living in cairns
DESCRIPTION
A guide to living, working and playing in Cairns for prospective, new and existing residents.TRANSCRIPT
A guide to living, working and playing in the tropical north
LIVING IN CAIRNS
ABOUT CAIRNS 4 History&heritage 4 Climateandweather 4 Industryandeconomy 5 Housing 5 Educationfacilities 5 Childcareandearlychildhoodservices 5 Shopping 6 Gettingaround 6 Cyclingandwalking 6 Publictransportandcoachservices 6 Rail 6 Airport 6 Seaport 6 Carparking 6 HealthServices 7 Hospitals 7 Communityhealthservices 7CYCLONES 8 NATURAL HAZARDS 10 Crocodiles 10 Mosquitoes 10 Beachsafety 11 Sunsafety 11ARTS AND CULTURE 12 CairnsCivicTheatre 12 TanksArtsCentre 12 CairnsLibraries 12 CairnsRegionalGallery 13 CairnsConventionCentre 13 Festivalsandcelebrations 13PARKS AND GARDENS 14 CairnsEsplanade 14 CairnsBotanicGardens 14 CattanaWetlands 14 SugarworldGardens 15 SugarworldWaterpark 15 BabindaBoulders 15 CrystalCascades 15 MtWhitfieldConservationPark 15SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING 16 ActiveLivingclasses 16 Publicswimmingpools 16 CairnsInternationalTennisCentre 16 Cyclingandwalking 16 BarlowParkmulti-sportsfacility 17 Boatramps 17 Campinggroundsandcaravanparks 17MARKETS 18 CairnsEsplanademarkets 18 TanksArtsCentremarkets 18 HollowaysBeachforeshoremarkets 18 PalmCovemarkets 18 PortsNorthcruiselinermarkets 18
ABOUT CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL 20Councilmeetings,agendasandminutes 20 Rates,feesandcharges 20 Payingyourrates 21 Pensionerremission 21COMMUNITY SERVICES 22 Cemeteries 22 Citizenship 22 Communitygroups 22 Communityhallsandcentres 22 Communitysafety 22 Disabilitysupport 22 Assistedwastecollection 22 serviceforelderly/infirm 22 Carparkingpermits 23 Multiculturalservices 23 Sustainability 23PETS AND ANIMALS 24 Registrationandmicrochipping 24 Outandaboutwithyourdog 24 Lostpets 25 Animalcomplaints 25BUILDING AND PLANNING 26 Swimmingpools,spasandwadingpools 26 Poolandspafencing 26ROADS AND TRAFFIC 27 Reportingissueswithroads 27 Streetlighting 27WATER AND WASTE 28 Watersupply 28 Waterconservation 28 Waste(recyclingandgarbage) 28 Bincollections 28 Transferstations 29 BuyBackShop 29COMMON NEIGHBOURHOOD 30 COMPLAINTS Ratsandmice 30 Graffiti 30 Noiseandenvironmentalnuisance 30 Treesandvegetation 31 Blockeddrains 31 Litteringandillegaldumping 31COUNCILLORS INFORMATION 32SISTER CITIES 33COUNCIL CONTACTS 34 Otheremergencycontacts 34NEW RESIDENTS CHECKLIST 35
CONTENTS
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Welcome From The Mayor Thisisaveryspecialpartoftheworldandourresidentsenjoyagreatwayoflife.Ourunparallelednaturalattractions,superbclimateandtropicallifestylemakethisoneofAustralia’smostdesirableplacestolive,visitanddobusiness.
Cairnsisafriendly,safeandsophisticatedinternationalcity,alivewithcharmandspirit.Wehaveworld-classschoolsanduniversities,healthservices,sportingandrecreationfacilities,andenjoyawonderfullydiverserangeofcommunityandculturalcelebrations.
Ouruniquepositionastheinternationalgatewaytotwooftheworld’smostpreciousandpristinenaturalwonders–theWorldHeritagelistedGreatBarrierReefandWetTropicsRainforest–makesthisoneofAustralia’smostpopulardestinationsforinternationalholidayvisitors.Cairnsisalsoapremierdestinationfornationalandinternationalconferencesandsportingevents,andweareproudtowelcometensofthousandsofdelegates,competitorsandspectatorsfromaroundtheworldtoourcityeachyear.
Iencourageyoutotakeadvantageofallthatourcityandregionhastooffer–fromtherelaxedlifestyle,tothebeachesandparks,riversandreef,marketsandcommunityevents.
MyfellowCouncillorsandIlookforwardtowelcomingyoutoourtropicalparadise.
Bob ManningBobManningOAMMayor
WELCOME
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CairnsistheinternationalgatewaytotwopreciousandpristineWorldHeritagelistednaturalwonders.
TheGreatBarrierReefistheworld’sbiggestmarineparkandhometomorethan9000speciesofcoral,birds,fishandmarinelife.The
WetTropicsrainforestisaliving,breathingarkandhometomany
plantsandanimalsfoundnowhereelseonearth.
Over158,000peopleresideinCairnsandthisisoneofAustralia’smostvibrantmulticulturalcities.People
frommorethan47nationschoosetocallCairnshome,witharound1300
immigrantstakingonAustraliancitizenshiphereeachyear.
CairnsisoneofAustralia’smostpopulardestinationsforinternational
holidaymakers.Wewelcomemorethan2.4millionpeopleeachyear,
withapproximatelyhalfofthisnumberfromoverseas.
TheCairnsRegionalCouncilareaencompasses1687km2oflandonanarrowcoastalstripbetweentheGreatDividingRangeandtheCoral
Sea.ItextendsfromtheEubenangeeSwamp(nearMirriwinni)inthesouth
totheMacalisterRangenearEllisBeach(justnorthofPalmCove)
inthenorth.
History and heritageCairnsisthetraditionalhomelandoftheBamarainforestAboriginalpeoplewhohavelivedhereforthousandsofyears.CairnsRegionalCouncilacknowledgesthecustodiansandfirstpeopleofthiscountry,andrespectstheirongoingrelationshipandresponsibilitytotheirlandandsea.
In1770,CaptainJamesCookwasthefirstknownEuropeantovisittheareawhereCairnsisnowlocated.Cairnswasfoundedin1876andgrewrapidlyduringtheGoldRusheraofthe1870s.Itwasdeclaredacityin1923.
Youcanexploretheregion’slocalheritagethroughourvariousheritagedrives,trailsandself-guidedwalks–includingtheSouthernheritagedrive,Freshwaterheritagetrail,Stratfordheritagetrail,CairnsheritagecitywalkandtheCairnsEsplanadeheritagewalk.
Climate and weatherTheCairnsregionischaracterisedbytwoseasons–thewetsummerseason,whichbeginsaroundNovemberandendsaroundMay,andthedrywinterseason.Beingamonsoonalclimate,mostrainfalloccursbetweenJanuaryandMarch.ThecycloneseasonisnormallyconfinedtobetweenDecemberandApril.Thedryseasonischaracterisedbylowhumidityandcoolbreezes,andisanidealtimeforleisureactivities.
Typicaldaytimetemperaturesrangefrom14to26C(52-78F)inmid-winter/dryseason,andfrom24to33C(75-91F)inmid-summer/wetseason.
ABOUT CAIRNS
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Industry and economyCairnsistropicalnorthQueensland’smajorcommercial,industrial,educational,retailandentertainmentcentre.ItprovidesadiverserangeofhighqualityprofessionalandbusinessservicesbothlocallyandinternationallytoourrapidlyexpandingAsiaPacificmarket.
Withwell-developedtransportandlogisticalnetworks,extensivehealthandeducationservices,ahighstandardofliving,affordablehousingandvibrantculturalamenities,theCairnsregionistheidealplacetolive,visitanddobusiness.
HousingTheCairnsregionoffersawidespreadofhousingoptionsandrates.Threeandfourbedroomhomeswithgoodsizedbackyardscanbefoundinmostsuburbs,andtheCairnsCBDoffersmanymodernapartmentcomplexes(includingsomewithstunningwaterviews)closetorestaurants,shopsandoffices.Thepopularanddistinctivehigh-set“Queenslander”homesareusuallyfoundintheoldersuburbsandtypifytraditionalCairnsarchitecture.Thesetraditionalhomesfeaturelargeverandahs,louvresandlatticetocapturethetropicalbreezesandareideallysuitedtoourtropicallifestyle.
Education facilitiesTheCairnsregionboastsafullrangeofqualityeducationfacilitiesfromkindergartenstoprimaryandsecondaryschools,tertiaryandvocationaleducationinstitutions.
Therearemorethan140schoolsincluding89stateprimaryschools,27statehighschools
and25private/non-governmentschools(somewithboardingfacilities).VisitEducationQueensland’swebsitewww.education.qld.gov.auforanonlinedirectoryofstate,independentandCatholicschools.
VocationalandtertiarytraininginstituteswithcampusesinCairnsincludeTAFEQueensland,JamesCookUniversityandCentralQueenslandUniversity.Anumberofprivate,registeredtrainingprovidersalsoofferawiderangeofaccreditedprograms.
TheGreatBarrierReefInternationalMarineCollegeisoneofthebestequippedmarinetrainingcentresinthesouthernhemisphereandcatersforlocal,nationalandinternationalstudents.
TheCairnsAviationSkillsCentre,locatedatCairnsAirport,isapurpose-builtaviationtrainingcentreofferinginternationallyrecognisedaircraftmaintenancequalifications.
Child care and early childhood servicesCairnsRegionalCouncildoesnotoperatechildcareservices.PrivatechildcarecentrescanbefoundinthetelephonedirectoryorontheAustralianGovernment’sMyChildonlinechildcareportalatwww.mychild.gov.au.
Anumberofplaygroupsoperatethroughouttheregion(mostlyduringschoolterms).Playgroupsprovidealow-cost,safeandsupportiveenvironmentforyoungchildren(frombirthtoschoolage)andparents/carerstosocialiseandplay.SearchforyournearestgrouponthePlaygroupwebsiteatwww.playgroupqld.com.au.
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PrivatebuslinesoperateservicescoveringPortDouglas,Kuranda,theAthertonTablelands,andInnisfail/MissionBeach.LongdistanceandinterstatecoachesoperatefromacentraldepotattheReefFleetTerminalontheCairnsEsplanade.
> RailQueenslandRailoperatesregularpassengerservicesbetweenBrisbaneandCairnsonthehigh-speedTiltTrain.
> AirportCairnsInternationalAirport(domesticandinternationalterminals)islocated7kmfromtheCBDandprovidesairlinkstoarangeofdomesticandinternationallocations.
Theairport’sgeneralaviationprecinctisabaseforfreightconsolidationbusinesses,rescuefirefightingservices,avionics,maintenance,charterflights,engineering,aviationskillstrainingandmore.
> SeaportThePortofCairnsisamulti-purposeregionalportthatcatersforbulkcargo,luxurycruiseliners,fishingfleetsandreefpassengerferries.ItisoneofAustralia’sbusiestinternationalcruiseshipterminals,andisalsohometotheHMASCairnsnavalbase.
> Car parking AvarietyofparkingisavailableinCairns,fromon-streetmeteredparkingtooff-streetcarparksandprivatelyoperatedfacilities.Counciloperatesmorethan1400meteredparkingspacesthroughouttheCairnscentralbusinessarea.Timelimitsareshownonsignsateitherendofeachgroupofmetersorticketmachine.
ShoppingCairnsiswellservicedbyhighqualityretailofferings,withseverallargeair-conditionedshoppingcentrestradingdaily.MajorcentresarelocatedatCairnsCentral,DFOWestcourt,MountSheridan,StocklandEarlville,Raintrees,RedlynchCentral,SmithfieldandCliftonBeach.Eachfeaturesmajorsupermarket/sandspecialityshops.
Thoselookingforsomethinguniquearealsospoiltforchoice,withoriginalpiecesonofferattheregion’smanyboutiquesandmarkets.
Getting aroundWithourlargenetworkofintegratedtransportservices,it’seasytogetaroundtheregion.
> Cycling and walking CairnsRegionalCouncilprovidesover450kmofoff-roadpaths(includingsharedpathssuitableforwalkersandcyclists)aswellasmanyon-roadbikelanesandwideshoulderssuitableforcycling,soyoucanexploreouruniqueregion.FindmapsofroutesintheCyclingandWalkingGuidesavailablefromCouncil’sCustomerServiceCentresorwebsite.
> Public transport and coach servicesPublicbusservicesinCairnsareprovidedbySunbusundercontracttotheQueenslandGovernment.CairnsRegionalCouncildoesnotcontrolbusroutes,timetablesorfares.
Sunbusoperatesthroughoutthecity,runningfromthenorthernbeachestothesouthernsuburbsviatheCBD,withthemajorSunbusbustransitareainLakeStreet. Forinformationaboutzones,fares,tickets,tickettypes,ticketpricesandconcessions,visitwww.sunbus.com.auorphone40577411.
ABOUT CAIRNS
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Health ServicesTheCairnsregionoffersafullrangeofhealthservicesincludingprivateandpublichospitals,communityhealthcentresandgeneralpractitioners,aswellasalliedhealthservicessuchasdentists,physiotherapists,optometristsandpharmacies.
> HospitalsCairnsHospitalisadministeredbytheQueenslandGovernmentandprovidespublichealthcarefortheCairnsHealthServiceDistrict.TheBabindaHospitalalsoprovideslocalisedhospitalandhealthservices.
>CairnsHospitalTheEsplanadeCairns Phone:40506333
>BabindaHospital128MunroStreet, BabindaQld4861Phone:40678200
CairnsPrivateHospitalOwnedandoperatedbyRamsayHealthCare,CairnsPrivateHospitaloffersacomprehensiverangeofmedicalandalliedservices.Phone:40525200,www.cairnsph.com.au
> Community health services QueenslandHealthprovidesCommunityHealthCentresatCairnsNorth,EdmontonandSmithfieldwhichofferarangeofservicesincludingchildandfamilyhealth,parentingprogramsandimmunisations.
TheJamesCookUniversityDentalSchoolattheuniversity’sSmithfieldcampusisateachingclinicofferingaffordable,comprehensivedentaltreatmentbyseniordentalstudentsundersupervisionbyexperiencedclinicalsupervisors.PhoneCairns1800050763orvisitwww.jcudental.comtofindoutmore.
WuchopperenisaholistichealthserviceforlocalAboriginalandTorresStraitIslandercommunities.Itprovidesprimaryandsocialhealthservices,includingtraditionalformsofhealingandwell-being.Phone:40801000orvisitwww.wuchopperen.com.
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Beingtropicalandlow-lying,theCairnsregionisparticularlyvulnerabletocyclonesandothernaturaldisasterssuchasfloods,
landslidesandeventsunami.It’svitalthatyourhousehold
isreadyandyouknowwhattodo,year-round.
Thecycloneseasonofficiallyrunsfrom1Novemberto30Aprileach
year. Thewetseasoniswhencyclonesandfloodsaremostlikelytooccur.
Cyclonesareviolenttropicalstormswithverystrongwindsandheavyrainthatcanalsogeneratestormsurge.
Thiscausesthesealeveltoriseaboveusuallevels,especiallyonhigh
tides,andmaypushwaterinland,threateninglifeandproperty.
Flashfloodingcanalsooccurattimesofheavyrain,causingwaterlevelstoriserapidlyin
residentialareas.
Therearethreeimportantstepstoremember:plan,packandlisten.
Plan First,planwhattododuringacycloneandknowifyoumayneedtoevacuate.Evacuationisonlyadvisedifstormsurgeisexpectedtoinundatedevelopedareas.Evacuationordersarenotissuedforcyclonicwind.Inmostcases,unlessyouareinadeclaredstormtidesurgezone,it’ssafesttoshelterathomeorgotofamilyorfriendsoutsidethreatenedareas.
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Tocheckifyouliveinoneofthethreestormtidesurgezones,lookinyourmeter/powerboxforared,orangeoryellowsticker.YoucanalsousetheStormTidePropertySearchonCouncil’swebsiteorpickupafreemapbookfromCouncil’scustomerservicecentreoryournearestlibrary.
Ifevacuationisadvised,announcementswillbemadeonradio,TV,Council’swebsiteandsocialmedia.Emergencyservicesmayalsodoorknockanduseloudhailersinaffectedareas.
Cairnshastwocyclone-ratedpublicsheltersthatarealastresortoptionforpeoplelivinginstormtidesurgezoneswhohaveabsolutelynowhereelsetogo.Thesheltersaretypicallycrowdedanduncomfortableandpetsarenotallowed
PackBeforeeachcycloneseason,taketimetopackyourhouseholdemergencykitwithenoughfood,water,clothingandmedicineforthreedays,pluscopiesofimportantdocuments.Forachecklistofwhattoputinyourkit,visitCouncil’swebsite(www.cairns.qld.gov.au/disaster)orcontacttheDisasterManagementUniton40443044.
ListenItisimportanttolistenbefore,duringandafteracyclone.Staytunedtolocalradioforimportantweatherupdatesandensureyouhavesparebatteriessoyoucankeeplisteningthroughouttheevent.
YoucanfollowCouncil’sdisastermessagesonourwebsiteandontheDisasterCo-ordinationCentre’sFacebook(CairnsDCC)andTwitter(@CairnsDCC)pages.
CYCLONES
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EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLISTCollectthefollowingitemsandmakesuretheyareineasyreachduringadisaster.
> Non-perishablefood (enoughfor3-4days)> Canopenerandutensils> Specialneedsforinfants, theagedandpeoplewithdisabilities> Petfood,waterandotheranimalneeds> Tentortarpaulin,andblankets> Othercampingequipment> Cash(ATMsmaynotbeworking)> Personaldocuments(insurance certificates,photographsetc)> Strongplasticbag (forclothingandvaluables)> Emergencyphonenumbers
> Battery-operatedradio (withsparebatteries)> Torch(withsparebatteries)> Candles,lighterand waterproofmatches> Firstaidkitandmanual> Combinationpocketknife> Portable(gas)stovewithfuel> Cookinggear> Waterinsealedcontainers (10Lperperson)> Medications> Toiletryandsanitarysupplies> Changeofclothesandstrongshoes
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CrocodilesEstuarine(saltwater)crocodilesareanimportantpartofnorthQueensland’swetlands,freshwaterandmarineenvironments.Asanativespeciesandalargepredator,theyhelpmaintainoverallecosystemhealthandbalance.
Crocodilesarepotentiallydangerous;theyaremostactiveatnightandduringtheannualbreedingseason(SeptembertoApril).Obeycrocodilewarningsignsandnevertakeunnecessaryrisksincrocodilehabitat.Neverswiminwaterwherecrocodilesmaylive,evenifthereisnowarningsignpresent.Takecarewhenfishingandcamping;don’tleavefoodscrapsonboatrampsoratcampsites.
ResidentscanreportsightingsofcrocodilesinurbanareastotheQueenslandGovernmenton1300130372.
Mosquitoes Cairnshasatropicalclimatewithlushrainforests,mangrovesandhighrainfall,allofwhichcontributetoidealbreedingconditionsformosquitoesandbitingmidges.
Allmosquitoesrequirewaterinwhichtobreed.Femaleslayeggsonthewater’ssurfaceoredge.Eggshatchintolarvae(wrigglers)whichliveunderthewaterandbecomepupae(tumblers)whichagainlive
underthewater,beforeemergingfromthewaterasanadultflyingmosquito.
ManymosquitoesarecarriersofdiseasessuchasMalaria,RossRiverFeverandDengueFever.Fortunately,noneofthesediseasesareendemictotheCairnsarea.
DengueFeveristransmittedwhenaStegomyiaaegyptimosquitobitesapersonwhoalreadyhasthevirusandthenbitesyou.Theviruscannotbespreaddirectlyfrompersontoperson,butonemosquitocanbiteandinfectyourwholefamily.TheDenguemosquitoisadomesticspeciesthatprimarilybreedsinstill,freshwaterinandaroundhouses,businessesandyards-incontainerssuchasbuckets,tyres,roofguttering,tarpaulins,boats,coconutshells,fallenpalmfronds,children’stoys,etc.
Ifyounoticemosquitoesbreedingaroundyourhome,youcanhelpstopthebreedingcyclebytippingoutallcontainersthatholdwaterandeitherstoretheminadryplaceorthrowthemoutifnotneeded.Protectyourselfandyourfamilyfrombeingbittenbyusingtropicalstrengthrepellentandensuringwindowanddoorscreensare‘bugtight’.
Seewww.cairns.qld.gov.au/dengueforinformationondefendingagainstDengueandcontrollingmosquitoes.
NATURAL HAZARDS
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Beach safetyOurregionhassomeofthemostbeautifulbeachesinQueensland.Tohelpyouenjoyyourvisitandstaysafe,CouncilprovideslifeguardservicesforbathersattheEsplanadeLagoon,onbeachesandonGreenIslandatcertaintimes.
MarinestingersliveinQueensland’stropicalwaters,andareofparticularconcernbetweenNovemberandJune(stingerseason).ThemostdangerousspeciesaretheBoxjellyfish(Chironexfleckeri)andtheIrukandji.Boxjellyfishstingscanbefatal,andhospitalisationmayresultfromthepainfulIrukandjisting.Largenettedstinger-resistantswimmingenclosures(marinestingernets)areinstalledatmajorpublicbeachesduringstingerseason.Thesehelptoprotectswimmersfromjellyfish,andwhiletheyaffordahighdegreeofprotection,theyarestinger‘resistant’notstinger‘proof’.
Beachswimmersshouldtakeprecautions:
> Swimatbeachespatrolledbylifeguards.
> Lookforandobservewarningsigns. Don’tswimwhenbeachesareclosed.
> Toavoidjellyfishstings,checkthebeach statuswiththebeachlifeguard.
> Wearastingersuitduringstingerseason (especiallyimportantforchildren).
Sun safetyItcantakeaslittleassixminutesofsunexposuretocauseskindamageinthetropics.Skincancer,unlikemanycancers,islargelypreventable.
Protectyourselfandreduceyourrisk.Wearsunscreen,protectiveclothing,abroad-brimmedhatandsunglasses.Whenoutdoorsforworkorplay,trytoholdyouractivitiesintheshadeortakeportableshade(egshadetent,canopyorumbrella).
Ourregionoffersawonderfullydiverserangeofculturaland
recreationopportunitiesforresidentsandvisitors.Therearemany
opportunitiestoembraceouruniquetropicalculture:fromartexhibitions,
museumsandgalleries,theatre,concertsandliveperformancesbylocalandvisitingtalent,aswellas
majorculturaldrawcardssuchastheannualCairnsFestivalandChinese
NewYearcelebrations.
Cairns LibrariesCairnsLibrariesoperatesbranchesatBabinda,City,Earlville,Edmonton,Gordonvale,Manunda,SmithfieldandStratford.AdditionalservicesincludeHomeboundLibraryandsatellitelibrariesinagedcarefacilities.
Librarymembershipisfreeforlocalresidents.It’seasytojoin–simplyfilloutthemembershipform(availableinbranchoronthewebsite)andbringidentificationverifyingyourcurrentresidentialaddresstoanybranch.Visitorscanalsobecomememberswithpaymentofafeeandproofofidentification.
Thelibrariesregularlypresentchildren’sstory-timeandbabyrhyme-timesessions,andofferinternetandPCaccess,meetingroomsforhire,photocopying,aprofessionalreferenceandinformationservice,PCgames,materialsinlanguagesotherthanEnglish,hotspeedreads,familyhistorymaterials,andresourcesfocusingonthelocalandfarnorthregion.
SeetheCouncillistingatthebackofthisbookletforbranchaddressesandcontactdetails,orvisitwww.cairnslibrary.com.auforbranchoperatinghours,librarycataloguesandmore.
Cairns Civic TheatreTheCairnsCivicTheatrepresentslocal,nationalandinternationalperformances.ThevenuewillholditslastperformanceinFebruary2016andwillthenbedemolishedtomakewayforthenewCairnsPerformingArtsCentre(partofThePrecinct)
Thestate-of-the-artCairnsPerformingArtsCentre(CPAC),atmorethantwicethesizeoftheCairnsCivicTheatre,willbeabletoaccommodatelargenationalandinternationaltouringproductions.Thenewpurpose-builtcentreisexpectedtoopeninearly2018.TocomplementCPAC,theadjacentMunroMartinParksiteisbeingtransformedintoalushtropicalparklandsforalltoenjoy.ExpectedtoopeninMay2016,theMunroMartinParklandswillfeatureacentralplazaandsmalloutdoorperformancespaceforhostingawiderangeofcommunityeventsandfestivals.
Tanks Arts CentreThiscommunityartsspaceisuniquelylocatedinthreerefurbishedWorldWarIIconcretefuelstoragetanks,withinthestunningCairnsBotanicGardensprecinctatEdgeHill.TheTanksoffersaneclecticmixofvisualandperformanceartsandworkshops.Findoutmoreatwww.tanksartscentre.com.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
Cairns Regional GalleryCairnsRegionalGallery(locatedatthecornerofAbbottandShieldsstreets)hostsexhibitionsoffineartsfrommajorAustralianandinternationalcollectionscoveringhistoricalandcontemporaryartincludingtheworkofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderartists.Italsoshowcasesthecreativityofartistsbasedthroughoutthetropicalnorth.Findoutmoreandcheckopeninghoursatwww.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au.
Cairns Convention CentreCairnsisapremierdestinationfornationalandinternationalmeetingsandconferences.TheCairnsConventionCentreisanaward-winninginternationalstandardpurpose-builtvenueandhasbeenrankedintheworld’stopfourcongresscentresformorethanadecade.Findoutmoreatwww.cairnsconvention.com.au.
Festivals and celebrationsCairnsresidentsembraceourtropicalcultureandcelebratewithawonderfullydiverserangeofexcitingandcolourfuleventseachyear.
MajorannualeventssuchastheCairnsFestivalandCarnivalonCollins,theCairnsCupandCairnsAmateurshorseracingcarnivals,ChineseNewYear,CarolsbyCandlelightandNewYear’sEveontheCairnsEsplanadearemajordrawcardsforlocalsandvisitorsalike.
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Ourenvironmentandclimateisperfectforoutdooractivitiesandadventure.Withmorethan400
sportsandrecreationalclubsandfacilities,450kmsofcycleways,
extensivetropicalbotanicgardensandparklands,pristinebeaches
andawealthofopenspace,there’ssomethingtoappealtoeveryone.
Cairns EsplanadeTheCairnsEsplanadeisthecity’siconicwaterfrontlocationofferingfunforallages.Theparklands,playgrounds,lagoonandrecreationalfacilitiesareallfreeentry.
Cooloffinthebeautiful4800m2lagoon,lazeonthegreengrass,enjoyapicnicorBBQ,strollorjogalongtheboardwalk,workoutontheGreenGymequipment,rockclimbattheBoulderingPark,skateattheskatebowl,orsimplyrelaxandenjoytheregularliveentertainment.
YouwillfindelectricBBQsandpicnicareasrightalongthe2.5kmEsplanade.TheBBQsarecleanedeachdayandarefreeforcasualusers.
Muddy’splaygroundontheCairnsEsplanadeisamodern,fun,safeparklandthatincludeswaterplayfeatures,aflyingfox,soundchimes,trackride,ropebridge,slides,see-saw,puzzlegamesandanall-abilitiesLibertySwing.Muddy’sisopeneverydayoftheyearbetween9amand7pm(withsectionsclosedformaintenanceonTuesdayandThursdaymorningsuntilmidday).
TheEndeavourFunShipplaygroundatthenorthernendoftheEsplanadeisanotherpopularfacilityforyoungfamilies.
Cairns Botanic GardensTheCairnsBotanicGardensprecinctislocatedjust4kmfromtheCairnscitycentre,onCollinsAvenueatEdgeHill.Thislivingmuseumhousesmorethan4000speciesoftropicalplantsofbothnativeandexoticorigins.
TheGardenscomprisetheFleckerGardens,CentenaryLakes,RainforestBoardwalk,TanksArtsCentreandMtWhitfieldConservationPark(featuringthepopularRedArrowandBlueArrowwalkingtrails).TheVisitorInformationCentreisopendailyfrom10:30amto3pmandtheFleckerGardensgatesareopenbetween7.30amand5.30pmeveryday.Admissionisfree.
Cattana WetlandsTheCattanaWetlandsisaround80hectaresofformerlydegradedlandwhichCouncilhasrehabilitatedintoanatureconservationpark.FacilitiesincludeBBQs,picnicareas,toilets,birdhidesand420mboardwalkthroughtheFeatherPalmForest.
TheWetlandsaresituatedoffDunneRoadinSmithfield,accessedbyeitherYorkeysKnobRoadorMcGregorRoad,about20kmnorthoftheCBD.CattanaWetlandsareopendailyfrom5.30amto7.00pm.(Note:Itmaybenecessarytoclosetheparkatdifferenttimesduringthewetseason.
PARKS AND GARDENS
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Sugarworld GardensSugarworldGardens,Edmonton’sBotanicReserve,isagreatplacetorelaxwiththefamily.Locatedjusta20minutedrivefromtheCairnsCBD,thesebeautifulgardensfeatureanall-abilitiesplayground,BBQs,volleyballcourtandagreatshadyareaforgatherings,functionsandweddingceremonies.SugarworldGardensareopendailyfrom7amto6:30pm.Admissionisfreeandthereisplentyoffreeparking.
Sugarworld WaterparkSugarworldWaterpark,locatedatSugarworldGardensinEdmonton,isagreatplacetostaycoolandhavefun.Thewaterslidesincludesamatracerslide,tandemtuberaftslideandsupa-jetopenbodyslide.Therearealsotippingbucketsandmini-slidesforthelittlies.
TheWaterparkisopen10amto4:30pmdaily.Foradmissionpricesandmoreinformation,visitwww.sugarworld.com.auorphone40555477.
Babinda BouldersTheBouldersisapopularswimmingspotandpicnicareaamidtropicalrainforestinthefoothillsoftheBellendenKerRange,about6kmfromthetownshipofBabinda.ItisnamedforaseriesofgraniteoutcropsfoundalongBabindaCreek,whichprovidescascadesandswimmingholes.
Facilitiesonsitecaterforarangeofoutdoorpursuitsincludingpicnics,bush-walking,swimming,canoeing,commercialtourism,sightseeingandsocialevents.
Crystal CascadesCrystalCascadesisoneofthecity’ssecrets.Asecludedfreshwaterswimmingholehiddeninatropicalrainforest,ithasaseriesofsmallwaterfallsthatflowintolargepools.ParkfacilitiesincludeelectricBBQs,picnictablesandatoiletblock.
Mt Whitfield Conservation ParkMtWhitfieldConservationParkisa300haforestedmountainrangethatishometorainforest,eucalyptusandgrasslands,andtheverypopularRedArrowandBlueArrowwalkingtracks.
TheRedArrowCircuitis1.3kmandtakesabout1hourreturn.Itisforested,hassomesteepsectionswithtwoopenviewingareasoverlookingthecityandnorthtowardstheairport.
TheBlueArrowCircuitis5.4kmandtakes4-5hoursreturn.Itisaruggedbushtrackwithsteepclimbsandshouldonlybeattemptedbyfitpersons.
MapsandfurtherinformationareavailablefromtheCairnsBotanicGardenswebsiteorinformationoffice.
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TheCairnsregion’senvironmentandclimateisidealforoutdooractivitiesandadventures.Withmorethan400
sportsandrecreationalclubsandfacilitiesacrosstheregion,there’ssomethingtoappealtoeveryone–fromnetball,basketball,BMX,gymnastics,rugbyleague,AFL,soccer,baseball,tennis,cricket,
vigoro,polocrosse,hockeyandlawnbowls,toarts,ceramicsandweaving.
Active Living classesCouncilpresentsthe‘ActiveLiving’freefitnessprogramatvariouslocationsontheCairnsEsplanade.Theprogramoffersintroductorylevelclassesforlocalsindifferentactivitiesfromaquaaerobicstomeditation.Comeandgiveitatry!VisittheEsplanadewebsiteatwww.cairnsesplanade.com.auforfullsessiondetails.
Public swimming pools Publicswimmingpoolsareavailableforpublicuseforasmallentrancefee.Contactthepoolsdirectlyforopeninghours(timesmayvaryfromsummertowinter)andfees,orrefertoCouncil’swebsitefordetails.
> Tobruk Memorial Pool 370SheridanSt,NorthCairns*Note:theTobrukMemorialPoolisclosedformajorredevelopmentandisscheduledtoreopenin2016.Thenewprecinctwillfeaturea50metrepooltoFINAspecifications,artificialwaverider,hydrotherapyandlearn-to-swimfacilities,toddlerpoolandwaterplayareas,amemorialwalkway,newgrandstand,kiosk,functionspaceandmore.
> Babinda Swimming Pool ChurchStreet,BabindaPhone:4067121150mswimmingpool+children’swadingpool
> Gordonvale Swimming Pool 79SheppardStreet,GordonvalePhone:4056135325mindoorswimmingpool(heatedinwinteronly)+children’swadingpool
> Woree Swimming PoolPoolClose,WoreePhone:4054696450mheatedswimmingpool(heatedinwinteronly),25mindoorheatedswimmingpool,children’sfreeformswimmingpool(closedinwinter)+children’swadingpool(closedinwinter).
> Marlin CoastLeisureParkRoad(offCheviotSt),SmithfieldPhone:4057772050mswimmingpool,25mheatedswimmingpool,freeformchildren’spool+children’swadingpool
Cairns International Tennis CentreTheCairnsInternationalTennisCentreat356SheridanStreet,NorthCairnsfeatures12InternationalTennisFederation(ITF)standardhardcourtsincludingoneshowcourtaswellasaclubhousewithfunctionroom,gym,proshop,physio/massagerooms,meetingrooms,barandrestaurant.
TheCentreregularlyhostsnationalandinternationaltennistournaments,andservesasatennistrainingfacilityforaspiringlocaltennistalentwithregularcoachingprograms,clinicsandschoolholidaycampsonoffer.
Cycling and walkingCouncilprovidesover450kmsofoff-roadpathsandcyclewaysplusmanyon-roadbikelanessoyoucanexplorethisbeautifulregionatyourownpace.
YoucanviewmapsoftheCairnsCyclingandWalkingCircuit(whichcoversthecentralCairnsareaencompassingtheEsplanadeandCairnsBotanicGardens)aswellasnorthernandsouthernrecreationalbicycleroutesonourwebsiteatwww.cairns.qld.gov.au/cycling.
PrintedCyclingandWalkingGuidebookletsareavailablefromallCairnslibrarybranchesandCouncil’sCustomerServiceCentre.
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SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING
Barlow Park multi-sports facilityBarlowParkislocatedonthecornerofScottandSeverinstreets,ParramattaPark.Thismulti-sportsfacilityfeaturesaneight-laneathleticstracktoIAAFstandard,withgrassedfield,longjumppits,grandstand,corporateboxes,functionroom,eateryoutlets,amenitiesandcarparking.
Theinternationalstandardrugbyleaguefieldholdsmajorsportsmatchessuchasnationalrugbyleaguefixtures,A-Leaguefootballmatchesandregionalrepresentativerugbyunionmatches.TheParkisalsohometoCairnsDistrictRugbyLeague,CairnsDistrictRugbyUnion,CairnsandDistrictAthleticsAssociation,AustralianSportsCommissionDevelopment,OztagandtheNorthernPrideRugbyLeagueteam.
Boat ramps TheQueenslandGovernmentprovidesanumberofboatingfacilities,includingboatramps,pontoonsandjetties,withintheCairnsregion.Foralistoflocationsandfacilitytypes(includingamenities,restrictionsandsiteconditions),visitMaritimeSafetyQueensland’swebsite:www.msq.qld.gov.auandsearch“boatingfacilities”.
Camping grounds and caravan parksCounciloperatescampingreservesatsomeoftheregion’smostpicturesquesettings.
> PalmCoveCaravanParkandCampGround, 149WilliamsEsplanade,PalmCove Bookings–phoneCaretakeron 40553824.
> BramstonBeachCaravanParkandCamp Ground,96EvansRoad,BramstonBeach Bookings–phoneCaretakeron 40674121.
> TheBoulders,BouldersRoad,Babinda Fivecampsites,campingisfreefor48hours only,nobookingsrequired.
> RotaryPark,HowardKennedyDrive, Babinda.Campingisfreefor48hoursonly, nobookingsrequired.
> FitzroyIsland,Bookingscanbemadeby callingRagingThunderon40307990.
Overnightparkingorcampingisnotpermittedonroadsides,carparksandotherpubliclandinCairns.Thisincludescampervans,RVs,tents,hammocksandswags.Peoplefoundcampingillegallycanreceivea$227on-the-spotfine.
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Regularmarkets,includingthefamousRusty’sandPortDouglas
SundayMarkets,theEsplanadeMarketsinCairns,
andYungaburraandKurandaRainforestVillageMarketson
theAthertonTablelands,areanexcitingpartofourregion’s
culturaltapestry.
Councilpresentsregularmarketstoshowcaselocal,
qualityproductsrangingfromcontemporaryjewellery,
woodcraft,pottery,locallymadehandcraftedgoods,
clothes,skincareandsomuchmore.
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bylocalmusicians,getthekidsinvolvedinaworkshop,wanderthroughtheartgallery–it’sallfree!
Palm Cove marketsHeaddowntoPalmCoveformarketsthatfeaturesqualityhandmadeandlocalproducts.Themarketsoftenincludegreatfamilyactivitiessuchascrazygolf,hennatattoosandfreeentertainment.CheckonCouncil’swebsitefordatesandtimes.
Ports North Cruise Liner marketsThePortsNorthCruiseLinermarketsareheldduringcruiseseason(usuallybetweenOctoberandApril)andshowcaselocaltourismitemsandcraftproducts.
Cairns Esplanade marketsEverySaturdaybetween8amand4pm,theCairnsEsplanadeshowcaseslocal,qualitystallssellingcontemporaryjewellery,woodcraft,leatherwork,pottery,airbrushtattoos,clothes,skincare,relaxingmassagestallsandmuchmore.
Tanks Arts Centre marketsSundaymarketsareheldfrom9amto2pmonthelastSundayofeverymonthfromApriltoNovemberattheTanksArtsCentreonCollinsAvenue,EdgeHill.Showcasingablendoflocalart,craft,produce,vintageclothing,collectablesandlocalnaturalhealthproductsandtreatments,themarketsarearelaxingwaytospendaSundaymorning.Enjoyliveentertainment
MARKETS
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ABOUT CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
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CairnsRegionalCouncildeliversawideanddiverserangeofservicesacrossmanyaspectsofcommunitylifeincluding:
>ActiveLivingfitnessclasses>Animalmanagement>Artsandculturalservicesandfacilities>Bikepathsandwalkingtracks>Boatrampmaintenance>Buildingregulationand developmentapprovals>Campinggroundsandcaravanparks>Cemeteries>Civicevents,community celebrationsandmajorevents>Communityhalls>Communityconsultation>Disabilityandaccessibilitysupport>Economicdevelopmentand industrysupport>Garbageservices(wasteandrecycling)>Libraries>Lifeguardservicesatbeachesandthe Esplanadelagoon>Markets>Mosquitoandmidgecontrol>Naturaldisastermanagement>Parklands,botanicgardens, playgroundsandforeshores>Pestanimalandweedcontrol>Publichealthandfoodhygiene>Publicswimmingpools>Publictoilets>Regulatedparking>Roads,bridges,drainage,footpaths andbusstops>Securitycameras(CCTV)and communitysafetyprograms>SkateandBMXparks>Sportparks,recreationfacilities andservices>Strategiclanduseplanning>Streetlightingandsweeping>Treeplantingandrevegetation ofnaturalareas>Wastewater(sewerage)services>Watersupply
Council meetings, agendas and minutesOrdinaryCouncilMeetingstakeplacemonthlyandarechairedbytheMayor. MeetingsareheldonthelastWednesdayofthemonthintheCouncilChambersat119-145SpenceStreet,Cairnsunlessotherwiseadvertised.CouncilalsooperatesanumberofcommitteeswhichholdmonthlymeetingsonWednesdays.OrdinaryandCommitteemeetingsareopentothepublicunlessaclosedsessionisdeclared. AgendasarepublishedonCouncil’swebsiteontheMondaybeforethemeetingsandcanalsobecollectedfromCouncil’sCustomerServiceCentres. Onmeetingdays,allopensessionreportsareavailableonCouncil’swebsiteandcanalsobeperusedatCouncil’sSpenceStreetCustomerServiceCentre. MinutesarepublishedonCouncil’swebsiteshortlyaftermeetings.
Rates, fees and chargesCouncilisrequiredbylawtolevyageneralrateordifferentialrateeachfinancialyear.ThegeneralrateisCouncil’smainsourceofrevenueandfundsthingssuchasroadsandfootpaths,drainage,parksandgardens,publicpoolsandsportsgroundsaswellasservicesincludingartsandculture,librariesandcommunityfestivals.
Ratesarecalculatedbasedontheunimprovedvalueofyourproperty(determinedbytheQueenslandGovernmentannually). Ratesnoticesareissuedhalfyearlyandpaymentisdue31daysfromthedateofissue.
Inaddition,acleansingchargeisissuedtwiceyearly.Thisprovidesforthekerbsidewasteandrecyclingrubbishcollectionservice.Twice-yearlyseweragechargesprovidefortheremovalandtreatmentofdomesticsewerage.Waterconsumptionischargedonauserpaysbasis,withwaterusagenoticessentapproximatelyeveryfourmonths(thesearenotlinkedwithyourratesnotice).
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> Paying your ratesCounciloffersmanywaystopayyourrates.YoucanmakepaymentonlineatCouncil’swebsite,bycreditcard(phoneandinternet),throughBpay,orover-the-counterbychequeorcashatCouncil’scustomerservicecentresandAustraliaPostoffices.
Directdebitplansareavailableforratestobepaidfrombankaccountsbywayofweekly,fortnightlyormonthlypaymentsinadvance,leavingminimalornoamounttopaybeforetheratesduedate.RatepayerswhoencounterdifficultyinpayingtheirratesshouldcontactCounciltodiscussapaymentplan.
Council’sIndependentRateReliefTribunalassistsresidentialratepayersandnot-for-profitorganisationswhoencounterfinancialhardship,toreceivespecialconsiderationforassistancewiththeirratepayments.
> Pensioner remission IfyouareaneligibleholderofaQueenslandPensionerConcessionCardissuedbyCentrelinkortheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs,oraQueenslandRepatriationHealthCardissuedbytheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs,youmaybeeligibleforarateremission.
Pensionerrateremissionisapplicableifyouresideonthepropertyanditisyourprincipalplaceofresidence.Ifyoumeetthesecriteria,pleasevisitaCouncilCustomerServiceofficetocompletethenecessaryapplicationform.
Counciloffersarangeofservices,programsandactivitiesfortheaged,
women,families,children,youth,peoplewithadisability,Aboriginal
andTorresStraitIslandersandpeoplefromculturallyand
linguisticallydiversebackgrounds.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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CemeteriesCouncilmanagescemeteriesforburialsandmemorialsforashesatGordonvale,Babinda(OldMonument),Babinda(NelsonRoad),MartynStreetandForestView.
Councilcanassistyouwithenquiriesaboutburials,gravereservations,inurnmentofashes,headstonesandplaques,exhumations,locationofgravesandfamilytreehistory.YoucanalsolocatepeopleburiedorcrematedinourcemeteriesusingtheCemeteriesSearchonourwebsite.
Toarrangeafuneral(includingburialorcremation),youwillneedtocontactafuneraldirector.Refertoyourphonedirectoryforlocalservices.
CitizenshipCouncilconductsAustralianCitizenshipCeremonieseachmonthonbehalfoftheDepartmentofImmigrationandBorderProtection.IfyouareinterestedinbecominganAustraliancitizen,visittheDepartmentofImmigrationandBorderProtectionwebsite(www.immi.gov.au)orcontacttheCairnsofficebytelephoneon131881tomakeanappointment.
Community groupsCouncil’swebsitecontainsasearchableOnlineCommunityServicesDirectorywhichgivesup-to-datelistingsoforganisationsprovidingservicestothecommunitythroughouttheCairnsregion.
Theselistingsarekeptcurrentbythelocalcommunityandincludehealthcare,alliedhealth,NGOs,volunteers,serviceclubs,recreationalandartsandcraftsorganisationsandresources.
Community halls and centresCouncilownsalargenumberofcommunityhallsandcentres,whicharedesignatedcommunitybuildingsavailableforuse/hirebyresidents.ThepremisesaremanagedbycommunitygroupsthatareappointedbyCouncil.
Community safetyCouncil’sCitySafeCCTVprogramhelpsprotectourcommunityandpreventcrime.Therearemorethan135CCTVcamerasoperatingacrossCairnscityandsuburbs,withadirectlinktoCairnsPoliceforrapidresponsetoincidents.CCTVcamerasmonitorhot-spotsinpublicspacessuchasparks,footpaths,laneways,busstops,carparksandentrancestopublicbuildings.
NeighbourhoodWatchgroupsareactiveintheCairns,EdmontonandSmithfielddivisionsFindoutmoreatwww.nhwq.com.au.
Disability support> Access for All Directory CairnsRegionalCouncilworkstoensureourregionissafeandwelcoming,andwewantallpeopletobeabletoengage,enjoyandbenefitfromallthattheregionoffers.
Council’sAccessforAllDirectoryprovidesinformationonourregionforlocalsandvisitorswithadisability,theirfamily,supportworkersandcarers.Itlistsmanyservicesprovidedbygovernmentdepartments,accessibleaccommodation,touristvenues,cinemas,banks,servicestations,restaurants,cafesandmore.
> Assisted waste collection service for elderly/infirmResidentswhoareunabletomovetheirwheeliebinskerbsideforcollectioncanapplytoCouncilforassistedwastecollectionatnoextracost.AmedicalcertificatemustbesuppliedtoCouncilbypost,faxoremail,confirmingthatthepersonisphysicallyincapableofplacingtheirwheeliebinsoutforcollectionandhasnootherable-bodiedpersonlivingwiththem.
Byacceptingthisinfirmservice,residentsauthorisethewastecollectioncontractstafftocomeontotheirpremisestoaccessthewheeliebinsforservice.
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> Car parking permitsCouncilrecognisesallinterstateandinternationaldisabilityparkingpermits.Holdersofthesepermitsarepermittedtoparkinon-streetandoff-streetdisabilityparkingbaysandpaidparkingspaceswithmetersorPayandDisplaymachinesforanunlimitedtimefreeofcharge.However,permitholdersarenotexemptfromparkinginallotherareas(egloading/taxi/buszones).
Multicultural servicesTheCairnsregionishometoadiversepopulationandwecelebratethisculturalvitalitythroughmanycommunityfestivalsandeventseachyear.
Fornewcomersfromothercountries,CouncilcanhelpconnectyoutolocalmulticulturalservicesincludingCentacare,theCairnsandRegionMulticulturalAssociation,Anti-DiscriminationCommission,translationandinterpretingservice,andMigrantSettlementServices.
Tohelpyouprepareandstaysafeduringcycloneseason,cycloneguidesareavailableinArabic,Chinese,French,Hmong,Italian,Japanese,Nepalese,PNGPidgin,SwahiliandTagaloglanguages.DownloadtheguidesfromCouncil’swebsiteatwww.cairns.qld.gov.au/disaster.
SustainabilitySustainabilityisaboutbalancingenvironmental,socialandeconomicconsiderationstoreduceourimpactontheplanetanditsinhabitants.
AsamemberoftheAustralianGovernment’sReefGuardianCouncilsprogram,Councilleadsbyexampleindeliveringregionalservicesandinfrastructure,andmakes
balanceddecisionsaroundlanduseplanninganddevelopmentcontrol.
Adoptingsustainablepracticesinyoureverydaylifeathomeandatworkissimple.Followthesestepstohelpreduceyourcarbonfootprint–itwillbenefittheenvironment,yourlifestyle,ourcommunityandevenyourfinances.
> Takeyourownbagwhenyougoshopping> Switchofflightsandappliances whennotinuse> Buyenergyefficientlightingand appliancesforlowerrunningcosts> Chooselocallymadeproductsandthose withrecycledpackaging> Recycleyourbottles,steelandaluminium cans,plastics,cardboardandpaper> Convertyourfoodwasteintocompost> Reducetheneedforairconditioningby coolingyourhomewithwindowshades andceilinginsulation> Ifusingairconditioning,setthermostat to25C> Plantnativetreesandusemulchin thegarden> Walk,cycleandcatchpublictransport wherepossible> Uselesswater–aimfora4minute shower,installawaterefficientshower headandtaps,sweepyourpathsand drivewayinsteadofhosing.> Investinrenewableenergysuchassolar powerandsolarhotwatersystems.
FindoutwhatCouncilisdoingandhowyoucangetinvolvedatwww.cairns.qld.gov.au/sustainability
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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Owningapetcangiveyourfamilyyearsoffun,butitisyourresponsibilitytokeep
yourpetssafe,healthyandoutoftroublewithneighboursandothercommunitymembers.
PETS AND ANIMALS
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Councilapprovalmayberequiredbeforecommencinganybuildingworkonyourpropertyincluding
renovations,alterationsoradditionstoexistingbuildings,sheds,roofed
patios,gazebos,retainingwalls,carportsandswimmingpools.
Approvalisalsorequiredforgardensheds,includingtheDIYkittype,
becauseCairnsisacyclonicregion(asspecifiedintheBuilding
CodeofAustralia).
Ifyouarethinkingofdoinganybuilding,remodellingwork,
extensionsorrenovating,youshouldcontactCouncil’sBuildingTeam.
Ourhelpfulstaffcanprovidegeneraladviceonthecurrentrequirements
andfeesforalltypesofbuildingworktoensureyoucomplywith
relevantlocalandstatelaws.
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PoolSafetyInspector.VisittheQueenslandGovernmentPoolSafetywebsiteformoreinformationaboutswimmingpoolsafetyrequirementsandtosearchforalicensedPoolSafetyInspector.
InflatablewadingpoolsareagreatwayofkeepingcoolinthetropicsbuttheQueenslandGovernmentlawsregardingpoolsafetymayapply.Aninflatablewadingpoolisclassifiedasa‘regulatedswimmingpool’if:
> Itcanbefilledwithwatertoadepthof 300mmormore;or
> Itholdsmorethan2,000litresofwater;or
> Ithasafiltrationsystem.
Councilreceivesdozensofcomplaintseachyearaboutinflatablewadingpoolsandinmostcasestheownersareorderedtoemptyandremovethepool.IfyouarethinkingofpurchasingawadingpoolandareuncertainofyourobligationspleasecontactCouncilon40443044forguidance.
Pool and spa fencingOwnersofswimmingpoolsandspasforhouses,flatsandhomeunitsmustcomplywithrelevantpoolfencingandpoolsafetylegislation.AllpoolsandspasinQueenslandneedtoberegisteredwiththeQueenslandGovernment.
Underpoolfencinglaws,Councilcaninspectandissueon-the-spotfinestopoolownerswhodonothaveadequatepoolfencing.Ifyouareselling,buyingorleasingyourproperty,youmustobtainapoolsafetycertificate(Form23)fromalicensedPoolSafetyInspector.Formoreinformationonpoolfencingrequirements,visittheQueenslandGovernment’swebsitewww.poolfencing.qld.gov.au
Swimming pools, spas and wading poolsAllnewswimmingpoolsandspasrequirebuildingapprovalfromCouncil.
TheQueenslandGovernment’spoolsafetylawsapplyacrossthestate.AllpoolsandspasinQueenslandmustberegisteredwiththeQueenslandGovernment,andyoumusthaveapoolsafetycertificatewhensellingorleasingapropertywithapoolorspa.
CouncilhasLicensedPoolSafetyInspectorswhocanconductpoolsafetyinspectionsandissuePoolSafetyCertificates(feesapply).Alternatively,youcanengageaprivate
BUILDING AND PLANNING
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CairnsRegionalCouncilisresponsiblefor1034kmofsealed
urbanroads,644kmofruralroads,around500kmoffootpathsandcyclepaths,113footbridgesand
around200busshelters.Itinvestsover$9millioneachyearon
roadworksandroadmaintenancetobuildnewroads,fixandpatchpotholesandcracks,resealand
re-surfaceroads,repairandinstallkerbandchannel,andsweepourstreets.
ROADS AND TRAFFIC
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visitwww131940.qld.gov.auorfollow@131940_fnnqTwitterfeed.
Reporting issues with roadsContactCouncilbyphoneon40443044ormakeanonlinecustomerrequestviaourwebsitetoreportdamagetoanyCouncil-controlledroads.
ForissuesonQueenslandGovernmentcontrolledroads(listedontheleft),contactDTMRontelephone131940.
TrafficsignalsatintersectionsaremaintainedbyDTMR.Toreportdamageorfaults,calltheFarNorthRegionTrafficManagementCentreon131940.
Street lightingThereareover16,000streetlightsacrosstheCairnsregion,mostofwhichareownedandmaintainedbyErgonEnergy.Toreportfaultyordamagedstreetlightinginresidentialareas,contactErgonEnergyon131046.
StreetlightingonhighwaysistheresponsibilityofDTMR.Toreportfaultylightingonhighwaysortorequestnewhighwaylighting,contactDTMRon131940.
Councillooksafterthemajorityofroadswithinthelocalgovernmentarea,includingsuburbanroads,withtheexceptionofhighwayswhicharecontrolledbytheQueenslandGovernment.
AcrossQueensland,a50km/hspeedlimitappliestomostlocalsuburbanresidentialstreetsinbuilt-upareas,unlessotherwisesign-posted.Localstreetsareusedmainlytoaccesshomesandprivatepropertyandcarryneighbourhoodtraffic.Arterialroadsandmajorsuburbanrouteshaveaspeedlimitof60km/hunlessahigherspeedlimitissign-posted.
TheQueenslandGovernmentDepartmentofTransportandMainRoads(DTMR)isresponsibleforbuildingandmaintainingStateandFederalcontrolledroads(majorarterialandconnectingroads).DTMR-managedroadsincludetheCaptainCookHighway,KennedyHighway,MulgraveRoad,SheridanStreet,RayJonesDrive,ReservoirRoad,AndersonStreet,BruceHighwayandGillesHighway.Councilmaintainsallotherruralandsuburbanroads.
TofindoutaboutroadworksorhazardsonQueenslandGovernment-controlledroads,contactDTMRbyphone131940,
AlloftheCairnsregion’swatersuppliescomefromeither
“runofriver”intakesorthecatchmentatCopperlodeFallsDam.
CopperlodeFallsDam,builtin1976,istheprimarywatersupplysource
forCairnscityandsuburbs.Thissupplyissupplementedby
BehanaCreekandseverallowvolumeruralsources.
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Water supplyTheregionisfortunatetohavesomeofthebestquality‘raw’watertostartwith.ThiswaterundergoesathoroughtreatmentprocesstoensureitmeetstheAustralianDrinkingWaterGuidelines.Treatmentconsistsofseverallayersoffiltrationanddisinfectiontoremovemicro-organisms,pathogens,organicsandparticulatestominimisetheriskofillnessinthecommunity.
Water conservation Torelievepressureondrinkingwatersupplies,permanentwaterconservationwateringtimesapplytoallhomesandbusinesses.
> Mondays:Nosprinklingatall
> Tuesdays,ThursdaysandSaturdays: ODDnumberedhomesonly
> Wednesdays,FridaysandSundays: EVENnumberedhomesonly
> Times:5amto9amand5pmto9pm
Handheldhoseswithatriggernozzle,wateringcansandbucketscanbeusedatanytime.
Stagedrestrictionsmaycomeintoeffectduringextendeddryperiods
Waste (recycling and garbage)
> Bin collectionsWheeliebinsareusedforthecollectionofhouseholdwaste.RecyclingandwastecollectioncalendarscanbefoundonCouncil’swebsite.
Generalwaste(green-lid)binsarecollectedweekly.Useyourgreen-lidbinforkitchenwaste,generalhouseholdwaste,smallamountsofgardenwasteandwaxycardboardboxes.Donotdisposeofconstructionmaterials,bricksorconcrete,hotashes,carbatteries,paints,solvents,chemicalsorflammablematerials,oranyhazardouswastematerials.
Recycling(yellow-lid)binsarecollectedfortnightly.Youcanrecycleplastics(excludingplasticbags),paperandcardboard(includingpizzaboxes),glassbottlesandjars,aluminiumandsteelcans.Donotputanyfoodscraps,clothing,fabric,gardenwaste,windowglass,ceramicsorlightbulbsintoyouryellow-lidbin.
Forcollection,binsshouldbeplacedwiththelidopeningfacingtheroadandatleast30cmawayfromotherobjectssuchastrees,parkedcarsandotherbins.Donotparkyourcarinfrontofbinsoncollectionday.Ifyourcollectionismissedoryourbinisdamaged
WATER AND WASTE
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orstolen,pleasereportittoCouncilwithin24hoursaftercollectionday.
Contentsfromgreen-lidgeneralwastebinsareprocessedattheAdvancedResourceRecoveryFacilityinPortsmithtoproducecompostforuseinagriculture.RecyclingbincontentsaremanuallysortedandbaledatCouncil’sMaterialsRecoveryFacility,thentransportedtocontractorsoutsidetheregionforprocessingintonewmaterials.
> Transfer stations Counciloperateswasteandrecyclingtransferstationsforcollectionofmaterialssuchasgardenwaste,householdwaste,metals,recyclablematerials(steelcans,aluminiumcans,plastics,glass,paperandcardboard),
reusablehouseholditemsandreusablebuildingmaterials.TransferstationsarelocatedatPortsmith,Smithfield,GordonvaleandBabinda.Foroperatinghoursanddisposalfees,seeCouncil’swebsiteorphoneCustomerServiceon40443044.
> Buy Back ShopDon’tsendunwantedhouseholditemstothetip-dropthemoffatyournearestTransferStationandtheywillbetakentoCouncil’sBuyBackShop.Youcanalsopurchaserecycledhouseholditemsattheshop.
TheBuyBackShopislocatednexttothePortsmithTransferStation,andoperatesThursdaytoSundayfrom8.30amto5pm.
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LARGE RELEVANT PIC HERE
Rats and mice Ratsandmicecandamageproperty,eatorcontaminatefoodandcausehealthproblems(includingtransmittingdisease).
Youcantakesimplestepstoensureyourownbuildingsandgardenvegetationdonotattractorprovideshelterforvermin,orencouragevermintobreed.Themosteffectivewayistoremovetheirfoodsourceandshelter.Ifverminpersist,engagealicencedpestcontrollerwhocancheckyourpropertyandgivesolidadvice.
Councilusesdifferentmethodstoreduceratandmicenumbersinpublicareaswithoutharmingournativewildlife,includingnativeratspeciessuchasthegiantwhite-tailedrat(Uromyscaudimaculatus).Wealsorespondtopubliccomplaintsofverminatfoodandotherbusinesses.
GraffitiTheGraffitiSTOPcampaignworkstoreducegraffitithroughpromptnotificationandremoval.
Councilhasacentralisedsystemtomanagegraffiti.GraffitionCouncilassetsisremovedwithinfivedaysofnotificationviaGraffitiSTOP.Damagetootherpublicpropertyispromptlyreferredtotherelevantagency(eg,ErgonEnergy,QueenslandRail)foraction.
Ifyoufindgraffiti,youcanreportittoGraffitiSTOPinanumberofways:
> Byphoneto1300Graffiti(1300472334). Thistelephoneserviceisoperatedfrom 6amto6pmMondaytoFridayexcluding publicholidays.
> BySMSto1300Graffiti(1300472334), 24hoursperday,365daysperyear (carrierdependenttechnology).
> Onlineatwww.graffitistop.com.auwhere youcansubmitdetailsofthegraffiti includingphotographs,24hoursperday, 365daysperyear.
Noise and environmental nuisanceCounciladministerslawscoveringenvironmentalnuisancessuchasnoisefrombuildingwork,powertools,poolpumps,airconditionersandbarkingdogs,aswellasissuesrelatingtocommunitysafetyhazards,dust,odour,lightandsmoke.
TheQueenslandEnvironmentalProtectionAct1994restrictswhencertaindevicescanbeused:
> Buildingwork(includingaltering ordemolishingabuilding)
-Noaudiblenoisebetween6:30pmand 6:30amonabusinessdayorSaturday;
-Noaudiblenoisepermittedatanytime onanyotherdays(includingSundaysand publicholidays).
> Regulateddevices(includingcompressors, ductedvacuumingsystems,generators, grass-cutters,impactingtools,leaf- blowers,mulchers,electrical,mechanical orpneumaticpowertoolssuchas chainsaws,drills,electricgrinderor sanders,electricweldersornailguns)
-Noaudiblenoisepermittedbetween 7pmand7amonabusinessdayorSaturday
-Noaudiblenoisepermittedbetween 7pmand8amonanyotherdays (includingSundaysandpublicholidays).
> Pumps(includingpool/spapumps, electrical,mechanicalorpneumaticpumps)
-Noaudiblenoisepermittedbetween 10pmand7am
-Noaudiblenoisepermittedbetween 7amand7pmifnoiseexceeds5dB(A) abovethebackgroundlevel
-Noaudiblenoisepermittedbetween7pm and10pmifnoiseexceeds3dB(A)abovethe backgroundlevel.
>Air-conditionersmustnotbeusedat anytimeifnoiseexceeds5dB(A)above thebackgroundlevel.
COMMON NEIGHBOURHOOD COMPLAINTS
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Trees and vegetationCouncilorStatelegislationmayprotecttreesandothervegetationonyourproperty.PleasecheckwithCouncilwhetheryourequireapermitbeforeyoupruneorremovetrees.
Takecaretoplanttherighttreeforyourlocation.Seekprofessionaladvicefromnurserystaffaboutthesuitabilityoftreesbeforeyoupurchaseandplantthem.Don’tplantlargegrowingtreesonsmallpropertiesornearbuildingsandpowerlines.Keeptreesprunedtopreventdamagetopropertyduringstormsorcyclones.
Blocked drainsCouncilreceivesover500callseveryyearfromresidentsrequestingassistancewithdrainageproblems.
Drainsonlocalroadsareregularlyinspectedandcleaned,withannualinspectionsdonebeforeeachwetseasontoaddressanyflowcapacityissues.
Illegaldumpingofgreenwasteandhouseholdrubbishindrainsandeasementsincreasestheriskoffloodingtoproperties.Ifyouareconcernedaboutfloodingafterheavyrainandthewaterisnotdrainingaway,oryouwishtoreportillegaldumpingindrains,contactCounciltoreporttheexactlocation.
Ifyouhaveaneasementonyourproperty,youmustensureyoudonotobstructthefreeflowofwateralongthedrainagepathway.Dumpingwaste,plantinggardenbedsorbuildingfencesacrosstheflowpathareallexamplesof
activitiesthatcanobstructstormwaterflow.Ifyoudeliberatelyobstructadrainageeasement,youcanbeheldliableforanydamagecausedtoadjacentandneighbouringproperties.
Littering and illegal dumpingLitteranddumpingnotonlyimpactsthelookofourcommunitybutcanhavesignificantsafety,health,economicandenvironmentalimpactsandcostsmillionsofdollarstocleanup.Litteriseverythingfromdiscardedcigarettebuttsandsoftdrinkcans,todumpedshoppingtrolleys,buildingwaste,chemicalcontainers,tyresandgardendebris.
Besuretodisposeofyourhouseholdwasteresponsibly,usingyourgreenandyellow-lidwheeliebins.Youshouldtakeexcessamountsofwaste,includinggreenwaste,recyclables,tyres,vehicles,furnitureandwhitegoodstoyournearesttransferstation.
Thereareheftypenaltiesforlitteringorillegallydumpingofwaste,withfinesofupto$16,500.YoucanhelpkeepCairnscleanbyreportinganylitteringorillegaldumpinginpublicareastoCouncilbyphoning40443044orusetheonlineformonourwebsite.
Ifyoufindadumpedshoppingtrolley,reportitforcollectionto:
> [email protected] orfreecall1800641497or
> [email protected] orfreecall1800TROLLEY(1800876553)
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CairnsRegionalCouncilhasaMayorandCouncillors
whorepresentninedivisions,andeachiselectedbyeligiblevotersineachdivision.TheMayoralty
isdecidedonamajoritypopularvoteacrosstheentirelocal
governmentarea,whichhasover86,700enrolledvoters.
MayorCouncillorBobManningOAM
Phone:40443083
Division 6CouncillorLindaCooper
Phone:40443076
Division 4CouncillorTerryJames
Phone:40443074
Division 1CouncillorSteveBrain
Phone:40443071
Division 7 CouncillorMaxO’Halloran
Phone:40443077
Division 5CouncillorRichieBates
Phone:40443075
Division 2CouncillorJohnSchilling
Phone:40443072
Division 8CouncillorJessieRichardson
Phone:40443078
Division 3CouncillorCathyZeiger
Phone:40443073
Division 9CouncillorGregFennell
Phone:40443079
COUNCILLORS INFORMATION
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SISTER CITIES
331832
Minami, Japan (formerly Hiwasa) since 1969
HiwasabecameCairns’firstsistercityin1969.In2006,HiwasaandneighbouringtownYukimergedandwererenamedMinami.Therelationshipwas
sparkedbytheMayorofHiwasa’sinterestintheLoggerheadturtleandthedecisionbyCairnstosendanexamplefordisplayattheHiwasamuseum.Minamihasapproximately10,000residentsandislocatedontheislandofShikokuinthesoutheastoftheJapanesearchipelago.
Lae, Papua New Guinea, since 1984
ThesecondlargestcityinPapuaNewGuinea,LaesharesasimilarhistorytoCairns,beingfoundedongoldminingandthenagriculture.Locatedonthecentraleastcoast,thecityishometoPapuaNewGuinea’slargestportandactsastheentrypointtoroadtravelintothecentralhighlands.Itisconsideredtheindustrialcapitalofthecountry.Laehasapopulationofapproximately100,000.
Sidney, Canada, since 1984
LikeCairns,Sidneyisayear-roundtouristdestinationwithanextensivewaterfrontandartificialreef.Associatedindustriesincludefishing,ocean
scienceandmarinaoperation.ItislocatedatthenorthernendofVancouverIsland,attheextremesouthwestofCanadaandhasapopulationofapproximately11,500residents.
Scottsdale, USA, since 1987
Scottsdale,inthedesertstateofArizona,isconsideredoneoftheworld’spremiergolfandresortdestinations.Thepopulationofapproximately227,000swellsdramaticallyduringtheNorthAmericanwinter,whenits
year-roundwarmthandsunshinemakethecityapopularannualdestinationforAmericansandCanadiansescapingthecold.Consequently,almost40percentofresidentsareemployedinthetourismindustry.ThecityissteepedinNativeAmericancultureandcowboylore,andisofficially“TheWest’smostwesterntown.”
Riga, Latvia, since 1988
ThemayorsofRigaandCairnsforgedtheirsistercityrelationshipattheInternationalSisterCitiesConventionhostedbyCairnsin1988.ThecapitalandlargestcityinLatvia,withapproximately645,000inhabitants,Rigawasfoundedin1201andisaformerHanseaticLeaguemember.ThishistoryisrecognisedinUNESCOWorldHeritagestatusforitscitycentre.RigaliesonthecentralwesterncoastofLatviaandprovidesanimportantportontheBalticSea.
Oyama, Japan, since 2006
Surroundedbycenturies-oldricefieldsandindustrialmega-factoriesforsomeofJapan’sbiggestcompanies,Oyamaiswellknownforitsmixoftraditionaland
contemporarylifestyles.LocatedinthecentralregionofHonshuIsland,thelargestoftheJapaneseislandchain,thecityhasapopulationofapproximately164,000people.
Zhanjiang, China, since 2004
OneofChina’sfourmajorsugarcaneareas,ZhanjianghasalotofparallelswithCairns.ThemostrecentcitytoforgearelationshipwithCairns,itisalsothelargestwithapproximately7millionresidents.OntheSouthChinaSea,ZhanjiangisChina’ssouthern-mostport,partofthesoutherneconomiczoneandclosetoHongKong,makingitahubformining,mineralexploration,thepetrochemicalindustry,off-shoreoilexploration,agricultureandmarineproducts.
Libraries>Babinda,24MunroSt,40671112
>CairnsCity,151AbbottSt,40443720
>Earlville,StocklandShoppingCentre,40443766
>Edmonton,175BruceHwy,40554121
>Gordonvale,88NormanSt,40561365
>Manunda,RaintreesShoppingCentre,40443779
>Smithfield,CheviotSt,40443711
>Stratford,11KamerungaRd,40443733
PoundsEarlville,161McCoombeSt40443044
Swimming Pools>Babinda,26ChurchSt,40671211
>Gordonvale,79SheppardSt,40561353
>Smithfield,CaptainCookHwy,40577720
>Sugarworld,MillRdEdmonton,40555477
>Woree,PoolCl,40546964
Waste and Recycling Facilities>BuyBackShop,37-51LyonsSt Portsmith,40356634
>BabindaWasteTransferStation,40443044
>GordonvaleWasteTransferStation,40443044
>PortsmithWasteTransferStation,40443044
>SmithfieldWasteTransferStation,40443044
Other emergency contactsPolice,Ambulance,Fire(emergenciesonly)000
StateEmergencyService(SES)132500
ErgonEnergy(forpoweremergenciesandurgenthazardoussituations)132296
Cairns Regional CouncilPost:POBox359,Cairns,QLD4870Email:[email protected]:www.cairns.qld.gov.auFacebook:www.facebook.com/ CairnsRegionalCouncilTwitter:www.twitter.com/councilcairns
Customer Service CentresCairnsCouncilChambers119-145SpenceStCairns,40443044
Councillors’ officesCouncilChambers,SpenceSt,Cairns,40443044
After Hours Emergencies40443044
Disaster Coordination Centre40443377
Barlow Park CornerScott&SeverinSt,ParramattaPark,40519701
Cairns Botanic GardensCollinsAve,EdgeHill,40326650
Cairns Civic Theatre 40507777ticketLiNK(ticketbookingservice)1300855835
Cairns Esplanade Esplanade,LagoonandCairnsCBDManagementOffice,40443715
Copperlode Falls DamLakeMorrisRd,40557414
Tanks Arts Centre 46CollinsAve,EdgeHill,40326600
Caravan and camping grounds>BramstonBeach,40674121
>CairnsHolidayPark,40511467
>FitzroyIsland,40446700
>PalmCove,40553824
COUNCIL CONTACTS
34 18
34 1835
NEW RESIDENTS CHECKLIST
Banking• Notifychangeofcontactdetails
Car• Updateyourresidentialaddress detailsforyourDriver’sLicence andcarregistration(contact QueenslandTransport132380)
• Updateyourroadservice (eg,RACQ)membershipdetails
Medical • Checklocationoflocal hospitalsandmedicalcentres
• Locateclosestdentist, optometristetc.
• Updateyourcontactdetails withMedicareandyourprivate healthfund
Schools and childcare• Checklocationsand contactdetails
Pets• Registeryourdog
• Identifyclosestveterinarypractice
• Updatemicrochipinformation
• Checkpetvaccination/treatment duedates
Council Services • Checkgeneralwaste(green-lidbin) weeklycollectionday
• Checkrecyclingwaste(yellow-lidbin) fortnightlycollectionday
• Visityourlocallibraryandbecomea CairnsLibrariesmember
• Knowwhatdaysyoucanwateryour gardens(permittedwateringtimes)
Phone and Power• Arrangetelephoneconnection
• Connectelectricity (ErgonEnergy131046)
• Checkcurrentmobilephone providercoverage
• Updateyourresidentialaddressdetails withyourmobilephoneproviderto ensureyouwillreceiveEmergency Alertwarningsbytextmessage
Electoral roll • Updateyourenrolmentdetailsfor federal,stateandlocalgovernment elections(formsavailableat www.aec.gov.auoratAustralia Postoffices)
House• Updatehome,contentsandvehicle insurancecovers
• Redirectmail
• Ensureyourhouseisclearlynumbered sothepostie,visitorsandemergency servicescanfindyoueasily.
www.cairns.qld.gov.au