Mulgrave Shire Council Chambers (former)

The Cairns Tropical North Tourism Information Centre occupies the former council offices on The Esplanade. This was the site of the first Cairns Town Hall, built in timber and opened with a charity ball and concert in December 1884. Local government in the area began with the Cairns Divisional Board in 1879. Cairns Municipal Council was created in 1885 to specifically administer the Cairns township. Both councils met in the hall until the Municipal Council relocated to Aplin Street in mid-1886. The Cairns Divisional Board, renamed Cairns Shire Council in 1903, built this new building in 1913. The choice of a substantial masonry structure was prompted by two severe cyclones; Cairns in 1906 and Port Douglas in 1911. Architects C D Lynch and Walter Hunt called for tenders for the new building in mid-1912. Local builders Wilson and Baillie were the successful tenderers. The building was originally T-shaped with verandas to all sides and an entrance porch fronting the Esplanade. The council’s name was changed to Mulgrave Shire in 1940. Alterations were made in 1952 and 1966 and included additional side wings, removing verandas, changes to the street elevation and internal changes.