Cassowary Coast Community Connect #45 09 June 2023

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

Lease disposal of Dunk Island Spit

AT yesterday’s May Local Government Meeting, Cassowary Coast Regional Council granted the 30-year lease of the Dunk Island Spit to the group that owns the freehold portion of Dunk Island.

Quote from Annie Cannon-Brookes: “We are honoured to be the custodi-

ans of the Spit area of Dunk Island.

We look forward to maintaining and enhancing this iconic portion of the Island, with the goal of making it welcoming for both locals and tourists to enjoy in the near future.”

Mayor Mark Nolan said for many years now the Dunk Island Spit had

remained dormant, however Council was confident this new agreement would esee a tourism resurgence to this iconic destination.

“The Dunk Island Spit is a key attraction for our region, and I look forward to seeing increased activation on the Spit for visitors and

locals to enjoy.”

“Through the lease being granted to the Dunk Island Group, the community and visitors will continue to have access to the camp kitchen and amenities block as well as essential services including power, water and sewerage,” said Mayor Nolan.

Dunk Island Spit.

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

Upgrades to Innisfail Con Theatre toilet amenities

COUNCIL was pleased to recently re-open the Innisfail Con Theatre amenities after completing an upgrade and refit of these facilities.

The refit of the amenities took into consideration a design and theme reflective of the building’s purpose and current aesthetic.

The improvements were welcomed and greatly appreciated by the Friends of the Con committee with member and President Erika Swiney thanking Council for completing the work.

“We are very pleased with the upgrades and love that the refit has aligned with the current look.

“We look forward to welcoming the wider community back as we come into a busy few months with up-

coming events,” said Erica Sweeny.

The completion of these works coincides with the upcoming Innisfail Young Performers Competition which takes place annually at the Innisfail Con Theatre in June. The competition usually draws over 100

competitors and substantial audiences who will be utilising the facilities.

Council thanks the community for their patience during these works and hopes the public can enjoy the cleaner and updated amenities when attending future events at the Con Theatre.

Council adopts coastal hazard adaptation strategy

AT the May Local Government Meeting, Council adopted the 2023/24 Register of Fees and Charges which will take effect on 1 July 2023.

Council has the legislative capacity to develop and subsequently adopt a register of fees and charges as part of its annual budget process.

Mayor Nolan said that Council’s fees and charges were a significant part of Council’s revenue stream and were developed to support immediate community service outcomes as well as align with Council’s longterm financial sustainability plan.

“Fees and Charges are adopted in advance of the 2023/24 Annual Budget to allow community and businesses time to consider as part of their own budgeting process ahead of the new financial year.

“The majority of fees and charges have had a 6.8% increase applied with in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) weighted average across 8 capital cities and annual movement to February 2023 issued by the Australian

Bureau of Statistics.

“Significant changes to the 2023/24 Fees and Charges include a range of operational service delivery areas such as Domestic and Regulated Waste, Visitor Information Services, Animal Management and Public Campgrounds.

“Changes to Fees and Charges reflect the cost of community service provision and a user-pay approach. If you don’t use the service, you won’t be charged for it.

“Importantly, Council officers have worked hard to harmonize, streamline and even remove fees and charges to produce consistent outcomes where possible, for example Tully Caravan Park fees have been made consistent with River Drive, Cowley Beach and Kurrimine Beach camping grounds.

“Further, the adopted 2023/24 Fees and Charges clearly demonstrates that where Council is delivering services similar to the private sector providers, it is doing so transparently and free from anti-competitive conduct,” said Councillor Nolan.

AT the May Local Government Meeting

Council adopted the Cassowary Coast Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (the Strategy).

Since 2016, the State Government has funded the QCoast2100 program, assisting coastal Councils to advance coastal hazard adaptation planning and prepare coastal hazard adaptation strategies. Cassowary Coast Regional Council received funding to develop our Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy under the QCoast2100 Program.

The Strategy identifies locations where existing coastal facilities and assets are vulnerable across our region.

Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor Jeff Baines said that this had been a long journey and Council would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who had

contributed to the Adaptation Strategy to see it adopted by Council at our May Local Government Meeting.

“Council will now develop an implementation plan and seek funding opportunities to progress the Strategy outcomes and Implementation Plan.” said Councillor Baines. The Implementation Plan will include coastal management actions that reduce exposure to coastal hazards and risks to preserve our beaches and foreshores, as well as sustainable recreational and tourist use of the coast by assisting in the maintenance of the recreational amenity and provision of public access to the coast. This will also contribute to building resilience and long-term sustainability and liveability in the Cassowary Coast region through adapting and responding to coastal hazard risks and climate change.

For further information about the Cassowary Coast Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy please go to yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/CHAS.

INVESTING IN YOUTH

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council is committed to investing in and supporting youth within our region through Council’s Student Mentorship Program.

The Student Mentorship Program is in partnership with Innisfail State College and is now entering its eighth year.

This program enables students to gain practical experience in a work environment and learn about the different functions Council delivers.

It also provides an opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring with Council’s team members to further build skills that are in demand by employers including problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Division Five Councillor Jeff Baines welcomed the students to Council and encouraged them to immerse themselves in this experience and enjoy the program.

“Council is committed to engaging youth within the region to provide them with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive within our community.

“Our youth are the future representatives of our community and it is important to support them with gaining workplace experiences at a young age to inspire their future careers,” said Councillor Baines.

Innisfail State College (ISC) Head of Junior School and facilitator of Connect Student mentoring program, Kylie Azzopardi said ISC was thankful for the opportunity CCRC provides to our young people.

“Council has been committed to this process from the start and further committed to the future of the program by recently providing additional

teams to mentor our students within different sectors of the organisation.

“It is an eye opener for many students over the years, how they connect the school values to the realworld work environment,” said Kylie Azzopardi.

The Student Mentorship Program is delivered over a 10-week period, with students working within Council teams one day per week. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to reflect on their progress each step of the way, so they can grow and evolve and commence their life-long learning journey.

Innisfail State College Year 9 student, Jones Dorrington, who is taking

part in the program said his main goal during work experience placement was to build his confidence in the workplace.

“I would also like to better understand what pathways are available to me once school finishes.

“At school, I enjoy English classes, so I am excited to work with Council’s Communication Team to develop my writing skills,” said Jones Dorrington. Council acknowledges and congratulates the commitment from Innisfail State College over the past years and the students for their participation over those years enabling the program to continue to succeed and grow.

Fees and charges for 2023- 2024

Innisfail State College Students who will be working in Council Depot as part of the Student Mentoring Program

Cassowary Coast to capture potential as ecotourism destination

THE Cassowary Coast is on the journey to become an accredited ECO Destination through the Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised program with a pledge to achieve certification by the end of 2024.

Achieving ECO Destination certification will recognise the Cassowary Coast as a world-class destination for sustainable, nature-based tourism and showcase our destination’s commitment to quality sustainable practices. It will also give conscious travellers a clear snapshot of the sustainable, ecofriendly experiences, attractions and accom-

modation that our destination offers.

Councillor Renee McLeod, portfolio holder for Tourism and Economic Development, said Council would like to see the Cassowary Coast region achieve certification by the end of 2024.

“In order to prepare for a changing climate and transitioning economy, like other regional Queensland towns we need to future-proof our tourism industry.

“The Cassowary Coast is at the heart of two World Heritage areas - the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine

Park, each with numerous spectacular natural assets. Through investing in sustainable tourism we have an opportunity to be a regional leader, protect our natural assets and appeal to the increasing number of travellers seeking sustainable travel experiences.

“Our environment is like no other and implementing practices across destination management, nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, business and hospitality, will be essential to expanding our potential as a sustainable destination, new business ventures and employment opportunities in our region.

“The certification process will rely on successful partnership and collaboration with tourism industry and operators to achieve Eco Destination Certification by 2024.

“Although Council is responsible for managing certification, as a region the Cassowary Coast’s management practices and activities will be assessed independently.” said Councillor McLeod.

Cassowary Coast Tourism Executive Officer Patrick Bluett said the region was already heading in the right direction with several local operators already eco-certified. “We are now looking for more operators to get on board to establish the program in this area and help establish us as an authentic destina-

tion for environmentally conscious visitors.

“Council will be working closely with our team at Cassowary Coast Tourism to speak with local tourism operators and other businesses connected to the visitor-economy on how we can all contribute.

“It will be a collaborative effort to work with our industry to see operators achieve their own certification which recognises a business’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible tourism,” said Mr Bluett.

The Cassowary Coast region was a recipient of the Eco-certified Tourism Destination program grant in 2022, introduced by the Queensland Government, to help both applicant destinations and new destinations start or complete a globally recognised certification process. Cassowary Coast Regional Council has applied for Eco Destination certification and must now work through the assessment process of sustainability criteria.

Interested local businesses wanting to consider where they are on their sustainability journey can utilise Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, a great first step before certification, find information at www.ecotourism.org.au/strive-4-sustainability.

Businesses working with the visitor-economy can also consider completing an Ecotourism Australia Business Certification Program.

RECONCILIATION LUNCHEON

ON Friday 26 May 2023, the community attended a Reconciliation Luncheon at the Innisfail Shire Hall. This was delivered through a partnership between Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Mamu Health Services.

Reconciliation Week is an annual celebration and a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.

“It’s important to build strong, positive, and respectful relationships with all Australians that are a part of our lives today and every day of the year,” said Mayor Mark Nolan.

“As a community we take Reconciliation Week as an opportunity to be involved with celebrations, move forward as one community, and contribute to reconciliation.”

The National Reconciliation Week 2023 theme, ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ was reflected throughout the event with future generational leaders, Mitchell Martin and the Indigenous Leadership Team from Innisfail State College: Dallas Rudken, Tshala Fischer, Gwen Korkatain, Malachi Donaldson, speaking about their vision and aspirations for a united community.

The traditional performances by First Nations’ dancers were performed by Goondoi Dancers and MK Sunset Dancing Team was a highlight for all attendees and provided the opportunity for community members to share First Nations’ culture and heritage. Council would also like to acknowledge Manni Edwards for your heartfelt Welcome to Country and sincerely thanks Mamu Health Services Limited and Roscoe’s for their contributions to the event.

The Cassowary Coast is set to become an accredited ECO Destination by 2024.

Council strives for continuous improvement in customer service

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council recently adopted and is currently implementing the Customer Service Charter to be used as Council’s guiding principles to deliver great service and value to our community.

The Charter encompasses all aspects of Council’s Customer Service and Service Delivery and incorporates the whole customer journey from the first point of contact through to the delivery of service.

Mayor Mark Nolan said Council had a strong vision and mission which aspired to provide great experiences, deliver value

and create a sustainable future for our community.

“The Customer Service Charter highlights Council’s commitment to continuous improvement in customer service and outlines timeframes, privacy, complaints management and our expectation of our customers.

“Through this process we aim to provide a consistent approach across all Council’s service delivery, engagement and communications activities, recognising this it is everyone’s responsibility to strive to provide a great customer experience,” said Mayor Nolan.

Echo Of The Past Historical Exhibition

MISSION Beach

Historical Society is proud to present ‘Echo of the past: historical photographs of Mission Beach 1890s - 1950s’.

The exhibition has had a successful run in the Mission Beach Library and will now be transferred to the Innisfail Shire Hall and be available for public viewing from Monday 5 June until Friday 30 June.

The ‘Echo of The Past’ exhibition will showcase two displays including 16 frames with historic photographs and text panels in Council’s Customer Service Area and Djiru artefacts and pioneer memorabilia in the southern street window. The community is encouraged to pop into the Innisfail Shire Hall during the exhibition to have a look.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council customer service team member.