Discussion to open on building height review

Cairns residents will be invited to contribute to a discussion on the future look of the Cairns city centre and North Cairns, following Council's consideration of amendments to building height and design policies within the draft Planning Scheme.

The proposed amendments follow feedback received during public consultation on the draft Planning Scheme undertaken in late 2014.

"One of the key issues raised during public consultation on the new Planning Scheme was that of building heights, with the current limits seen as a major barrier to new development and growth, particularly in the city centre," Mayor Bob Manning said.

"We have had 35 years of solid growth in Cairns City and Cairns North and both of these areas are important to our region economically, culturally and administratively.

"With wide tree-lined streets, views to the mountains and ocean, and character buildings, these suburbs epitomise the unique and much-loved identity of our tropical home – our 'city in a rainforest'.

"Our planning scheme needs to protect this special character for future generations and, at the same time, address the growing demand for vibrant inner-city living.

"Last year's public feedback on the draft scheme identified the current height limits as a major barrier to new residential and commercial development, and this is putting Cairns at an economic disadvantage.

"We have a responsibility to leave a healthy land use legacy for our grandchildren, through the policies and plans we make today. The changes we propose for the draft Cairns Region Planning Scheme pave the way for our city to become a world leader in tropical urbanism."

It has been proposed that the existing prescribed height limits be amended and that the aircraft Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) be formalised as the defining factor on building heights in the city centre and parts of North Cairns.

"The OLS sets the safe height margin between built structures and aircraft flight paths and is already used as a guide in assessing development applications for taller buildings.

"Presently, the OLS varies from 80 metres at the southern end of the CBD to 25 metres in North Cairns. However, the Planning Scheme height limits range from 46 metres to 14 metres, despite there being precedence for case-by-case assessment leading to approvals for buildings that exceed these heights.

"With the proper planning mechanisms in place to ensure suitable development of quality and appropriate design, we don't see why we can't bring the Planning Scheme into line with the OLS to standardise building height limits.

"We are mindful of some concerns that Cairns could become over-burdened with  high-rise buildings that detract from the current values of the city. The control mechanisms in place will ensure we buildings that are appropriate for our city.  "We will still be bounded by strict limits placed by the OLS. And only a small portion of the city, located near the Port land, would be able to host buildings at the highest end of the allowable scale, upwards to 80 metres.

"We are also looking to introduce new design controls citing 'Tropical Urbanism' as a key objective.

"This will provide guidelines for city design that will reflect the character and lifestyle of Cairns. The Tropical Urbanism controls will promote signature tropical design elements such as vertical landscaping, street canopies and active street frontages that create cool, shady outdoor areas, reflecting the natural rainforest canopy.

The inclusion of the proposed amendments will be subject to further public consultation, which will open on 13 July and close on 25 August 2015

"This is an exciting time for our city's growth and I encourage you to review our proposed changes during the consultation period," Cr Manning said. Good planning takes its meaning from the community it serves and with your input, we can ensure our new planning scheme leaves a healthy, vibrant and sustainable legacy for future generations."