A significant new retail development is on the drawing board for Cairns's southern suburbs, with plans unveiled for a Bunnings Warehouse on a prominent highway corner in Edmonton.
Proposed Location and Site Details
The proposed development targets a large, vacant block at the corner of the Bruce Highway and Walker Road. This high-visibility location is a major entry point to the Edmonton area. The application, submitted to Cairns Regional Council, outlines plans for a large-format Bunnings Warehouse store, complete with the brand's signature outdoor nursery and timber yard.
The site has a complex history, having been previously earmarked for a different retail project that never proceeded. The new proposal seeks to breathe life into the long-dormant corner, transforming it into a major home improvement and hardware destination for residents in Edmonton and the surrounding southern Cairns region.
Council Process and Community Feedback
The development application, filed under the council's code assessable pathway, is now officially open for public scrutiny. Local residents and stakeholders have a designated period to review the detailed plans and submit their feedback to the Cairns Regional Council.
This public notification phase is a standard but critical part of the planning process. Council planners will carefully consider all community submissions alongside the technical aspects of the proposal before making a determination. The decision will weigh the economic and convenience benefits against potential impacts on traffic, local amenity, and the existing business landscape.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
If approved, the new Bunnings Warehouse would represent a substantial investment in the Edmonton area, creating new local jobs during both construction and operation. It would also provide increased competition in the hardware sector for southern Cairns, potentially offering more choice and convenience for homeowners and tradespeople.
However, the development is also likely to spark discussions about traffic management on an already busy section of the Bruce Highway, especially at the Walker Road intersection. The proposal's traffic impact assessment will be a key document for the council's evaluation.
The ball is now in the court of the Cairns Regional Council and the community. The progression of this application will be closely watched, as it has the potential to significantly alter the retail fabric of Edmonton's main highway corridor.
