City farewells former engineer

l CAIRNS REGION

FORMER Cairns city council engineer Graeme Haussmann, who is moving to Brisbane, has been given a special send off by Cairns Regional Council.

Mr Haussmann, who worked as the city engineer for Cairns City Council for 32 years from 1956 to 1988, was farewelled at a morning tea in the council committee room last week.

Mayor Bob Manning said Mr Haussmann’s time at the council spanned a pivotal time in the city’s development.

“This was at a time when the Cairns region experienced rapid and expansive development, which created many challenges,” he said.

“When Graeme started working for council, most of the city was flood prone, even during relatively minor rainfall. “There was virtually no underground sewerage network or treatment plant, there was no assured water supply, and most of the roads were gravel.

“Graeme’s gift was being able to look at the problem and understand what was needed to solve it.

"His insight helped transform Cairns into the modern, liveable city it is today.”