As an annual visitor from Parramatta (the exciting metropolis that is emerging as the second CBD of multicultural Sydney) the ailing commentary by locals about the supposed pitfalls of life in the CBD of Cairns is surely exaggerated and needs perspective (CP, 5/1). Homelessness with itinerant populations, occasional shop vacancies and reduced foot traffic is pervasive across our national landscape. Minimal street parking, poor public transportation and traffic congestion is surely a bigger problem in Parramatta. The streetscape along McLeod St outside Cairns Central is extremely appealing, very clean and no doubt welcoming to the long line of eager tourists taking in this city’s beneficence. While people are the best asset of any tourist destination, I must give a massive shoutout to Nick, a checkout assistant at the Coles centre at Cairns Central. For someone being so engaging, demonstrating a generous interest in his customers and radiating a massive personality, perhaps we should give him the right of reply to Danny Betros about whether the citizens of Cairns ought indeed be optimistic for their collective future. Cairns has many advantages over the oldest settlement in the Commonwealth, whether it realises it or not. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 7Jan2026