The Cairns Entertainment Precinct has been earmarked as
the home for the proposed World Heritage Gateway
Centre.
A study is under way to consider the proposal which could see
additional government money for the region, in the millions of
dollars, and an added attraction at the precinct.
It is one of the ideas in a $60,000 pre-feasibility study
commissioned by the Wet Tropics Management
Authority.
Authority executive director Andrew Maclean said incorporating
the centre in the waterfront precinct was one of the options the
study would explore.
"We will work closely with the council to be an essential part
of the complex," he said.
Mr Maclean said it would be "compatible and very complementary"
to the precinct which also includes a performing arts centre, a
multi-purpose rehearsal space and studio, a community cultural
centre and a public plaza.
He said the precinct would not be the only venue considered, but
was a preferred site.
A team led by EC3 Global, including travel company Parker Travel
Collection and architects Clarke Hopkins Clarke, has been
commissioned to undertake the study and develop a concept that will
"inspire investment in a must-see destination for the state and
something that positions Tropical North Queensland as the gateway
to world heritage''.
A project steering committee consists of representatives from
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of
Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Tourism
Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the
Wet Tropics Management Authority representatives.
"A key priority is raising awareness and building appreciation
for the region's significant natural, cultural and ecological
diversity," an authority report said.
"The proposed World Heritage Gateway Centre has the potential
position Tropical North Queensland as the 'Centre of Excellence' in
World Heritage management and one of the richest learning
landscapes in the world," it said.
Mr Maclean said Cairns was the obvious gateway to two of
Australia's key World Heritage areas - the Great Barrier Reef and
the Wet Tropics.
A final report is expected in May.
To have your say visit
www.wettropics.gov.au/media/med_current.html
Source: Nick Dalton - The Cairns Post
