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A boardwalk over mangroves at Cairns Airport has today re-opened to visitors, three years after it was closed due to disrepair.
The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk was opened in 1988 to commemorate the Queensland Bicentennial and was popular among birders and tourists.
However, visitors were stopped from walking on it in April 2019 and its future was on shaky ground because of the costs involved in repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Following a community campaign led by the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNRC , Cairns Regional Council last year agreed to fund the restoration cost of almost half a million dollars, while Cairns Airport agreed to take over maintenance costs.
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“It was important that we do everything we could to preserve this unique piece of Cairns for future generations,” said Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker.
“It is a vital piece of infrastructure in so many ways, from education, research and environmental factors to culture and tourism.”
The collaborative efforts also included the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation.
Its maintenance team restored the Boardwalk and to make innovative decisions during the rebuild as they encountered challenges.
Yirrganydji man Brian Singleton, Senior Ranger of Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation, said the crew took great care to protect the surrounding mangrove trees and roots.
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“The mangroves are an important part of our identity connecting the land and sea," he said.
“The Boardwalk provides a space for the wider community to learn more about this incredible environment and for stories and cultural values to be shared and celebrated.”
New signage is being developed to recognise the cultural connection the Yirrganydji people have to the area.
The Boardwalk was named in honour of Cairns physician and toxicologist Dr Jack Barnes.
He discovered that the tiny jellyfish named after the local First Nations people could cause the Irukandji syndrome.
His daughter Jenny Roberts was at today’s re-opening ceremony.
“Our father was a pioneering advocate for the preservation and protection of the natural environment,” she said.
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CAFNEC spokeswoman Bess Murphy said the community’s push to save the boardwalk demonstrated how much locals treasure the asset.
“The reopening of the boardwalk is a triumph of the Cairns community standing up for something they hold dearly,” she said.
The boardwalk is located on the right-hand side of Airport Avenue.
Visitors have been ask to proceed to the first roundabout to access the site, rather than crossing the middle of the road.
Main points
- The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove boardwalk has been restored
- It was closed three years ago after falling into disrepair
- A special ceremony has been held for its reopening
