heated in winter only), 25m indoor heated swimming pool, children’s free form swimming pool (closed in winter) + children’s wading pool (closed in winter). Active Living classes Council presents the ‘Active Living’ free > Marlin Coast Bicentennial Pool fitness program at various locations on Leisure Park Road (off Cheviot St), Smithfield the Cairns Esplanade. The program offers Phone: 4057 7720 introductory level classes for locals in different 50m swimming pool, 25m heated swimming activities from aqua aerobics to meditation. pool, freeform children’s pool + children’s Come and give it a try! Visit the Esplanade wading pool websitet a www.cairnsesplanade.com.au for full session details. Cairns International Tennis Centre Public swimming pools The Cairns International Tennis Centre at 356 Public swimming pools are available for public Sheridan Street, North Cairns features 12 use for a small entrance fee. Contact the pools International Tennis Federation (ITF) standard directly for opening hours (times may vary hard courts including one show court as well from summer to winter) and fees, or refer to as a clubhouse with function room, pro shop, Council’s website for details. physio/massage rooms and meeting rooms. > Tobruk Memorial Pool The Centre regularly hosts national and 370 Sheridan St, North Cairns international tennis tournaments, and serves Phone: 4051 2604 as a tennis training facility for aspiring local Tobruk’s 50 metre FINA approved pool is tennis talent with regular coaching programs, ideal for lap swimming, carnivals, water polo clinics and school holiday camps on offer. and underwater hockey. The complex also Cycling and walking features a 25 metre heated lap pool, 25 metre Council provides over 530kms of off-road paths multi-purpose warm water pool, toddler and cycle ways plus many on-road bike lanes splash pool, artificial wave system (Flow so you can explore this beautiful region at your Rider) and in-ground trampoline Jump Zone. own pace. Additional facilities include a functional training zone, volleyball court, licenced café You can view maps of the Cairns Cycling and and meeting room. Walking Circuit (which covers the central

16 17 Cairns area encompassing the Esplanade and Camping grounds Cairns Botanic Gardens) as well as northern and caravan parks and southern recreational bicycle routes on our Council operates camping reserves at some website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/cycling. of the region’s most picturesque settings. Printed Cycling and Walking Guide booklets are > Palm Cove Caravan Park and Camp Ground, available from all Cairns library branches and 149 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove Council’s Customer Service Centre. Bookings – phone Caretaker on 4055 3824. Barlow Park > Bramston Beach Caravan Park and Camp multi-sports facility Ground, 96 Evans Road, Bramston Beach Barlow Park (cnr Scott and Severin Streets, Bookings – phone Caretaker on 4067 4121. Parramatta Park) is a multi-sports facility featuring an eight-lane athletics track to IAAF > The Boulders, Boulders Road, Babinda standard, with grassed field, long jump pits, Five campsites, camping is free for 72 hours grandstand, corporate boxes, function room, only, no bookings required. eatery outlets, amenities and car parking. > Rotary Park, Howard Kennedy Drive, Babinda. Camping is free for 48 hours only, The international standard rugby league field no bookings required. holds major sports matches such as national rugby league fixtures, A-League football > Fitzroy Island, Bookings can be made by matches and regional representative rugby calling Raging Thunder on 4030 7990. union matches. Barlow Park is home to the Cairns District Rugby League, Cairns Athletics > Greenpatch Reserve, Gordonvale. and the Northern Pride Rugby League team Free short - stay camp ground, dry season only. Boat ramps The Queensland Government provides a Overnight parking or camping is not permitted number of boating facilities, including boat on roadsides, car parks and other public land ramps, pontoons and jetties, within the Cairns in Cairns. This includes campervans, RVs, region. For a list of locations and facility types tents, hammocks and swags. People found (including amenities, restrictions and site camping illegally can receive a significant fine conditions), visit Maritime Safety Queensland’s on-the-spot fine. website: www.msq.qld.gov.au and search “boating facilities”.

16 17 MARKETS

Popular local markets include the famous Rusty’s Markets (every Friday to Sunday), Cairns Esplanade markets (every Saturday) and Tanks Arts Centre (monthly from April to November). Community-run cottage markets are held monthly at Palm Cove, Holloways Beach and Gordonvale.

Council presents regular markets to showcase local, quality products ranging from contemporary jewellery, woodcraft, pottery, locally made handcrafted goods, clothes, skincare and so much more.

Cairns Esplanade markets Every Saturday between 8am and 4pm, the Cairns Esplanade showcases local, quality stalls selling contemporary jewellery, woodcraft, leather work, pottery, airbrush tattoos, clothes, skincare, relaxing massage stalls and much more. Tanks Arts Centre markets Sunday markets are held from 9am to 2pm on the last Sunday of every month from April to November at the Tanks Arts Centre on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill. Showcasing a blend of local art, craft, produce, vintage clothing, collectables and local natural health products and treatments, the markets are a relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning. Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians, get the kids involved in a workshop, wander through the art gallery – it’s all free!

18 18 ABOUT CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL

Cairns Regional Council delivers a Council meetings, wide and diverse range of services agendas and minutes across many aspects of community All meetings are open to the public, unless a life including: closed session is declared. Meetings held in the Council Chambers are live streamed so > Active Living fitness classes you can watch and listen to meetings in real > Animal management time without the need to physically attend, > Arts and cultural services and facilities giving you greater access to Council decision- > Bike paths and walking tracks > Boat ramp maintenance making and debate. > Building regulation and development approvals Agendas, minutes and previously-recorded > Business regulations and permits meetings are published on Council’s website. > Camping grounds and caravan parks Reports can also be perused at Council’s > Cemeteries Spence Street Customer Service Centre. > Civic events, community celebrations and major events Rates, fees and charges > Community halls Council is required by law to levy a general > Community consultation rate or differential rate each financial year. > Disability and accessibility support > Economic development and The general rate is Council’s main source industry support of revenue and funds things such as roads > Garbage services (waste and recycling) and footpaths, drainage, parks and gardens, > Libraries public pools and sports grounds as well as > Lifeguard services at beaches and the services including arts and culture, libraries Esplanade Lagoon and community festivals. > Markets > Mosquito and midge control Rates are calculated based on the > Natural disaster management unimproved value of your property > Parklands, botanic gardens, playgrounds and foreshores (determined by the Queensland Government > Pest animal and weed control annually). Rates notices are issued half yearly > Public swimming pools in January/February and July/August, with > Public toilets payment due 31 days from the date of issue. > Regulated parking > Roads, bridges, drainage, footpaths In addition, a cleansing charge is issued twice and bus stops yearly. This provides for the kerbside waste > Security cameras (CCTV) and and recycling rubbish collection service. community safety programs > Skate and BMX parks Twice-yearly sewerage charges provide > Sport parks, recreation facilities for the removal and treatment of domestic and services sewerage. Water consumption is charged on > Strategic land use planning a user pays basis, with water usage notices > Street lighting and sweeping sent approximately every four months > Tree planting and revegetation (these are not linked with your rates notice). of natural areas > Wastewater (sewerage) services > Water supply > Water testing laboratory (NATA accredited)

20 21 > Paying your rates Council offers many ways to pay your rates. You can make payment online at Council’s website, by credit card (phone and internet), through Bpay, or over-the-counter at Council’s customer service centres and Australia Post offices. > Pensioner remission Direct debit plans are available for rates to If you are an eligible holder of a Queensland be paid from bank accounts by way of weekly, Pensioner Concession Card issued by fortnightly or monthly payments in advance, Centrelink or the Department of Veterans leaving minimal or no amount to pay before Affairs, or a Queensland Repatriation the rates due date. Ratepayers who encounter Health Card issued by the Department of difficulty in paying their rates should contact Veterans Affairs, you may be eligible for a Council to discuss a payment plan. rate remission.

Council’s Independent Rate Relief Tribunal Pensioner rate remission is applicable if you assists residential ratepayers and not-for- reside on the property and it is your principal profit organisations who encounter financial place of residence. If you meet these criteria, hardship, to receive special consideration for please visit a Council Customer Service Centre assistance with their rate payments. to complete the necessary application form.

20 21 COMMUNITY SERVICES

Council offers a range of services, Community halls and centres programs and activities for the aged, Council owns a large number of community halls and centres, which are designated women, families, children, youth, community buildings available for use/hire by people with a disability, Aboriginal residents. Some halls can be booked through Council’s website; other premises are managed and Torres Strait Islanders and by community groups that are appointed by people from culturally and Council. linguistically diverse backgrounds. Community safety Council’s CitySafe CCTV program helps protect our community and prevent crime. There are more than 255 CCTV cameras operating 24/7 across Cairns city and suburbs, with a direct Cemeteries link to Cairns Police for rapid response to Council manages cemeteries for burials and incidents. CCTV cameras monitor hot-spots memorials for ashes at Gordonvale, Babinda in public spaces such as parks, footpaths, (Old Monument), Babinda (Nelson Road), laneways, bus stops, car parks and entrances to Martyn Street and Forest View. public buildings.

Council can assist you with enquiries about Neighbourhood Watch groups are active in the burials, grave reservations, inurnment of region. Find out more at www.nhwq.com.au. ashes, headstones and plaques, exhumations, location of graves and family tree history. You Disability support can also locate people buried or cremated in > Access for All Directory our cemeteries using the Cemeteries Search Cairns Regional Council works to ensure our on our website. region is safe and welcoming, and we want all To arrange a funeral (including burial or people to be able to engage, enjoy and benefit cremation), you will need to contact a funeral from all that the region offers. director. Refer to your phone directory for local services. Council’s Access for All Directory provides information on our region for locals and visitors Citizenship with a disability, their family, support workers Council conducts Australian Citizenship and carers. It lists many services provided Ceremonies each month on behalf of by government departments, accessible the Department of Immigration and accommodation, tourist venues, cinemas, Border Protection. If you are interested in banks, service stations, restaurants, cafes and becoming an Australian citizen, visit the more. Department of Home Affairs website (www.homeaffairs.gov.au) or contact the > Assisted waste collection Cairns office by telephone on 131 881 to service for elderly/infirm make an appointment. Residents who are unable to move their wheelie bins kerbside for collection can apply to Council Green Space Our Place for assisted waste collection at no extra cost. A Council’s Green Space Our Place volunteer medical certificate must be supplied to Council program allows locals to play an active role in by post, fax or email, confirming that the person enhancing our natural environment. Volunteers is physically incapable of placing their wheelie share a passion for gardening, revegetation and bins out for collection and has no other able- building community spirit. Weekly supervised bodied person living with them. groups operate at various locations including the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Sugarworld Gardens, By accepting this infirm service, residents Cattana Wetlands, the Esplanade and Council’s authorise the waste collection contract staff to Stratford Nursery. For more information or to come onto their premises to access the wheelie get involved, visit Council’s website. bins for service.

22 23 COMMUNITY SERVICES

> Car parking permits Council recognises all interstate and international disability parking permits. Holders of these permits are permitted to park in on-street and off-street disability parking bays and paid parking spaces with Pay and Display machines for an unlimited time free of charge. However, permit holders are not exempt from parking in all other areas (eg loading/taxi/bus zones). Multicultural services The Cairns region is home to a diverse balanced decisions around land use planning population and we celebrate this cultural and development control. vitality through many community festivals and events each year. Adopting sustainable practices in your everyday life at home and at work is simple. For newcomers from other countries, Follow these steps to help reduce your carbon Council can help connect you to local multicultural services including Centacare, footprint – it will benefit the environment, the Cairns and Region Multicultural your lifestyle, our community and even your Association, Anti-Discrimination Commission, finances. translation and interpreting service, and Migrant Settlement Services. > Take your own bag when you go shopping > Switch off lights and appliances To help you prepare and stay safe during when not in use cyclone season, cyclone guides are > Buy energy efficient lighting and available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Hmong, appliances for lower running costs Italian, Japanese, Nepalese, PNG Pidgin, > Choose locally made products and those Swahili and Tagalog languages. Download with recycled packaging the guides from Council’s website at > Recycle your bottles, steel and aluminium www.cairns.qld.gov.au/disaster. cans, plastics, cardboard and paper Sustainability > Convert your food waste into compost Sustainability is about balancing > Reduce the need for air conditioning by environmental, social and economic cooling your home with window shades considerations to reduce our impact on and ceiling insulation the planet and its inhabitants. > If using air conditioning, set thermostat to 25C As a member of the Australian Government’s > Plant native trees and use mulch in Reef Guardian Councils program, Council the garden leads by example in delivering regional > Walk, cycle and catch public transport services and infrastructure, and makes where possible > Use less water – aim for a 4 minute shower, install a water efficient shower head and taps, sweep your paths and driveway instead of hosing. > Invest in renewable energy such as solar power and solar hot water systems.

Find out what Council is doing and how you can get involved at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/sustainability

22 23 PETS AND ANIMALS

Owning a pet can give your family years of fun, but it is your responsibility to keep your pets safe, healthy and out of trouble with neighbours and other community members.

Registering and microchipping All dogs and cats aged 12 weeks and over must be microchipped and registered with Council. Registering your dog or cat helps Council reunite you with your pet if it is impounded, Out and about or to notify you in case of an accident. with your dog Registration fees also enable Council to When out and about, your dog must be on a deliver a wide range of animal management lead unless at a dog off-leash park. There services such as the pound, dog patrols and are more than 40 off-leash parks in Cairns community information about responsible - see Council’s Register of Dog Off-leash pet ownership. Areas or the My Cairns app for locations. Council offers discounted registration for These dog off-leash areas are for the desexed dogs. Proof of desexing is required, enjoyment of all (not for the exclusive use either by supplying a copy of the desexing of dogs) so you must keep your dog close to certificate or a written letter from your vet. you and under your control at all times. Discounted registration fees are also There are a number of areas where dogs are provided to pensioners for their dog prohibited, including throughout the Cairns registration. Proof of eligibility is required. city centre, the area around the Cairns Discount registration and renewal fees Lagoon, within the stinger nets at beaches, cease on 1 August each year. on sporting fields and within 2 metres of a playground. Guide, Hearing and Assistance dogs that are microchipped and desexed are eligible When out walking, dog owners should take for free registration (renewable every three a bag, pooper scooper, garden trowel or years). Similarly, aged pensioners who own container to collect and dispose of their dogs which are desexed and microchipped dog’s droppings. Not only is it unpleasant are eligible for free dog registration, and unhealthy not to pick up after your pet, renewed every three years. it is also illegal. Under Council’s local laws, dog owners can receive an on-the-spot fine Cat registration is free and for the lifetime for failing to remove their pets’ droppings of the pet. from public places.

24 Lost pets If your pet is missing, check the latest listing of impounded pets on Council’s website. You can also contact local vets and animal shelters (RSPCA and YAPS) or visit local lost and found pet pages on Facebook. To release an animal from Council’s pound, you will be required to: > Provide officers with satisfactory proof of your identity (eg drivers licence). > Pay all impoundment fees owing. Impoundment fees are calculated on a daily basis. > Provide proof of current animal registration if applicable. If proof of registration is not provided, registration fees will be required to be paid in addition to impoundment fees. Check Council’s website for pound opening hours, as reduced hours apply during public holidays and Christmas/New Year holiday periods.

24 BUILDING AND PLANNING

If you are considering building work on your property - such as an extension, renovations, carport, shed, patio, retaining wall or pool - you will likely need approval before you start. Note: this also applies to DIY kit type garden sheds, because Cairns is in a cyclonic region (as specified in the Building Code of Australia).

Check our website for information Inflatable wading pools are a great way of keeping cool in the tropics but the on private building certification and Queensland Government laws regarding development applications, as well pool safety may apply. An inflatable wading pool is classified as a ‘regulated swimming as searches to assist when buying, pool’ if: selling or developing a property. > It can be filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more; or > It holds more than 2,000 litres of water; or > It has a filtration system. Council receives dozens of complaints each year about inflatable wading pools and in most cases the owners are ordered to empty Swimming pools, and remove the pool. If you are thinking of spas and wading pools purchasing a wading pool and are uncertain All new swimming pools and spas require of your obligations please contact Council building approval from Council. on 1300 69 22 47 for guidance. The Queensland Government’s pool safety Pool and spa fencing laws apply across the state. All pools and Owners of swimming pools and spas spas in Queensland must be registered with for houses, flats and home units must the Queensland Government, and you must comply with relevant pool fencing and have a pool safety certificate when selling or pool safety legislation. leasing a property with a pool or spa. Under pool fencing laws, Council can Council has Licensed Pool Safety Inspectors inspect and issue on-the-spot fines to pool who can conduct pool safety inspections and owners who do not have adequate pool issue Pool Safety Certificates (fees apply). fencing. If you are selling, buying or leasing Alternatively, you can engage a private your property, you must obtain a pool safety Pool Safety Inspector. Visit the Queensland certificate (Form 23) from a licensed Pool Government Pool Safety website for more Safety Inspector. For more information information about swimming pool safety on pool fencing requirements, visit the requirements and to search for a licensed Queensland Government’s website Pool Safety Inspector. www.poolfencing.qld.gov.au

1826 27 ROADS AND TRAFFIC

Cairns Regional Council is responsible for 1034km of sealed urban roads, 644km of rural roads, around 500km of footpaths and cycle paths, 113 footbridges and around 200 bus shelters. It invests over $9 million each year on road works and road maintenance to build new roads, fix and patch pot holes and cracks, reseal and re-surface roads, repair and install kerb and channel, and sweep our streets.

Council looks after the majority of roads within the local government area, including visit www131940.qld.gov.au or follow suburban roads, with the exception of @131940_fnnq Twitter feed. highways which are controlled by the Queensland Government. Reporting issues with roads Contact Council by phone on 1300 69 22 47 Across Queensland, a 50km/h speed limit or make an online customer request via our applies to most local suburban residential website or MyCairns app to report damage streets in built-up areas, unless otherwise to any Council-controlled roads. sign-posted. Local streets are used mainly to access homes and private property and For issues on Queensland Government carry neighbourhood traffic. Arterial roads controlled roads (listed on the left), and major suburban routes have a speed contact DTMR on telephone 13 19 40. limit of 60km/h unless a higher speed limit is sign-posted. Traffic signals at intersections are maintained by DTMR. To report damage The Queensland Government Department or faults, call the Far North Region Traffic of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) is Management Centre on 13 19 40. responsible for building and maintaining State and Federal controlled roads (major Street lighting arterial and connecting roads). DTMR- There are over 16,000 street lights across managed roads include the Captain Cook the Cairns region, most of which are Highway, Kennedy Highway, Mulgrave Road, owned and maintained by Ergon Energy. To Sheridan Street, Ray Jones Drive, Reservoir report faulty or damaged street lighting in Road, Anderson Street, Bruce Highway and residential areas, contact Ergon Energy on Gilles Highway. Council maintains all other 13 10 46. rural and suburban roads. Street lighting on highways is the To find out about roadworks or hazards responsibility of DTMR. To report faulty on Queensland Government-controlled lighting on highways or to request new roads, contact DTMR by phone 13 19 40, highway lighting, contact DTMR on 13 19 40.

1826 27 WATER AND WASTE WHICH BIN do I put it in? All of the Cairns region’s water demand. This is subject to storage water supplies come from either volume in Copperlode Falls Dam, water flow Red Lid Bin Yellow Lid Bin levels at the run-of-river intakes, daily water General Items Recyclable Items “run of river” intakes or the consumption and time of year. food scraps glass bottles catchment at Copperlode Falls Dam. and jars Subscribe to water restriction notifications on the My Cairns app or check Council’s website Copperlode Falls Dam, built in 1976, for current information and permitted watering times, as well as practical tips to is the primary water supply source garden waste plastic bottles help you save water at home. and containers for Cairns city and suburbs. This supply is supplemented by Waste and resource recovery Behana Creek and several low > Bin collections volume rural sources. disposable aluminium and Residential properties are issued with one nappies steel cans general waste wheelie bin (red or green lid) and one recycling wheelie bin (yellow lid).

Use the MyCairns app to find your collection Water supply day and set a bin day reminder, or search paper and polystyrene cardboard The Cairns suburban water supply comes for your collection day at from Copperlode Falls Dam and Behana www.cairns.qld.gov.au/bins. Creek. There are also several low volume run-of-river intakes that supply rural The red/green lid bin is for communities in Division 1. Council treats general household waste including No plastic bags and tests the water to meet the Australian 3 Food scraps Drinking Water Guidelines, ensuring we 3 General household waste Still not sure? Go to recycleright.cairns.qld.gov.au or request a comprehensive pantry card call continually deliver safe, reliable and high 3 Plastic bags 1300 MyCairns quality drinking water to the community. 3 Garden waste 7 No hazardous waste (flares, batteries, Water conservation gas bottles, paints, oils etc.) 7 No building material, soil etc. Our region receives some of the highest 7 No recyclable material rainfall in Australia, but a growing population and limited water storage The yellow lid bin is for capacity means it’s important for residents recyclable materials including: and businesses to use water wisely. As most 3 Glass bottles and jars of our rainfall occurs during the wet season, 3 Plastic bottles and containers our water storage facilities can run low 3 Aluminium and steel cans towards the end of the dry season. 3 Paper and cardboard 7 No plastic bags. Permanent water conservation measures Do not bag your recycling! apply to all properties year round – including 7 No organic material different watering days for odd and even (food scraps, garden waste etc.) numbered properites, and no sprinklers allowed at all on Mondays. Hand-held hoses > Bin use with a trigger nozzle, watering cans and To make sure your bin is collected, there’s a buckets can be used at any time. few things you need to do: > position the bin before 6:00am on the Staged restrictions may come into effect day of collection during extended dry periods to help manage > place the bin on the footpath next to the kerb, handle towards the house

1828 29 WHICH BIN do I put it in?

Red Lid Bin Yellow Lid Bin General Items Recyclable Items

food scraps glass bottles and jars

garden waste plastic bottles and containers

disposable aluminium and nappies steel cans

paper and polystyrene cardboard LARGE RELEVANT PIC HERE No plastic bags

Still not sure? Go to recycleright.cairns.qld.gov.au or request a comprehensive pantry card call 1300 MyCairns

> ensure waste and recycling bins are detectors, green waste, general household placed at least 50cm apart waste and unused household furnishings. > do not overfill bins, the lid must close fully You can also take household recyclable items > do not overload the bin (maximum weight such as paper, cardboard, steel, aluminium, is 70 kilograms) plastic and glass to your local transfer station > no hazardous waste (flares, batteries, FREE of charge (excluding Bramston Beach gas bottles) Waste Disposal Site).

> Transfer stations For operating hours and disposal fees, see Council operates transfer stations at Council’s website or phone Customer Service Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale and on 1300 69 22 47. Babinda. These are not a landfill or dump. Transfer stations receive and separate > Buy Back Shop self-hauled domestic waste for transfer and Council’s Buy Back Shop, located next to the disposal to recycling facilities. Portsmith Transfer Station, is a popular place to find a ‘unique little something’. The Buy You can take these items to the transfer Back Shop is open 9am to 4pm, Wednesday station (fees apply): oils, paints and spray to Sunday. Direct access is via the signed paint cans, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, gate at the roundabout; you do not need to go tyres, medical waste, batteries, smoke through the weighbridge pay station.

1828 29 COMMON NEIGHBOURHOOD COMPLAINTS

Rats and mice Noise and environmental Rats and mice can damage property, eat or nuisance contaminate food and cause health problems Council administers laws covering (including transmitting disease). environmental nuisances such as noise from You can take simple steps to ensure your own building work, power tools, pool pumps, air buildings and garden vegetation do not attract conditioners and barking dogs, as well as or provide shelter for vermin, or encourage issues relating to community safety hazards, vermin to breed. The most effective way is to dust, odour, light and smoke. remove their food source and shelter. If vermin persist, engage a licenced pest controller who The Queensland Environmental Protection can check your property and give solid advice. Act 1994 restricts when certain devices can be used: Council uses different methods to reduce rat and mice numbers in public areas without > Building work (including altering harming our native wildlife, including native or demolishing a building) rat species such as the giant white-tailed rat - No audible noise between 6:30pm and (Uromys caudimaculatus). We also respond 6:30am on a business day or Saturday; to public complaints of vermin at food and other businesses. - No audible noise permitted at any time on any other days (including Sundays and Graffiti public holidays). Graffiti is the illegal and wilful damage of property. Graffiti management and prevention > Regulated devices (including compressors, is a shared responsibility between Council, ducted vacuuming systems, generators, Police and the community. grass-cutters, impacting tools, leaf- blowers, mulchers, electrical, mechanical Council is responsible for removing graffiti or pneumatic power tools such as from community assets and infrastructure chainsaws, drills, electric grinder or owned and/or managed by Council (eg, roads, sanders, electric welders or nailguns) footpaths, street signs, rubbish bins, council buildings etc). Highest priority is the removal of - No audible noise permitted between obscene, offensive, racist or defamatory graffiti 7pm and 7am on a business day or Saturday and vandalism on prominent sites. To report - No audible noise permitted between graffiti on Council property, phone 1300 69 22 7pm and 8am on any other days 47 or lodge an online service request via our (including Sundays and public holidays). website or My Cairns app. > Pumps (including pool/spa pumps, Private property owners or occupiers electrical, mechanical or pneumatic pumps) are responsible for removing graffiti on their premises. This includes residential, - No audible noise permitted between commercial and industrial property. Remove 10pm and 7am graffiti as soon as possible after reporting it, - No audible noise permitted between as graffiti that is left tends to attract more. 7am and 7pm if noise exceeds 5dB(A) Contact the Cairns District Police Centre on above the background level 4030 7000 to report graffiti damage on private property. - No audible noise permitted between 7pm and 10pm if noise exceeds 3dB(A) above the If you see someone vandalising property with background level. graffiti you should contact the Queensland Police Service immediately on 131 444. If you > Air-conditioners must not be used at have information on graffiti vandalism, phone any time if noise exceeds 5dB(A) above Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. the background level.

1830 31 Trees and vegetation you can be held liable for any damage caused Council or State legislation may protect trees to adjacent and neighbouring properties. and other vegetation on your property. Please check with Council whether you require a Littering and illegal dumping permit before you prune or remove trees. Litter is everything from discarded cigarette butts and soft drink cans, to dumped shopping Take care to plant the right tree for your trolleys, building waste, chemical containers, location. Seek professional advice from tyres and garden debris. nursery staff about the suitability of trees before you purchase and plant them. Don’t Litter and dumping impacts the look of our plant large growing trees on small properties community and costs millions of dollars to or near buildings and powerlines. Keep trees clean up. It can also have significant safety, pruned to prevent damage to property during health, economic and environmental impacts. storms or cyclones. Be sure to dispose of your household waste Blocked drains responsibly, using your red/green and yellow- Council receives over 500 calls every year from lid wheelie bins. Take excess waste to your residents requesting assistance with drainage nearest Transfer Station for proper disposal. problems. Free disposal is offered for items such as Drains on local roads are regularly inspected hand-held batteries, electronic waste (TVs, and cleaned, with annual inspections done monitors and computer equipment) and mobile before each wet season to address any flow phones. Metal household appliances with capacity issues. electronic components (eg microwaves, white goods and kettles) are also accepted free of Illegal dumping of green waste and household charge as scrap metal. rubbish in drains and easements increases the risk of flooding to properties. If you are Council offers a number of free green waste concerned about flooding after heavy rain and disposal periods each year, so you can clean the water is not draining away, or you wish up your yard and drop off your domestic garden to report illegal dumping in drains, contact clippings at no cost. Council to report the exact location. There are hefty penalties for littering or If you have an easement on your property, you illegally dumping of waste, with fines of up to must ensure you do not obstruct the free flow $16,500. You can help keep Cairns clean by of water along the drainage pathway. Dumping reporting littering or illegal dumping via the My waste, planting garden beds or building fences Cairns app, Council’s website online form or by across the flow path are all examples of phoning 1300 69 22 47. activities that can obstruct stormwater flow. If you deliberately obstruct a drainage easement,

1830 31 COUNCILLORS INFORMATION

The Councillors represent nine divisions, and each Councillor is Division 4 elected by eligible voters in each Councillor Terry James Phone: 4044 3074 division. The Mayoralty is decided E: [email protected] on a majority popular vote across the entire local government area. To find your Division, check the interactive map on the Electoral Division 5 Commission of Queensland website. Councillor Amy Eden Phone: 4044 3075 E: [email protected]

Mayor Division 6 Councillor Bob Manning OAM Councillor Kristy Vallely Phone: 4044 3083 Phone: 4044 3076 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Division 1 Division 7 Councillor Brett Moller Councillor Max O’Halloran Phone: 4044 3071 Phone: 4044 3077 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Division 2 Division 8 Councillor Rob Pyne Councillor Rhonda Coghlan Phone: 4044 3072 Phone: 4044 3078 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Division 3 Division 9 Councillor Cathy Zeiger Councillor Brett Olds Phone: 4044 3073 Phone: 4044 3079 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

1832 33 SISTER CITIES

Minami, Japan year-round warmth and sunshine make the city (formerly Hiwasa) since 1969 a popular annual destination for Americans and Hiwasa became Cairns’ first Canadians escaping the cold. Consequently, sister city in 1969. In 2006, almost 40 per cent of residents are employed Hiwasa and neighbouring in the tourism industry. The city is steeped in town Yuki merged and Native American culture and cowboy lore, and is were renamed Minami. officially “The West’s most western town.” The relationship was Riga, Latvia, sparked by the Mayor of Hiwasa’s interest in since 1988 the Loggerhead turtle and the decision by Cairns to send an example for display at the Hiwasa The mayors of Riga and museum. Minami has approximately 10,000 Cairns forged their sister residents and is located on the island of Shikoku city relationship at the in the south east of the Japanese archipelago. International Sister Cities Convention hosted by Cairns Lae, Papua New in 1988. The capital and Guinea, since 1984 largest city in Latvia, with approximately 645,000 The second largest city in inhabitants, Riga was founded in 1201 and is a Papua New Guinea, Lae former Hanseatic League member. This history is shares a similar history recognised in UNESCO World Heritage status for to Cairns, being founded its city centre. Riga lies on the central western on gold mining and then coast of Latvia and provides an important port on agriculture. Located on the Baltic Sea. the central east coast, the city is home to Papua New Guinea’s largest port and acts as the entry Oyama, Japan, point to road travel into the central highlands. It since 2006 is considered the industrial capital of the country. Surrounded by centuries- Lae has a population of approximately 100,000. old rice fields and industrial mega-factories for some of Sidney, Canada, Japan’s biggest companies, since 1984 Oyama is well known for Like Cairns, Sidney is its mix of traditional and a year-round tourist contemporary lifestyles. Located in the central destination with an extensive region of Honshu Island, the largest of the waterfront and artificial Japanese island chain, the city has a population reef. Associated industries of approximately 164,000 people. include fishing, ocean science and marina operation. It is located at the Zhanjiang, China, northern end of Vancouver Island, at the extreme since 2004 south west of Canada and has a population of One of China’s four major approximately 11,500 residents. sugarcane areas, Zhanjiang has a lot of parallels with Scottsdale, USA, Cairns. The most recent since 1987 city to forge a relationship Scottsdale, in the desert with Cairns, it is also the state of Arizona, is largest with approximately 7 million residents. considered one of the On the South China Sea, Zhanjiang is China’s world’s premier golf southern-most port, part of the southern and resort destinations. economic zone and close to Hong Kong, The population of making it a hub for mining, mineral exploration, approximately 227,000 swells dramatically the petrochemical industry, off-shore oil during the North American winter, when its exploration, agriculture and marine products.

1832 33 COUNCIL CONTACTS Caravan and camping grounds Bramston Beach Ph: 4067 4121 Cairns Regional Council NRMA Cairns Holiday Park Ph: 1800 259 977 Post: PO Box 359 CAIRNS QLD 4870 Fitzroy Island Ph: 4044 6700 Email: [email protected] NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park Ph: 1800 736 741 Website: www.cairns.qld.gov.au My Cairns App (available free for iOS & Android) Babinda Rotary Park Facebook: www.facebook.com/ (free, no bookings required, 72 hour stay limit) CairnsRegionalCouncil Babinda Boulders Phone: 1300 69 22 47 (free, no bookings required, 72 hour stay limit) Customer Service Centres Fitzroy Island Ph: 4044 6700 Cairns: Council Administration Centre, Esplanade and Lagoon 119-145 Spence St, Open 8.30am-4.30pm Ph: 4044 3715 (8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday) weekdays. Closed public holidays. Ph: 1300 69 22 47 (24/7) Libraries Babinda, 24 Munro St Ph: 4067 8400 Smithfield:Inside Smithfield Library, Cairns City, 151 Abbott St Ph: 4044 3720 Cheviot St, Open 9am – noon weekdays, closed public holidays Earlville Stockland Shopping Centre Ph: 4044 3766 Edmonton, 175 Bruce Hwy Ph: 4044 3735 Gordonvale: Inside Gordonvale Library, Gordonvale, 88 Norman St Ph: 4044 3778 88 Norman St, Open 9am – noon weekdays, closed public holidays Manunda Raintrees Shopping Centre Ph: 4044 3779 Smithfield, Cheviot St Ph: 4044 3711 Earlville: Inside Earlville Library, Stockland Stratford, 11 Kamerunga Rd Ph: 4044 3733 Shopping Centre, Open 9am-noon weekdays, closed public holidays www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Pound Babinda: Inside Babinda Library, 24 Munro St, Earlville, 161 McCoombe St Ph: 1300 69 22 47 Open 9am – 3pm (closed 12:30-1:30pm for lunch) weekdays, closed public holidays Swimming Pools After Hours Emergencies Babinda, 26 Church St Ph: 4067 1211 Ph: 1300 69 22 47 (24/7) Gordonvale, 79 Sheppard St Ph: 4056 1353 Smithfield, Captain Cook Hwy Ph: 4057 7720 Disaster Coordination Centre Tobruk Memorial Pool, Sheridan St Ph: 4051 2604 Ph: 4044 3377 Woree, Pool Cl Ph: 4054 6964 Barlow Park Waste and Recycling Facilities Corner Scott & Severin sts, Parramatta Park Ph: 4044 3645 Buy Back Shop (9am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday) 37-51 Lyons St Portsmith Ph:1300 69 22 47 Cairns Botanic Gardens Babinda Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 78-96 Collins Ave, Edge Hill Ph: 4032 6650 Gordonvale Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 Tanks Arts Centre Portsmith Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill Ph: 4032 6600 Smithfield Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 Cairns Performing Arts Centre Bramston Beach Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 Cnr Sheridan and Florence sts, Cairns Ph: 4050 7775 Other emergency contacts Ticketlink Police, Ambulance, Fire (emergencies only) Ph: 000 Box office open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday; State Emergency Service (SES) Ph: 132 500 9am-1pm Saturday. Closed public holidays. Ergon Energy (for power emergencies and urgent Ph:1300 855 835 hazardous situations) Ph: 13 22 96

34 3518 Caravan and camping grounds NEW RESIDENTS CHECKLIST Bramston Beach Ph: 4067 4121 NRMA Cairns Holiday Park Ph: 1800 259 977 Fitzroy Island Ph: 4044 6700 NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park Ph: 1800 736 741 Babinda Rotary Park (free, no bookings required, 72 hour stay limit) Babinda Boulders Council Services Banking (free, no bookings required, 72 hour stay limit) • Download the free My Cairns app and • Notify change of contact details sign up for notifications from Council Fitzroy Island Ph: 4044 6700 Car Esplanade and Lagoon  Check general waste (red/green lid bin) • Update your residential address Ph: 4044 3715 (8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday) weekly collection day. Set a reminder in details for your Driver’s Licence Libraries your My Cairns app. and car registration (contact Babinda, 24 Munro St Ph: 4067 8400 Queensland Transport 13 23 80) • Visit your local library and become a Cairns City, 151 Abbott St Ph: 4044 3720 Cairns Libraries member • Update your road service Earlville Stockland Shopping Centre Ph: 4044 3766 (eg, RACQ) membership details Edmonton, 175 Bruce Hwy Ph: 4044 3735 • Know what days you can water your gardens (permitted watering times) Gordonvale, 88 Norman St Ph: 4044 3778 Medical Manunda Raintrees Shopping Centre Ph: 4044 3779 Phone and Power • Check location of local hospitals and medical centres Smithfield, Cheviot St Ph: 4044 3711 • Arrange telephone connection Stratford, 11 Kamerunga Rd Ph: 4044 3733 • Locate closest dentist, • Connect electricity www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library optometrist etc. (Ergon Energy 13 10 46) Pound • Update your contact details Earlville, 161 McCoombe St Ph: 1300 69 22 47 • Check current mobile phone with Medicare and your private provider coverage Swimming Pools health fund Babinda, 26 Church St Ph: 4067 1211 • Update your residential address details Schools and childcare with your mobile phone provider to Gordonvale, 79 Sheppard St Ph: 4056 1353 • Check locations and ensure you will receive Emergency Smithfield, Captain Cook Hwy Ph: 4057 7720 contact details Alert warnings by text message Tobruk Memorial Pool, Sheridan St Ph: 4051 2604 Pets Woree, Pool Cl Ph: 4054 6964 Electoral roll • Register your dog with Council Waste and Recycling Facilities • Update your enrolment details for federal, state and local government Buy Back Shop (9am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday) • Identify closest veterinary practice elections (forms available at 37-51 Lyons St Portsmith Ph:1300 69 22 47 www.aec.gov.au or at Australia • Update microchip information Babinda Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 Post offices) Gordonvale Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 • Check pet vaccination/treatment Portsmith Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 House due dates Smithfield Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 • Update home, contents and vehicle insurance covers Bramston Beach Waste Transfer Station Ph: 1300 69 22 47 • Redirect mail Other emergency contacts • Ensure your house is clearly Police, Ambulance, Fire (emergencies only) Ph: 000 numbered so the postie, visitors and State Emergency Service (SES) Ph: 132 500 emergency services can find you easily. Ergon Energy (for power emergencies and urgent hazardous situations) Ph: 13 22 96

34 3518 CAIRNS

www.cairns.qld.gov.au My Cairns App (available free for iOS and Android) www.facebook.com/CairnsRegionalCouncil 1300 69 22 47 KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON This booklet is for personal, educational and non-commercial purposes only. Please note that while every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct and current as at the date of publication, Council does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability of any such information and makes no warranty or representation about the contents of this booklet.