More big-name artists will feature at Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns following a $1.3 million revamp of the park's performance space, supported through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government's $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.
Upgrades will be jointly funded with $650,000 from BoR and Cairns Regional Council and will see the construction of back-of-house facilities and a permanent box office, upgrades to Minnie Street Gate and improved power distribution.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the park has become a popular social space for locals and visitors alike.
"This project and others like it are about ensuring Cairns has the infrastructure in place to forge ahead," Mr Dick said.
"Council estimates the upgrades will support around 10 jobs during construction and eight ongoing jobs in the long-term, with the potential for more as the parklands continue to grow as a significant cultural, creative and recreational facility.
"The Palaszczuk Government is invested in supporting our regions to build on their traditional strengths, while also looking for new ways to diversify local economies."
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the parklands were an important part of the community, bringing together up to 3500 people for performances at the venue.
"The parklands have proven a drawcard for performers from all over the world, including the Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, popular English musician Passenger, and our own Queensland Symphony Orchestra," Mr Healy said.
"Improving these facilities will help attract more performers to Cairns, as well as boosting patronage, which will strengthen the local economy further.
"By working with local council to deliver this project, we're increasing community liveability, supporting local businesses and opening up more cultural opportunities for our city."
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said the redevelopment would increase the usability, functionality, and capability of the parklands, and bring together the community.
"In a short time, Munro Martin Parklands has become a standout performance venue, attracting shows of the highest calibre and contributing to our vibrant cultural identity," Mr Manning said.
"These upgrades will take the venue to the next level, with permanent facilities for visiting artists and enhanced experiences for audiences.
"We thank the Queensland Government for supporting these upgrades and investing in our community."
Lead vocalist and entertainer Nikki Doll said performers and the public all stand to benefit from the improvement works.
"As one of the first local acts to perform on the Munro Martin Parklands stage, and having attended various community events here, I know how vital this stunning outdoor space is for Cairns," Ms Doll said.
"Better performance facilities will allow our city to attract bigger-named interstate and international artists, while also supporting our thriving cultural scene – giving us locals more opportunities to take the stage."
Round 4 of Building our Regions will see the Palaszczuk Government partner with 37 councils on 49 projects – work which will create an estimated 657 jobs.
Under previous rounds, the program has allocated $225 million to 174 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating 1762 jobs and attracting additional investment of $353.5 million from councils and other organisations.
Learn more about the Building our Regions program.
