State Development Minister Cameron Dick has formally approved the convention centre upgrade, with only minor changes and additions to the submitted plans. The original construction timeframe was to have work commence in June and be completed by November this year; due to the subsequently announced ban on large gatherings, there will be no disruption to business in any event.

During the consultation phase, Dick did not receive any formal objections to the project – the only submission was from Cairns Regional Council, which was broadly supportive.

As a result, Dick has made only minor changes relating to traffic management, particularly during major events, and the need for a 2m wide footpath to be accommodated into the plans along Wharf and Sheridan streets. He has also canvassed stormwater and flooding issues.

The upgraded convention centre will feature a rooftop Sky Terrace, with views over Trinity Inlet, prompting Dick to ask that a new or updated noise assessment be done. Existing modelling took into account the impact of any booming male voices still in the bar at 1am.

Overall, the additional 3000 square metres of meeting, banquet and exhibition space will allow multiple large conferences or conventions to be held at the same time. It had been expected to provide a $30-50 million economic boost to the region, however that may depend on the strength of the region’s post-pandemic recovery.