Major Town Centre at Cairns Beaches to Go Ahead

The State Government has approved plans to develop a new town centre at Smithfield, central to the northern beaches of Cairns.

The $500 million dollar plan will ultimately create 2,500 jobs with further jobs created from flow-on effects and provide a timely economic boost to the region.

Developer Steve Pellegrino said that the decision would be a catalyst for further growth along the northern beaches, including expansion of the James Cook University campus and major road and infrastructure upgrades.

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Cairns Looking to be Main Base for Mine Workers

Planning has begun to help Cairns overtake Townsville as the second biggest fly-in, fly-out base for Australia's mining industry.

Local industry leaders met this week and identified up to 80 long to medium-term resource projects that could be supported from Cairns, which provided a beautiful environment and lifestyle for FIFO workers and their families.

Queensland Resources Council deputy chief executive Greg Lane said Cairns was in an ideal position to take advantage of expanding its FIFO base with billions of dollars of mining projects coming on line soon.

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New Flights Bring "Quiet Confidence" Back to Local Tourism

Experts estimate that the new international flights coming to Cairns from next week have the potential to generate approximately $100 million per year in visitor expenditure.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Stephen Gregg said "The reinstatement of services between Cairns and Osaka means our region once again has access to the important western Japan tourism market."

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive office Rob Gaison said there was quiet confidence within the industry the flights would allow operators to claw back the 106,000 overseas visitors lost in 2009 and the $194 million they would have spent.

Full article: www.smartlinecairns.com/newsletterupload/100313flights.pdf

Coastal Properties Expected to Perform in 2010

Cameron Kusher, senior research analyst with rpdata.com, asserts that although fewer 'sea changers' and retirees caused coastal markets to under-perform throughout 2009, rpdata.com expects that these coastal markets will notch up strong performance in 2010.

"Many factors are contributing to a more confident market including lower unemployment rate, strong consumer and business confidence and still lower-than-average interest rates.”

"The renewed confidence should see demand pick up in lifestyle regions and as a result prices should begin to strengthen.”

Full article: http://www.nmddata.com.au/newsletter/2010-03/03.html