People said I must have been elated at the end of 2011 but perhaps my feelings were more of relief after more than three years of hard work. The critical approval of the Entertainment Precinct on 14 December has meant that we've gone ahead and advertised for a construction manager to enable us to spend the nearly $100 million of federal and state government money, create jobs, transform the waterfront and provide long overdue and much needed facilities.

The change to the Cairns Plan to backzone 26 hillslopes into conservation was another major achievement. During the community plan consultation, people told us over and over again how important the hillslopes and the green face of Cairns are to the city and I am very pleased that they will now be protected.

Other achievements were the capping of the Portsmith dump to prevent the leaching of chemicals into the inlet, the opening of the stunning new Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and the launch of the first stage of the Sugar World redevelopment. I understand that the leasee has been overrun with families who've cooled off there and had fun. Mums and Dads have told me they can't wait till next month when the KIPS – Kids Interactive Play System – is finished and there will be more to do for younger children. All in all a satisfying end to another difficult year in our region.