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-
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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