Whilst the Cairns City Licensees' Safety Association is working on strategies - including a new campaign in local schools to address binge drinking - the Cairns Regional Council needs to consider what role it can play in making the city safe.

We have already funded additional security and CCTV cameras and plan to hold a workshop to consider Council's stance on extending licensing hours from 3am to 5am. We do know that research has shown that alcohol-related crime can increase when there is greater and longer availability of liquor.

Both Melbourne and the City of Sydney have taken a lead in advocating for and promoting small bars. They believe that "small bars provide an alternative to large-scale beer-barns filled with binge drinkers, and they help create a more civilised and diverse drinking culture." (Clover Moore) Small bars can also support our local musos and the many talented, young, creative people in our entertainment sector. I know that my colleague, Cr Di Forsyth, is supportive of this approach and it is an area in which we will be leading the Cairns Regional Council to work with the State Government.