Final touches are being placed on the multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the Cairns Convention Centre.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk commended workers for keeping construction moving during COVID-19 and cyclonic conditions.
“Rain, hail or shine, these workers have been on the job every day to make sure this project continues to progress,” she said.
“Today workers are putting the finishing touches on the refurbishment of the Cairns Convention Centre and I couldn’t be more proud.
“We’re investing in major infrastructure projects to support local jobs and rebuild our economy.
“Not only has this project supported hundreds of local jobs it also means more dollars for the local tourism industry – being able to host more events sooner here in Cairns.
“The economy here in Far North Queensland has taken a real hit during COVID-19.
“Projects like this are vital to safeguarding jobs and ensuring we build back better in Cairns.”
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the project supported local jobs now and will continue to support the region far into the future.
“Having a government that understands the importance of the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions market and is investing in our infrastructure is exactly what Cairns needs,” he said.
“The refurbishment and expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre gives us the best of both worlds – a nice sugar hit during construction and ongoing revenue for tourism operators as we secure more events into the future.
“I look forward to seeing the ongoing works come to life.”
Once the refurbishment is complete, the expansion works will continue into 2022.
The expansion will include a large undercover forecourt, a larger main entry, a 410-seat lecture space, three 120-seat meeting rooms as well as a 500-seat rooftop banquet space with views over Trinity Inlet.