General News
19 July, 2026
Mayor’s showtime
CAIRNS Mayor Amy Eden has taken to social media to promote redevelopment of the Cairns Showgrounds which has yet to be funded and seemingly does not include housing and/or hotels which were originally envisaged.
She has also shown AI-generated concept images as part of a federal government funded $850,000 ‘major events precinct masterplan’. She says the images “are intended to inspire ideas and imagination only”.
In her Facebook post, Cr Eden urges readers not to “scroll past this”.
“Seriously. This is one of the biggest city shaping conversations Cairns will have for generations,” she said.
“The biggest risk isn’t getting this wrong. The biggest risk is good people saying nothing.
“Behind the walls of the Cairns Showgrounds sits 26 hectares of public land, about the size of 430 suburban house blocks, right on the edge of our CBD.
“What we create here won’t just shape the next few years. It has the potential to shape the next 150.
“This isn’t about redeveloping the showgrounds. It’s about creating Cairns’ next iconic place.
“Before anyone jumps to conclusions, let me reassure you that the Cairns Show will continue to have a home here.
“The Cairns Show isn’t defined by its buildings. It’s defined by the memories we make there. The rides, the animals, the competitions, the food, the traditions and the generations of families who come together each year.
“This conversation is about how we can create an even better home for those experiences while also making this incredible piece of public land somewhere people love to visit every other day of the year.
“Think about why you love the Esplanade. It’s not just the Lagoon. It’s not just the restaurants. It’s not just the boardwalk or parklands. It’s because it gives us countless reasons to keep coming back.
“Imagine if we had the opportunity to create another place like that. A place that’s alive every day.
“Somewhere to grab a coffee, meet friends, enjoy a concert, wander through tropical parklands, discover a beautiful creek instead of a concrete drain or simply sit under the shade and watch the world go by.
“Great cities aren’t remembered because they have nice buildings. They’re remembered because they have places people love. Places where life happens.
“That’s the opportunity sitting behind those walls. Not to build something bigger, but to build somewhere people simply can’t imagine Cairns without.
“So, I’m asking one thing. Dream. Don’t tell us what you think will happen. Tell us what you hope could happen. This land belongs to all of us and I’d genuinely love to hear your ideas.”
The Cairns Show Association has responded favourably.
“We’d love to continue doing what we love – sharing agriculture, education, entertainment and community with the people of Cairns for generations to come. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities, not just for the annual Cairns Show, but for creating a space that can host even more community events, exhibitions and experiences throughout the year.”
The community is urged to have their say until 9 August 2026. Visit www.cnslocal.s.gy/xOF8Go
