One Coast - Cassowary Coast
DEC 17 2021
COMMUNITY CONNECT Mayor’s Christmas Message
On behalf of all Councilors and Team Members at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022. The festive season is well and
truly upon us and many local organisations and community groups are celebrating their 2021 achievements through Christmas get-togethers. After many celebrations were cancelled last year, it has been an absolute pleasure to attend some
of these events and re-connect with the local community. The Cassowary Coast is lucky to have so many community groups, sporting associations, businesses, volunteers and people who contribute to our community and I would like to
take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you. As we draw to the end of another year, it is important to reflect on our achievements as a Council. In 2021, we successfully took-over all waste transfer stations on the Cassowary Coast and implemented selfservice at Bells Creek and Cardwell Stations. The Asset Rationalisation program also commenced, with negotiations underway with individual assets and community groups to ensure the best resolutions are reached for the whole community. At the end of 2021, this financial year approximately 49.8% of the Capital Works programs have been complete, including the Upper Daradgee Road Project, Tully Caravan Park and the Wayfinding Major Signage Project which acknowledges our Traditional Owners and
celebrates what makes our region unique. These signs can be found at the entry points of our towns, including Tully, Mission Beach, Cardwell and Innisfail. These projects, along with many others are helping to improve our already great community. This time of year, is also a time for school graduations, and I congratulate our young graduates on their achievements and wish them the very best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.Christmas is a great time to break, reset and enjoy time with loved ones and friends. However, it is also important to remember that Christmas can be a difficult time for some. 2021 has presented different challenges for people within our community, and I encourage those
more fortunate to think of those in need and where possible give through donations of toys, gift cards or money. Whether it’s visiting a neighbour or friend who may not have family around, making a donation to the Community Christmas Appeal to help struggling families, or simply wishing a total stranger ‘Merry Christmas’, we all have the ability to make the Christmas season a little bit better for someone else.
Merry Christmas, everyone – see you in 2022!
PHOTO: M.JULES
Powerful move forward for future of Port Hinchinbrook
The future for the private Hinchinbrook Harbour estate is looking bright with Cassowary Coast Regional Council resolving to progress the normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook. This outcome is a fine example of three levels of Government working together to resolve issues that have been impacting the residents of Port Hinchinbrook and the broader region for over a decade. Council officially took ownership of the Port Hinchinbrook Sewage Treatment Plant last Friday, and at yesterday’s Local Government Meeting Council resolved to progress with the normalisation of the private estate based on funding from the State and Federal Governments. Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor, Mark Nolan said the funding provided by the State Government will ensure that all assets within the private estate meet Council standards as part of the normalisation and that compensation for acquisition was funded. “Our broader rate base will not be
bearing these costs,” he said. “As highlighted in the report a budget shortfall of $1.95 million is currently modelled through a defined benefited area levy on Port Hinchinbrook properties. “Council will however, make a formal request to the Australian Government for this to be funded to reduce the impact on residents. “With numerous recent failures of the estates sewerage treatment plant, this matter has been critical to resolve as releases to the environment had the very real potential to impact on public health and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. “The Hinchinbrook Harbour – STP License agreement provides for secure sewerage services for residents whilst the normalisation of the Private estate is finalised. This agreement reflects the commitment of the Queensland Government, Liquidator and Council to ensure that environmental releases from the estate are a thing of the past,” said Mayor Nolan. “Council acknowledge the impor-
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au
tance the advocacy our community has provided in realising the funding for emergency dredging of One Mile Creek. This project will not only provide improved access to the World Heritage-listed Hinchinbrook Island but improve safety for recreational anglers residing or visiting in the region. “A report considering contract award for these works is anticipated to be presented to Council for consideration early in 2022. I look forward to providing an update at this time. “Council will also look to appoint a project manager to ensure the successful delivery of this significant project. “Overall a great outcome for the residents of Port Hinchinbrook, the Cassowary Coast and the wider region.” For more information, please reach out to Council by phoning 1300 763 903 or by emailing enquiries@ cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.
Cairns Local News, Friday, December 17, 2021 PAGE 13
One Coast, Cassowary Coast
December 17, 2021
What the new measures implemented by the Queensland Government mean for visitors to Cassowary Coast Regional Council venues and events. Relevant for people 16 years and over. Fully vaccinated
Unvaccinated
Customer Service Centres
Libraries
Waste Transfer Stations
Showgrounds
Visitor Information Centres
PAGE 14 Cairns Local News, Friday, December 17, 2021
Pools and Sportgrounds
*
Have your say on our coastline and complete the survey to help shape Council’s ‘Evolving with Our Coast’ strategy. Head to the link below to complete the survey. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and explores how you use and value our coastal areas and the type of adaptation options you think are acceptable to hazard impacts affecting the Cassowary Coast Region. Have your say today: www.surveymonkey.com/r/95FMWXR
*
COASTLINE SURVEY CLOSING SOON
Council Owned Community Halls Indoor Entertainment Venues Council Owned Parks and Playgrounds *Indoor sports centres, pools and community centres may be impacted by event-related restrictions. ` Accurate as of 14 December 2021 and subject to change depending on Queensland Government mandates.
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au
One Coast, Cassowary Coast
December 17, 2021
CASSOWARY COAST-THE TRUE STAR OF IRREVERENT FILMING PRODUCTION
KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS DELIVERED IN 2021 In 2021, Council will deliver on
4. Warrakin Road Culvert four key community infrastruc- 16 and 22 ture programs across the region
Irreverent Production team, Tom Hoffie (Producer), Karen Jones (Location Manager), Paddy Macrae (Showrunner – Creator of Series) joined by Councillors and Council staff.
As the curtains close on production and filming in Mission Beach for the Netflix series “Irreverent”, the Cassowary Coast has been labelled the true star of the show by the production team. The ten part series, which follows the story of an American man forced to hide out in a small Australian coastal town, posed as the new Church Reverend, captures the beauty of the Cassowary Coast, with filming showcasing Tully, Silkwood, El Arish and the major drawcard of Mission Beach. Portfolio holder for Community and Culture, Councillor Trudy Tschui said the production team gave beaming remarks from the unique beauty of the region, ease of interactions with Council, local contractors and businesses, and they praised the patience and engagement of the community.
“Everyone involved could not have been happier with the location as a backdrop for the story but also for the exciting activities which kept the crew entertained on their days off.” Cr Tschui said that dollar values spent had yet to be finalised however an increase in spend and activity was easy to recognise while crew were in the area. Expenses were spread across necessities such as fuel, food and accommodation and production also used considerable amounts of local labour and building materials. They also made good use of down time activities, through reef trips, shopping, skydiving, rafting and horse-riding and all indications from the crew suggest they would love to come back, if the show is re-signed. “The feedback from seasoned
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au
professionals is fantastic and the Cassowary Coast is definitely open for business for other film and TV interest,” she said. “It is wonderful to know our region left such a great impression, with crew involved already purchasing property here and others wanting to assist in conservation efforts with a significant donation given to Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation. “The economic increases haven been noticed by the community and when wider audiences view Irreverent, locals will continue to benefit, and tourism interest will also grow” said Cr Tschui. Council and the production teams have also been working closely in discussions for planning, restoration and revegetation of filming locations. Structural elements from both Porter Promenade and
thanks to $1.27million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infra-
Reid Road have been stored or forwarded to the Gold Coast for studio filming. Production will also be responsible for the reinstallation of the playground and pagola and Council has taken a bond to ensure that if not reinstated to satisfaction, additional works can be undertaken. Tom Hoffie, producer of Irreverent Productions said that it had been a great experience shooting in Mission Beach and surrounds. The local community were welcoming, understanding of the film work and local businesses had taken care of them like locals. “I wanted to give final thanks for all involved. Look out for Irreverent on Netflix; expected in the second half of 2022,” said Mr Hoffie.
structure (LRCI) Program. The LRCI is funded by the Australian Government and supports local councils to deliver
Council has proudly completed Warrami Road Upgrade, Wilson Road Upgrade and Warrakin Road Culvert within the last month, with Tully Heads Road Widening in the design phase. All four of these projects focus
priority local road and com-
on upgrading vital community
munity infrastructure projects
infrastructure, improving road
across
supporting
access to some of our smaller
jobs and the resilience of local
communities in the region.
economies to help communities
Thanks to the LRCI Funding,
Australia,
bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The projects which were approved as part of the 2021 LRCI Phase Two were:
1. Warrami Road Upgrade
Council is able to prioritise and fast track projects for completion. In 2022, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council will gain access to an additional $1.47 million as part of Phase
2. Wilson Road Widening
Three of LRCI Program.
3. Tully Heads Road Widening
Council will continue to provide updates on future projects.
Cairns Local News, Friday, December 17, 2021 PAGE 15
One Coast, Cassowary Coast What goes into my wet and dry waste bin? This Christmas help us protect our beautiful backyard by reducing contamination of your dry waste bins. To find out more about our unique Wet and Dry waste management system and what goes into which bin visit the website to find out more: https://cutt.ly/pYrHW09
The Storm and cyclone guides are now available!
The guide is your one stop shop to help you get ready this storm season. Pick up your copy of the Storm and Cyclone guide from Council Customer Service Centres and Libraries.
December 17, 2021
During a disaster, conditions can change rapidly and you may need to evacuate in just minutes. Cassowary Coast Regional Council is encouraging everyone to have an evacuation plan in place for themselves, family and pets. A survey from Get Ready Queensland found that almost half of Queenslanders wait until a disaster is on its way before they start preparing. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get ready now. Visit getready.qld.gov.au/plan to complete your emergency plan in under 15 minutes.
WANT TO ADD A FURRY FRIEND TO THE FAMILY? Before visiting the pet store or jumping onto market place… consider giving a dog or cat a second chance and adopt. Check out your local pound or contact a local animal adaptation organisation to discuss the right pet for your situation. Visit Councils website to find out more: https://cutt.ly/mRSHeau
Thank you to all those that participated in the Red Bench Relay, on Saturday 4 December, to help raise awareness and show support for victims of Domestic Violence.
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, December 17, 2021
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.
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au