Far northern leaders have been assured by the Minister for Local Government that the $57.3 million in State funding for the Cairns Entertainment Precinct remains secure.

The delegation, which included Advance Cairns chairman Cam Charlton, Advance Cairns CEO Stewart Christie, Mayor Val Schier, Council CEO Lyn Russell and project manager Linda Cardew, met with Local Government Minister David Crisafulli in Brisbane on Wednesday morning.

Mr Charlton said the Minister had not reversed his decision to allow the current Council to move forward on the managing contractor for the project, however he reaffirmed the State’s funding commitment of $57.3m and also pledged to work with Council to ensure $40m in federal funding was also secure.

“We have had an extremely productive meeting with the Minister and he has reinforced the State’s commitment to this project as it is currently proposed,” Mr Charlton said.

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“The decision to award the managing contractor tender will still go to the new Council for a decision, however the Minister has provided an undertaking to work with Council and the Commonwealth to vary federal funding milestones at risk due to the delay in appointing the managing contractor.

“Mr Crisafulli also pledged to work proactively with Cairns Regional Council to ensure the successful completion of the Cairns Entertainment Precinct for the benefit of the region.

“This project is pivotal in boosting the construction industry in the short term as well as attracting further industry and investment.”

Council CEO Lyn Russell said Mr Crisafulli was provided with a thorough briefing on the status of the Cairns Entertainment Precinct, including its location on the waterfront, costs, planning and budget.

“What we have is a real commitment by the Minister to work with us on this project and I believe he has a much better understanding of the project and the site,” Ms Russell said.

“Our priority was to ensure that funding for this important project remained protected and we have had that commitment by the State that they will continue to work with Council and the Federal Government to ensure this is the case.”