Palm Cove News
May/2003


SARS epidemic no resort hassle

PALM COVE'S major resorts have reported very little loss from the SARS epidemic which has caused some cancellations in overseas bookings.
Novotel's manager Buddy Byrd said domestic bookings had increased more than usual to compensate.
"Australians are having their holidays at home rather than overseas," he said.
Angsana's Nicholas Mason said he was quite happy. "We lost some Japanese bookings at first, but these are picking up again and with increased domestic bookings we are ahead of budget," he said.
Tony Marrinan of Sebel Reef House said the epidemic has had no real effect on total bookings.
Clarion and other resorts echoed the thought that tourism in Cove has lost on the swings but has gained on the roundabouts.

New catamaran service

SUNLOVER CRUISES have started a two-way daily service between Palm Cove and Cairns.
The service is for city-based tourists to enjoy a day at Cove and return by bus. Tourists based in Cove and locals may enjoy the experience in reverse.
Departure time from Cairns is 7.30am arriving Palm Cove Jetty 8.30am. The catamaran leaves Palm Cove at 8.30am arriving Cairns 9.30am. (The boat then goes on to Fitzroy Island.)
For locals, why not leave the car at home, catch the boat at 8.30am, enjoy the cruise, spend a few hours in town shopping or whatever, and ride Sunbus home? The bus is quite speedy these days.
Fare for one-way catamaran is $20; Sunbus one-way adult fare $6.25 or half-price if eligible.

Daikyo's development under scrutiny

DAIKYO'S proposed development between Palm Cove and Clifton Beach is now being studied by Cairns City Council and environmental experts, Cairns Post of Mar 27 has reported.
The plan is for 220 lots, 300 upmarket units, a shopping area, tourist resort and a lagoon. It was the subject of a court hearing brought on by interested parties, the newspaper said.
Possible storm water surge from cyclones was a subject under discussion.

Cove People

PALM COVE'S oldest lifesaver started his association with the movement 51 years ago. Joe Farrugia, 72, lives in Cedar Road and says he's had a busy life. He's still busy.
Gaining his bronze certificate in 1952 when living in Cairns, he carried out patrols and entered Rescue & Resuscitation (R&R) events in carnivals when Cairns Surf Lifesaving Club was based at Yorkey's Knob.
The club later moved headquarters to Palm Cove. When Joe was appointed bar manager ten years ago, he moved in next door.
Serving on the committee, he spends his time doing odd jobs around the club, mowing the lawns and general caretaking.
Joe has never married. "Too busy," he said.
What does he think about Brother's Club taking over the management? "Good idea. The way Brother's buy their beer and wines in bulk means they can sell it at the new bottle shop at budget prices cheaper than elsewhere," he said.
"All locals have to do is pay $5.50 for annual membership and they will save it on drinks many times over."


Editorial

YOU MAY have seen the Sunbus TV commercial which asks you to take public transport and so reduce those nasty exhaust fumes in the environment. Well, listen to this.

Martin and Merle McClenahan live at the top of Terebra St just across the road from where Sunbus waits, sometimes up to 20 minutes, before starting the next run. Martin said : "They always leave the engine running, even late at night, and the exhaust fumes come in our window."
He contacted the Department of Transport who said it was not their problem.
Merle met Mayor Kevin Byrne on his regular early morning walk and mentioned the problem. Kevin said : "l'll look into it." Sure enough, council wrote and said they had asked Sunbus to switch off their engines. They didn't.
Martin then twice contacted Sunbus who replied twice and said they would attend to the matter. They didn't. Martin said the whole discussion had lasted two years.
One bus driver said there was a problem with the starter motors, and "if we switched off, they wouldn't start again."

Strange.

But what about all those nasty fumes?
"Can't be helped," he said.

Over to you, Kevin.

Casmar doing well

RESTAURANTEERS know that operating a business on the first floor of a building is often a risk. Patrons seem to fancy restaurants on the ground floor.
But Casmar Restaurant, upstairs on the corner of the esplanade and Harpa St, is reversing the trend.
Terence Trencherman, food writer for Cairns Post who obviously uses a non-de -plume (trencherman : one who eats much and heartily), says Casmar has "reasonably priced imaginative dishes and a fabulous atmosphere."
Your editor and wife, who tried them out recently with friends (anonymously, naturally) could not do other than agree.
Owners Jan and Kelvin Evans said they were now open seven nights a week plus Sunday lunch, and business was brisk. Bookings 4059 0013.

Published by Jerry Dukes, 52Terebra St, Palm Cove 4879
Ph 40591610; Fax 40590058
Email : jdukes@ozemail.com.au