It was approved today by the Council CEO, after the majority of Councillors declared a conflict of interest.

The 41.6 metre development, designed in conjunction with CA Architects, consists of 22 three and four bedroom units as well as 33 semi-basement car parking spaces and an infinity pool.

The approvals process was co-ordinated by Urban Sync Town Planning.

The design takes advantage of the height provisions under Cairns Regional Council’s 2016 planning scheme, which allows for a 46 metre building height at the site.

However, a condition of the approval is for the owners to demonstrate that any aerials, lightning rods or other structures  won’t obstruct Cairns International Airport’s Obstacle Limitation Surface.

Cairns Metro/Airport Link

The Council has also agreed to seek funding for a business case to investigate the need for a high-frequency public transport link between the Cairns CBD and the Cairns Airport.

A proposed electric bus service route has been identified as part of initial concept development work for the proposal, known as the Cairns Metro/Airport Link project,

The Council rejected funding stage one of the business case, estimated at between $75,000 and $100,000 for an analysis of demand and potential options to meet demand, citing that the Council is not responsible for planning, managing or operating public transport in Cairns.

Stage 2 would involve a full business case and would be dependent on the results of Stage 1.

The Council says Transport and Main Roads has indicated there is no available budget allocation to assist, so funding will likely be sought from a State or Federal Government grant program.