General News
29 September, 2025
New Palm Cove affinity
A NEW advocacy and lobby group has emerged at Palm Cove.
Resident Peter Bon is leading Palm Cove Alliance and has established a committee of seven.
He said the group had been working on the initiative for several months now.
“It’s purely coincidental that we’re finalising everything at the same time as the Advance Palm Cove closure announcement – our work is not a direct response to that situation,” Mr Bon said.
Last week Advance Palm Cove disbanded, blaming the state government, Cairns Regional Council and other stakeholders for “neglecting” the seaside suburb.
Its president, Robert van den Hoven, also blamed apathy, with a lack of people interested in joining the group’s committee to continue their lobbying and advocacy efforts.
Mr Bon said there were positive developments in Palm Cove and that progress was being made.
He said at this stage the committee and other aspects of the group remained under wraps until its incorporation was approved and a social media presence was established.
Mr Bon said none of them had financial business interests in Palm Cove but were “passionate” about the village.
The group has made presentations to the council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and state government representatives.
Mr Bon said the alliance was “a collaborative voice for our economic future”.
“Palm Cove stands as one of Far North Queensland’s premier destinations, renowned for its natural beauty, distinctive character and vibrant community spirit,” he said.
“Currently contributing $345 million to the regional economy and supporting 1825 jobs, Palm Cove is far from a destination in decline – it’s an economic powerhouse that deserves strategic investment and planning.
“Some suggest Palm Cove’s best days are behind it. We fundamentally disagree.
“Palm Cove isn’t dying, it requires renewed investment, smart planning and stronger partnerships to unlock its full potential as both an economic driver and world-class tourism destination.
“This is why we’ve established the Palm Cove Alliance – to provide a unified community voice and work collaboratively with the council, government and stakeholders to secure Palm Cove’s sustainable future.”
Mr Bon said the alliance was “community-driven, politically independent and results-focused”.
Mr Bon said the alliance’s immediate priorities were activating, updating, funding and delivering the 2021 master plan, protecting the suburb’s unique character to prevent inappropriate development, improving parking and traffic management to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists and developing world-class eco-tourism infrastructure to match the internationally significant Wangetti Trail.
The alliance has produced a slick 16-minute video about their group and aims. Visit www.bit.ly/3IojPjW
