Removal of the Captain Cook Statue

JCU has purchased land bounded by Sheridan, Grove, Digger and Charles Streets to establish the Far North Queensland Health and Innovation Precinct and commence development of the Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC). CTEC is an education, training, research and innovation project creating a multi-disciplinary centre for applied technology and enterprise, with a focus on health, and include elements engaging with high schools in the Cairns region. Proximity to the Cairns Hospital will drive health-services collaboration.

In preparation for development, JCU has commenced demolition of existing structures, with exception of the James Cook statue (the Statue) which local media has previously reported as being regarded as part of the city (Cairns) history. JCU is seeking offers by open public tender, for a proponent to take ownership of and remove the Statue.