Masterplan Development
The Cityport Masterplan will revitalise the waterfront attracting more residents and visitors to the public foreshore, include additional Reef Fleet and Marina facilities and provide a range of unrivalled waterfront tourism, commercial and residential development opportunities. The Cityport project covers 41.5 hectares, incorporating a land area of 21.1 hectares and marine areas of 20.4 hectares.The Cityport Masterplan was initially conceived in 1992 and the Queensland Government conferred Major Project Status in 1997. After an extensive Impact Assessment Study, which included public consultation in public shopping centres and public meetings, the Masterplan was adopted by the Government in 2000.
Ports North will progressively release up to nine land parcels for development within Cityport, suitable for a range of projects, including hotels, serviced apartments, residential development and commercial premises.
Click here to view Cityport Masterplan
Masterplan Development Milestones
| 1. | Ports North commenced the Cityport planning process for the redevelopment of the waterfront in 1994. |
| 2. | Construction of the Cairns Convention Centre in 1996. |
| 3. | The State Government designated Cairns Cityport as a Major State Economic Development Project in July 1997. |
| 4. | Cityport received Ministerial Approval in June 2000. |
| 5. | Construction of Cityport North incorporating the Reef Fleet facilities, expanded Marina and public space in 2003. |
| 6. | Release of first development site and commencement of construction of Harbour Lights on Cityport Precinct 10 in 2004. |
| 7. | Construction of Wharf Street in 2005. |
| 8. | Construction of Harbour Lights Building in 2007. |
| 9. | Marina Point facilities including aquatic clubs facilities and restaurant and bar buildings completed in 2008. |
Projected Expenditure
- Expenditure on Planning and Approvals - $2 million+
- Capital relating to Port Infrastructure - $50 to $80 million
- Investment funds for private development - $300 to $500 million
Assessing The Environmental Impacts
Cityport's use of world best practice methods in environmental management will result in a sensitive development that ensures the long-term sustainability of the Trinity Inlet ecosystem.
A comprehensive Impact Assessment Study (IAS) has been completed.
Several themes that were recurrent throughout the IAS consultation process were:-
- minimisation of visual impact,
- enhancement of public amenity,
- improved access to the waterfront.
These issues have been addressed in the Masterplan by the retention of view corridors, controls on building heights and setbacks, provision of landscaped open spaces and streetscapes and the inclusion of a continuous waterfront promenade.
Environmental Management
A framework for implementing best practice environmental management has been developed in accordance with Cairns Ports Environment Policy. The Cityport Project Environmental Management Plan is a key element of that framework.
The Cityport Project Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is the overarching EMP for all Cityport construction works, it sets the minimum standards required and must be complied with.
All individual construction projects will require to have in place an Environmental Management Plan including 13 Environmental Programs (as listed below).
