Page 10 - Tropic Magazine Issue 22

EDITOR’S 2020 VISION
The heat is radiating off Mulgrave Rd outside the Tropic Group office on this
LETTER steamy Sunday morning. I’m here writing this Editor’s Letter in the last few
days before deadline, reflecting on some recent conversations.
The coffee is good and strong, despite the humidity outside, and so is the
music – John Coltrane right now. This office, my keyboard, the coffee pot,
the wall-mounted speakers … we’re all ready for action after a quiet, restful
couple of weeks over the festive season.
Since returning to the office in early January, I’ve caught up with a range of
clients and business owners. It’s got me feeling upbeat about Cairns in 2020.
I didn’t quite feel that way a month or so ago.
To be honest, I was worried – uncertain might be a better word - about the
year ahead as 2019 drew to a long, slow close. By the time Tropic HQ took
a break at the end of December, I found myself cautiously looking over the
horizon at the economic headwinds coming our way (coming everyone’s way
if the 24-hour global news cycle is anything to go by).
I was saddened to hear of Apex Milk Bar’s recent closure, and I know it’s not
the only one to succumb to tough trading times, particularly in the F&B and
retail sectors. For sure, it’s not going to be a cruisy ride ahead for our city by
Our latest cover star Flynn, a Crystalbrook any means. The bushfires, the Iran situation, and a year of elections from
Collection hotel
the presidential race in the United States to local and state elections here in
Queensland… the general mood out there is sombre, neurotic, trepidatious.
Yet, as always in the balance of things, there are positives to be found all
around us, from the boundless generosity on display during the bushfire
crisis to some encouraging local business news. Plus, the CQUniversity
Cairns Taipans have been awesome this season, so that’s an added bonus.
As a lifelong basketball fan (and mediocre player who can’t jump), this makes
me very happy.
In terms of the local economy, here’s a quick summary of recent
conversations I’ve had that make me believe we can approach 2020 with a
sense of confidence and optimism.
CONVERSATION #1: A local real estate agent told me his sales in the second
Botanica’s Stage 1 earthworks are underway half of 2019 were his best ever. I had to double-check with him. Best six
months of sales ever? Yep. Perhaps we’re approaching a sweet spot where
factors like the low rental vacancy rate, record low interest rates and positive
employment scene are finally working in our favour.
CONVERSATION #2: Robert from Botanica Lifestyle Resort, a project we
featured prominently in our previous edition, told me sales and buyer
inquiries about this brilliant development at Caravonica are going strong
since the launch a few months ago. Construction will start on site soon.
Check out botanicalifestyle.com.au for more info.
CONVERSATION #3: After a very long wait peppered with multiple delays and
much speculation, Nova City will go ahead this year. That will be massive for
Cairns, particularly when combined with the progress at Botanica.

10 • Tropic • Issue 22