Palm Cove News
August 2003

GROWING TOO FAST

DEVELOPERS are cashing in on Palm Cove's apartment demand boom, but a lot of owners might have to wait for a return on their investment, Alex Whyte says. The president of Tourism Palm Cove said he questioned the viability of apartment buildings which were built in some areas for holiday letting.
"Are these complexes being developed because of a huge surge in tourist numbers? Are there visitors sleeping in the streets awaiting their completion? I think not," he said in Cairns Post, July 27.
Alex said that developers should underwrite their promises for the first five years after development."Purchasers can be left waiting years after the developer has suggested that returns will help pay for the asset, when the developer is long gone and well into his next project," he said. Alex and wife Pam own 2020 Management which manages Villa Paradiso apartments.

Matthew Smythe of Belle Property said in Cairns Post, July 3, that the boom will continue, both in buildings and tourist numbers. "The Cairns northern beaches are like Noosa 15 years ago," he said. "We are really just at the tip of the trend." He said southern and overseas baby boomers had taken Palm Cove in hand.
"Baby bomers make up 25 percent of the nation's population but control 75 percent of the wealth. With a suburban home in Sydney selling for $3 million, many boomers buy a $1 million apartment, then look for a lifestyle investment or investments with the change," he said.
"Most of the proud owners will live in the apartments one month of the year and rent them out through the resort management company for the rest of the time."

Votes split down middle

THE RESULTS of a community vote on Veivers Rd speed limit were split 50-50.
There were a total of 15 votes in favour and 16 not in favour of 40 kph.
Included were Veivers Rd residents who voted 5 in favour and 4 not in favour. 500 voting forms were delivered. Cr Sno Bonneau said he was surprised that more residents did not vote, especially those living in Veivers Road who were the people most affected. The councillor said he would speak to council officers about the issue and also the advisability of spending $20,000 (the cost of installing speed humps), a requirement if the limit was to be 40 kph.

Battle of the beaches

KEEP AUSTRALIA BEAUTIFUL COUNCIL may or may not be keeping our country beautiful, but one thing's for sure : it's keeping our beaches clean.
No less than 133 beaches in Queensland, including 17 from the far north, have nominated for the state's Clean Beach Award for 2003.
Each state holds its own competition, and the winners compete for the Australian award, Barton Green, CEO of KABC's Clean Beach Challenge said at the opening of 2003's challenge at Palm Cove, July 24.
"The award is becoming highly significant for tourism in Australia, and beach resorts everywhere are becoming interested in winning, " he said.
Cr Sno Bonneau, who opened the meeting, said Palm Cove's award as the country's cleanest beach in February this year had given the village enormous publicity in magazines, TV, and press around the world.
Mr Green said his council did not look on the challenge as a beauty contest. "We are far more interested in assessing how a community cares for and manages its favourite beach," he said.
Judging for Queensland will take place in September.

 

Trinity Beach's secret weapon

CLEAN BEACH challengers Trinity Beach say they have a secret weapon which should win them this year's award.
Alex Whyte grinned : "Don't they know they can only use shots of their own beach?"
Trinity Beach are not saying. They said, however, that Alex had sent them an email saying Palm Cove would send some soap and honey: the soap to clean the beach and honey to make it friendlier.

Surf Club's juicy steaks

"YOU WON'T believe our steaks, says Surf Club manager Steve Leigh.
"They're from the lush pastures of Margaret River, north WA, they're grain-fed for a minimum of 90 days (makes them tender), and no chemicals added," he said.
If you haven't joined the surf club, why not get on down here and join, he said.
"It's only $5 a year and the steaks are enormous at budget prices."
Brothers Club, which manages the surf club, has drawn up plans for redevelopment of the front section to include a bar, beachfront wining and dining, and poker machines. The surf boats will go out back.
The club's opening function was a successful wine, food and beverages night on the front deck on June 23.

Editorial

COVE'S well-earned award for Australia's Cleanest Beach is fraught with danger.
Whilst we are basking in the glory and attracting tourists from all over, we have to keep one fact continually in mind. If we let the beach become the slightest bit dirty, we'll do more harm than good.
You know how some people talk: "I stayed at Palm Cove, supposed to be Australia's cleanest beach, and there were cigarette butts all over the place."
Instead of thinking of doing the trip, people will tend to put us in the Dirtiest Beach category. They could stay away in droves.
We've won the reputation : now we have to honour it.

Hooker's family fun day

L J Hooker'S are holding a free Fish & Treasure family fun day on Sunday, August 31st at Palm Cove Jetty. Newly appointed Palm Cove agent Kelvin Wilson of Cedar Rd said there will be a family fishing contest with prizes from local businesses, a BBQ for all, and a treasure hunt. The fishing contest, bait, BBQ, and treasure hunt are all free. Entrants to the two-hour fishing contest must register 9.30-10.00am. Mr Hooker Bear will dispense hugs, balloons, and sugar fixes. The treasure hunt commences 12.30pm.
Kelvin's number is 0417 771 125.


Published by Jerry Dukes, 52 Terebra St, Palm Cove 4879.
Ph 4059 1610; Fax 4059 0058
Email: jgdukes@ozemail.com.au
On website: http://www.palmcove.net/


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