The Directors of The Cairns Aquarium and Regional Development Australia (RDA) FNQ&TS will host a media event in Cairns on Friday to launch the design stage of the multi-million dollar aquarium project that will culminate in the submission of a Development Application to Cairns Regional Council later this year. 

Dr Allan Dale, Chairman of RDA FNQ&TS said Friday’s event is significant for Far North Queensland’s regional tourism industry that stands to prosper in the future with the introduction of another world-class tourism experience.  “The arrival of this project is timely and deemed to be of great value to the region’s emerging Chinese market. We also feel proud of the fact that The Cairns Aquarium was the first major tourism infrastructure project to receive Commonwealth Government Assistance for its start up phase.  This is great for our region and proves Far North Queensland’s voice is being heard loud and clear in Canberra.”

The Director of The Cairns Aquarium, Daniel Leipnik says he is looking forward to Friday’s event at which he will announce the successful architectural firm chosen from 15 tenders to design and develop the project’s $35 million flagship building.   This will precede a public signing of the contractual agreement by Directors of The Cairns Aquarium and the architectural firm.

The Hon. Jan McLucas, Minister for Human Services will also present at Friday’s event and use the opportunity to confirm the Federal Government’s current funding and assistance being provided under the Department of Tourism's TMPF and TIRF programs.

“The Department of Tourism’s support has been a significant factor enabling us to launch our flagship tourism project that is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors each year- making it one of the busiest land based tourist attractions the region has on offer,” said Mr Leipnik.

He adds, “When complete, The Cairns Aquarium will be a valuable drawcard for Cairns’ CBD precinct - providing an all weather, all ages, affordable, exciting and enjoyable way of seeing reef and rainforest creatures in a comfortable and safe way.”

According to Mr Leipnik, The Cairns Aquarium project has attracted support from all levels of Government, the business community, and members of the public who see the project as a vital mean of revitalising the CBD and providing a new and innovative approach to showcasing the flora and fauna of the Wet Tropics to a growing tourist market.

“Cairns Aquarium will generate over 250 full time jobs and substantial economic flow on effects to businesses and local suppliers during construction and well into operation.  It will also focus on creating awareness of the threats to The Great Barrier Reef and surrounding eco-systems and what can be done to protect these environments,” he said.

The initial design stage of Cairns Aquarium is anticipated to take four months with the Development Application scheduled for lodgment with Cairns Regional Council by September 2013.  

Cairns Aquarium is slated to open in July 2016 following a year of design and development work and a further 18 months of construction.  

About The Cairns Aquarium

The Cairns Aquarium is a major new tourism infrastructure project being developed to increase the range and quality of tourist attractions in Far North Queensland.   The project involves the design, development and commercialisation of an architect inspired, iconic three storey, 10,000 square metre landmark attraction featuring animals, plants and habitats found only in Queensland’s Wet Tropics. Feature exhibits will include a multi-million litre Great Barrier Reef tank, a giant freshwater River Monsters exhibit, a Life in the Mangroves lagoon exhibit, a Dangers of the Deep exhibit, a Daintree rainforest boardwalk and up to 70 other key exhibits housing some 5000 plus fish, animals and plants. 

In December 2012, the Cairns Aquarium’s Company Directors, Daniel Leipnik and Andrew Preston purchased a 4000 square metre, CBD land parcel on the corners of Lake, Florence, and Abbott Streets directly opposite and within walking distance of family friendly downtown hotels. 

The project will create over 150 jobs during construction and over 100 staff positions once open. 

It will deliver investment into the region of some $35 million for construction services and materials and generate almost $20 Million in revenue per year once open.

When open, it is anticipated that the Cairns Aquarium will be one of the top visitor attractions in the region with expectations of over 500,000 visitors each year.

 About Regional Development FNQ & TS

From Cardwell to the Cape, Torres Strait and inland to the Tablelands and taking in Croydon and Etheridge shires, the Far North Queensland and Torres Strait branch of Regional Development Australia (RDA FNQ&TS) takes in a vast and diverse area of the regional Queensland.   It works to provide one voice in terms of regional issues and priorities and as such provides guidance and support to the many agencies, organisations and individuals working towards long term, sustainable growth, prosperity and wellbeing of this region.  For more: www.rdafnqts.org.au

For information, contact:

The Cairns Aquarium CEO, Daniel Leipnik

0447 774 526 daniel@specialty.com.au

RDA FNQ&TS Chair, Allan Dale
0418 736 422 | info@rdafnqts.org.au

Issued by:

Pip Miller PR Mob: 0419 681543  Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au