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Traffic Flows for Lot 100 Proposals
Traffic Flows for Lot 100 Proposals
The current development application (under appeal in the Planning and Environment Court) proposes that resort guest drop-off/pick-up and service vehicle access be located at the corner of Amphora and French Streets. As the image below illustrates, this arrangement generates extensive traffic circulation through Palm Cove's residential back streets in both directions. Rather than alleviating existing pressure on Williams Esplanade, this configuration would materially worsen traffic amenity in the precinct impacting the visitor experience.
A further infrastructure concern arises from the proposed roundabout at this location: its geometry is insufficient to accommodate the turning circle of large service vehicles, which would consequently be directed down French Street and onto Williams Esplanade — the precise outcome the broader placemaking strategy seeks to avoid.
PCA's Proposed Lot 100 Option
The PCA-designed alternative, illustrated in the image below, directs Palm Cove visitor traffic via Cedar Road to the proposed car park and makes more use of the existing jetty car park. This routing avoids the surrounding residential street network entirely and reduces through-traffic on Williams Esplanade, improving amenity for both residents and visitors.
Alignment with the FNQ Regional Plan 2026
The PCA option is directly consistent with the recently gazetted Far North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026. Strategy 1.11 (Cairns LGA) now requires that new development in the Cairns LGA:
"Enhance the role and function of tourism villages along the Northern Beaches by ensuring that new development protects and enhances the destination performance."
The current developer application is in direct tension with this policy obligation. The PCA option, by contrast, is designed to give it effect — routing traffic away from the village core and reinforcing Palm Cove's village character and economic opportunity as a high-value/amenity rich tourism asset.
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