The Case for Palm Cove Promenade

This website is essentially about promoting the transformation of Williams Esplanade on the Palm Cove waterfront into Palm Cove Promenade generally in accordance with the Strategy Plan developed by Leigh Ratcliffe in 1992.

“Many business contemporaries I have spoken to over the years are only considering their own backyard when they develop with not enough consideration of the surrounding built and natural environments. But I see a whole interlocking set of characteristics that make Palm Cove magic. – Leigh Ratcliffe”

From the early 1980’s Leigh was involved in the design and construction of most of the outstanding esplanade properties including Alamanda, Reef House, Villa Paradiso, Palm Cove Village, Paradise on the Beach and The Beach Club.  In the process his group was responsible for the paving and contouring of Williams Esplanade as we know it today.

He promoted the pedestrianisation concept to Mulgrave Shire Council, managed the project and made a significant financial and in-kind contribution.  As can be seen from the Strategy Plan above, the essence of the Plan was the pedestrianising of the entire esplanade.

Is there any doubt that if we were building the Palm Cove tourism experience today that anybody would favour buses, trucks and coaches instead of people between the built environment and the beach? Of course not. So we know the idea is right. WE JUST NEED TO DO IT.

• Thanks to the vision of architect Leigh Ratcliffe back in the 80’s, with the support of Mulgrave Shire Council, Williams Esplanade was paved and contoured, ‘paving’ the way for a promenade. Many visitors already treat the road as a promenade. That’s just how it feels.  All of us who drive along the esplanade will have experienced pedestrians walking down the middle of the road being surprised when a vehicle appears behind them.
• Every tourism destination seeks its point of difference. There are many destinations on the mainland that can offer similar experiences to Palm Cove such as Port Douglas for example. None can offer this tropical peaceful promenade beachfront experience.
• It already happens once a month from April through December for the markets, during Ironman, Reef Feast and has happened for other occasions. So we know what it’s like and we know how good it is.
• Palm Cove is the beginning of the Wangetti Trail, construction of which is currently underway. The promenade concept engages perfectly with the Wangetti Trail experience and branding. Perhaps Palm Cove branding can further evolve into health and vitality as a priority.  That branding is unlikely to fade over time.
• We are also one of Australia’s iconic ‘Destination Wedding’ and honeymoon destinations as well as for couples generally.  So maybe our brand is Health Vitality and Romance in the Tropics.
• We are just at the beginning of the personal electric transport device revolution such as electric scooters, bikes and one-wheels for example. Adults and children are already weaving their way through the vehicle and pedestrian traffic along the esplanade. A well designed promenade would set aside lanes for these devices.  Council proposes that the existing path through the coconut palms on the eastern side of the esplanade be widened to three metres where possible so that these devices and pedestrians can safely share this space.  This is unlikely to be a good solution and Council may be held liable for injuries if they designate the foreshore path for devices as well as pedestrians.
• Diners in waterfront restaurants get an uninterrupted view of the beachfront and ocean instead of cars parked along the waterfront.
• Re-purposing the esplanade to a promenade may be an opportunity to make provision for appropriate event infrastructure such as power, water, lighting tech and related services. Night time is just as important as daytime in a destination like Palm Cove. Lighting design should be reviewed especially where it is currently heading with fairy lights wrapped around trees and the odd purple light pointing at tree trunks. There is no cohesive plan in this work.
• In France and the Channel Islands in particular ‘petit trains’ are used to transport passengers around destinations similar to Palm Cove – no train tracks – just little trains with tyres carrying 20 or 30 people. Sometimes it’s for practical transport reasons and sometimes for fun and sightseeing. In Palm Cove it could work for both.
• Car parking could be resolved by setting aside half of Lot 100 behind Palm Cove Village for a 2 level car park.
• What if the beach disappeared? It’s already happened at Clifton only one km away on the same stretch of beach. A promenade still gives locals and visitors an experience worth coming for.  In recent years there have been some serious erosions at Palm Cove and fortunately to date the sand has returned over time.  Given the experience of many beaches along the east coast of Australia there is no guarantee that that will continue.
• Perhaps a unique vision like this will inspire investors to proceed with tourism oriented projects for Double Island, Buchan Point and other sites.
• The best time to do this was 1920, or more recently, 2020 before the Amphora St access behind Island Views and Melaleuca was lost to development and before Council approved the plans for the western side of the Palm Cove Nominees 33-41 Cedar Rd block. Having said that, the next best time is NOW as the proverb goes.
• Can Palm Cove businesses and residents together with Cairns Regional Council embrace the Ratcliffe vision of the Mulgrave Shire Council days and deliver something unique for our future …. and in the process solve the very immediate and fundamental issue of esplanade traffic management?