Cassowary Coast Community Connect #20 06 May 2022

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

MAY 06 2022

COMMUNITY CONNECT

80 YEAR COMMEMORATION EVENTS

Battle of the Coral Sea Thank you to all who attended the Battle of the Coral Sea 80th Anniversary dinner and memorial service last weekend. Commemorating this battle is an important way to reflect on all those who fought and sacrificed to defend the freedoms we know today.

Lest we forget.

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Cairns Local News, Friday, May 06, 2022 PAGE 13

One Coast, Cassowary Coast

In Brief

THIS WEEK MARKS INTERNATIONAL COMPOSTING AWARENESS WEEK.

Here are some quick facts about composting!

Composting Fact 1: Did you know that when food scraps and garden waste breaks down in a typical landfill it releases methane, a greenhouse gas with an estimated global warming potential of between 28 and 36 times that of carbon dioxide?

Composting Fact 2: Composting can help reduce costs.

Last year 6,295 tonne of organic waste generated in the Cassowary Coast Region was sent to landfill.

It cost Council $85/tonne to dispose of waste into landfill. Choosing to compost food waste will help reduce costs.

If you haven’t got yourself a compost bin or worm-farm – now is the time!

Council are offering a rebate of $20 for any compost system purchased. To find out how you can claim your $20, go to: https://cutt.ly/gbtLoBA

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS – LAND VALUATIONS On 31 March 2022, the Queensland Valuer-General issued land valuations for 30 local government areas in Queensland.

The Cassowary Coast Local Government area was subject to this process and due to the movement in the local market across the last 12 months, land valuations have significantly increased in some Cassowary Coast locations.

Council is committed to having a rating strategy that is underpinned by sound principles, which are well understood, communicated to ratepayers and compliant with current legislation.

As such Council are hosting a series of community information sessions discuss the challenges imposed by recent land valuations and options available for Council’s consideration when determining the general rates for the next financial year.

May 6, 2022

CASSOWARY COAST: SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY The second Annual Small Business Friendly Conference being held in Townsville today was officially opened by Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer, who also co-signed the Small Business Friendly charter with Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said the Small Business Friendly Charter shows Council’s continued commitment to support and encourage growth amongst small businesses within the region.

“Council is committed to

the growth of existing and development of new small businesses in the Cassowary Coast.

“Small businesses are the heart of our small towns, helping to shape our communities and drive our economy.

“Through partnering as a Small Business Friendly Council, over 3,000 small businesses across the Cassowary Coast region will benefit from the charter through the support, resources and additional tools available,” said Mayor Nolan Read more at: https://bit.ly/3OHOMxH

Signing of the Small Business Friendly Charter

GET THE DIRT ON THE PLAYGROUND UPGRADE AT THE WHEATLEY PARK Cassowary Coast Regional Council would like to hear from the community and park users regarding the design for a playground at Alan Wheatley Memorial Park, on Reid Road in Wongaling Beach.

Council is proposing a nature play space targeted towards three to nine year olds, and would like to consult with the community on the proposed plans before they are finalised.

Outdoor activities such as nature play improve focus, motor skills and physical health, as well as assist children to develop resilience, independence and selfawareness.

The proposed nature playground incorporates

diverse elements to inspire nature-based learning and encourage interaction with the local environment. The design supports Council’s long-term commitment to refocus built assets in higher use parks across the region and in this case is complementary to facilities already available in the area including Rotary Park, which includes a splash pad, skate park and basketball court.

Key features of the playground will include wooden steps, timber logs for balancing, a fairy door to delight the

imagination, large boulders and natural grass areas, all covered by natural shade from surrounding trees. The unstructured and stimulating environment of a naturebased playground encourages more green time and less screen time, and allows imaginations to run free.

This concept has been designed with the ability to be easily uninstalled and reinstalled without issue which will prove beneficial if the Irreverent Film Production or others return to the area in the future.

Council wants to hear from

the community and users of Alan Wheatley Memorial Park and are seeking feedback on the proposed design.

To view the proposed design and provide your feedback visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/alanwheatleymemorialparkplayground Submissions will be accepted until 5pm on Monday 23 May 2022.

Alternatively, you can contact Council on 1300 763 903 or via email at enquiries@cassowarycoast. qld.gov.au to provide feedback.

Community Information Sessions INNISFAIL Monday 9 May - 5.30pm - Innisfail Library Community Hub KURRIMINE BEACH Tuesday 10 May - 5.30pm - Kurrimine Beach Progress Hall CARDWELL Monday 16 May - 5.30pm - Cardwell Community Hall MISSION BEACH Tuesday 17 May - 5.30pm - Mission Beach Progress Hall TULLY Wednesday 18 May - 5.30pm - Tully Grandstand Function Room

PAGE 14 Cairns Local News, Friday, May 06, 2022

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One Coast, Cassowary Coast

May 6, 2022

HAPPY CAMPERS AT DUNK ISLAND WITH CAMPGROUND UPGRADES

Improvements to Dunk Island’s campground amenities will soon allow for a more comfortable tropical island stay for campers with works to commence early May. Cassowary Coast Regional Council was successful in receiving funding totalling $95,000 through the Fishing Infrastructure Grant 2021/22.

This grant, through partnership between the Queensland Government and Federal Government’s Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities program, provides assistance and support to deliver new or improved infrastructure which directly relates to recreational, fishing, boating, or camping.

Work on the island is expected to commence in early May and be complete early June, weather and site conditions permitting.

The upgrades on Dunk Island will create further comfort

for campers, with proposed works to include: • Installation of a roof over the camp kitchen.

• Installation of two BBQ’s and park furniture in the camp kitchen.

• Installing a roof over the amenities block extension.

• Cosmetic upgrades to the amenities block.

Council will also be undertaking a Sand Nourishment Program for up to two weeks from Monday 9 May, weather permitting, to rehabilitate erosion surrounding the Jetty area. The works will allow for ongoing protection of the area from erosion.

Council has recently released a tender to seek a lessee for the ongoing management and future development of the Spit. Council will review tender submissions to ensure the Spit is managed and developed in a sustainable

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manner. For more information regarding the tender visit, www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov. au/our-council/tenders-andquotes.

During the works the Dunk Island Campground will still be operational with reduced sites available. The site currently features nine private camp sites each equipped with picnic tables and tent space. Campsite bookings are available online at www.dunkislandcamp. com.au or via the Mission Beach Visitor Centre.

There are a number of transport options available to Dunk Island. Arrangements can be made through the Mission Beach Visitors Centre on (07) 4068 7099.

Erosion at Dunk Island Jetty

DUNK ISLAND JETTY

EROSION REHABILITATION WORKS Cassowary Coast Regional Council will be undertaking a Sand Nourishment Program on Dunk Island to replenish sand and rehabilitate erosion surrounding the Jetty area.

The works are scheduled to begin from Monday 9 May 2022 and consist of relocating sand sourced from Palloon Beach near Dunk Island Spit, to the shores around the Jetty structure.

The sand nourishment works are being carried out under a Marine Park Authority permit

and will protect the area from ongoing erosion and ensure erosion is effectively managed.

Due to the location of the erosion, this area cannot be protected from erosion with a hard structure or sea wall, therefore the relocation of sand every two or three years is necessary.

The works will involve heavy machinery carting and relocating sand between these areas.

During the works, the area around the Jetty will be closed off.

The Dunk Island Campground will still be operational during the works however, reduced sites will be available.

Visitors and campers will still be able to access toilet amenities with signage and barricades in place to guide the public safely around the worksite.

Campsite bookings are online at www.dunkislandcamp.com. au or via the Mission Beach Visitor Centre.

Cairns Local News, Friday, May 06, 2022 PAGE 15

One Coast, Cassowary Coast

May 28, 22, 2022 January

IMPROVEMENTS TO MARCS PARK AND

AQUATIC

Works are underway at the Mission Beach Arts and Aquatic Centre, with the community set to benefit from improvements to safety, access and drainage.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is undertaking works to enhance safety and better connect users to the popular facilities located adjacent to Marcs Park.

Improvements to the centre will be undertaken consecutively and include: • Drainage works to divert stormwater runoff away from the entrance and pathway to the Arts centre.

• A new concrete footpath from

CENTRE

the carpark to the covered area at the front of the Arts Centre, providing improved access for all abilities.

• Drainage works behind the Mission Beach Pool to prevent water from the aquatic centre running across the bitumen footpath, causing the path to become slippery during wet weather.

The works are a win-win for the community - enhancing safety and access while also supporting local jobs.

The three projects will be funded and completed by Council at a cost of approximately $50,000.

Works began in mid-April and are

AREA

MISSION

BEACH

expected to be complete by early May, weather permitting.

These works are part of Council’s commitment to delivering regional infrastructure.

Council will ensure access to the facilities remain open and will keep the community informed of any closures or restrictions that may occur during the work.

Council thank the community for their patience and understanding while these important works are undertaken.

For further information please call Council on 1300 763 903 or via email on : enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

These works are part of Council’s commitment to delivering regional infrastructure.

Works at Mission Arts

COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS 28 April 2022 Visit - https://bit.ly/3s9Bdxc

K E Y Cassowary Coast Regional Council Contact 1300 763 903 Visit our website www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au Write: Please address all correspondence to: Andrew Graffen, Chief Executive Officer PO Box 887 Innisfail, QLD 4860 Email: enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

C O N T A C T S

Visit Council Cassowary Coast Regional Council has three Customer Service Centres across the region.

Specially trained staff can provide information and advice on topics including: ● local laws and compliance ● rates enquiries ● account payments (EFTPOS facilities available) ● animal registration.

PAGE 16 Cairns Local News, Friday, May 06, 2022

Customer Service Centres and Opening Hours Innisfail Shire Hall 70 Rankin St. Innisfail Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Tully Tully Civic Centre, 38-40 Bryant St. Tully Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Cardwell Cardwell Library, 4 Balliol St. Cardwell Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Cassowary Coast Libraries comprises of 4 branches located at Cardwell, Innisfail, Tully and Mission Beach. For locations, opening times or general enquiries, please call 1300 366 616 or visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/libraries Waste Transfer Stations locations and opening hours can be found by visiting: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/transfer-stations Community Connect is a publication of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Supplied by Council and published within the Cairns Local News newspaper. All enquiries regarding content contained within this publication should be directed to Council.

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