Ask Val

Monday 22 August 2011

Honourable Mayor

What is the Cairns Regional council doing to ensure we meet the requirements to secure more AFL games in Cairns?

Is there any truth to the rumour that the AFL has put their money forward in support of more games, and that CRC has balked at guaranteeing funds for future games, in favour of more “cultural” pursuits, such as Ukulele festival, Time Out Concert, and the much maligned new Arts precinct?

From: Dave Isles, Port Douglas.

Response from Cairns Regional Council Mayor, Val Schier.

Not sure where you got the idea that the CRC is not supporting sport; that’s completely wrong. We’ve put huge dollars into improving sporting grounds and facilities and most importantly have developed an events strategy and allocated funding to attract a whole range of sporting events from Challenge Cairns, Rugby League and Union games, Eclipse Marathon, BMX titles, Judo championships, Masters hockey and AFL, the Davis Cup tie …. the list goes on.

We have a great relationship with AFL and have allocated funding both for interstate games and to upgrade their lighting as next year’s game will be at night.

It’s not a matter of either sport or cultural activities. We need BOTH. Hence, as well as all the sports initiatives, we are pushing along the entertainment centre proposal and funding events like the Blues Festival. We also have a great relationship with the State Government re partnering on both facilities and events.

All good news for this region.

Ask Your Pollie

Our elected representatives; Julia Leu (Division 10 councilor), Val Schier (Mayor Cairns Regional Council), Jason O'Brien (State Member for Cook), and Warren Entsch (Federal Member for Leichhardt), are happy to field your questions on the issues you feel passionate about.

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