Community
23 March, 2025
People urged to show vision
A PALM Cove business leader is urging the community not to quickly dismiss an idea of creating a safe harbour and swimming lagoon at the northern end of the seaside village.
Advance Palm Cove (APC) president Robert van den Hoven said architect Gary Hunt’s vision for Palm Cove was an idea which people had been quick to condemn.
“Simply criticising without offering solutions does not help. Instead, we aim to foster discussions, generate ideas and push for action,” he said on the organisation’s Facebook page.
“It’s easy to criticise, but real progress comes from solutions. Instead of one-liners, let’s hear a well-thought-out alternative plan for Palm Cove’s future – one that supports businesses, encourages tourism and benefits residents.
“If you have a serious proposal, let’s discuss it. Otherwise, constant negativity helps no one and Palm Cove will just continue to decline.”
Mr van den Hoven said it was acknowledged that people were concerned that the caravan park would have to move if the plan was implemented.
He also recognised concerns by the fishing community.
Mr van den Hoven said in the past there were projects which faced “scepticism before proving their value”, including the transformation of the Palm Cove golf course into Ocean’s Edge, the development of Argentea Estate, the renewal of the old Trinity Beach shops into the vibrant hub they were today and the construction of the Cairns Lagoon, which was widely opposed but was now a major asset.
Mr van den Hoven said in the last two years APC prioritised Palm Cove’s long-standing car parking issue, which dated back to 2006.
He said the idea for remote car parking along the highway was rejected and not supported by the local community.
“Our proposal for an underground car park under Tom Mc Donald Park (Oliva Street) was not supported by the local community,” Mr van den Hoven said.
“Our roundabout and overpass proposal was rejected by the state government.
“Instead, we are getting traffic lights due to safety concerns linked to the approved fuel station, fast food outlet and shops at the highway crossing. We are still fighting this.”
Mr van den Hoven is urging people to come forward with their ideas to revitalise Palm Cove, after years of decline.
“Constructive discussions lead to solutions. Negativity without action leads to stagnation,” he said.
