Cassowary Coast Community Connect #36 27 January 2023

Local Heroes Celebrated at Australia Day Ceremony

CASSOWARY Coast’s most inspiring individuals have been recognised on Australia Day for their exceptional contribution and outstanding service to the local community.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan acknowledged Australia Day as a moment for our community to reflect, acknowledge and celebrate what it means to be an Australian citizen: our shared values, our national history, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and our commitment to reconciliation.

“The local Australia Day Awards recognise the exceptional contributions, hard work, and determination of individuals making a positive difference to our community and also supporting our diversity.

“It’s with great pleasure that I recognise Colin Ritchie as Citizen of the Year. A longtime volunteer across many community groups. Colin has served as a longstanding Queensland RSL Service member for 30 years, served in the Australian Defence Force, is a founding member of the Innisfail Men’s Shed, has generously volunteered his time to assist with maintenance and repairs following four cyclones and continues to assist residents with general maintenance which may be challenging for them to manage due to physical ailments. With many more accolades accomplished, Colin has shown outstanding achievement and leadership while promoting the wellbeing of the wider community.

“I, along with the rest of our community, thank all winners and nominees for their selfless contributions to the region and I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the volunteers within our community

“I would like to recognise that Australia Day marks a new chapter for the conferees who have taken oath to become some of the country’s newest citizens. Our new citizens will contribute their skills and diversity to our local community and enrich it through their hard work and participation.” said Councillor Nolan.

Australia Day Award winner biographies and images from the Ceremony are available here: www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Australia-Day

CASSOWARY COAST AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS

• Cultural Award

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• Young Cultural Award

• Sustainable Environment Award

• Achievement Award

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Council Calls for Community Champions

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is currently seeking community representatives to provide input into the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation project.

The Reference Group is one phase of the planned engagement and is a vital method to ensure Council is connecting with key stakeholders across various platforms

To register your interest in being part of the Stakeholder Reference Group for this project, please visit Council’s Your Say page.

Submissions will close on 31 January 2023.

Register today at www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/innisfail-SRG

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

New tourism experience creates waves Beach furniture clean up commencing in Wongaling Beach

THE Cassowary Coast Regional Council will soon be starting a clean-up program of items left on our beaches and foreshore areas.

It is great to take a chair down to the beach to enjoy the scenery, but we ask that you take it to the beach, enjoy it and then take it home when you are done.

Cassowary Coast Councillor and Environment portfolio holder Jeff Baines said we are lucky to have World Heritage environment, oceans, and beaches right on our doorstep.

“For many of us, the beach is our happy place, a place we can turn to whenever we need it. It is a place for memories, and we all have a role to play to help protect our environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Items left behind on the beaches can breakdown over time and pollute our environment, or even impact our wildlife.

“It also looks untidy and

could be a potential risk becoming airborne, causing damage if a cyclone or storms hits our region.

“To address the issue of furniture and other items left on our beachfronts, the Beach Furniture Clean Up Program will commence in early 2023 with Council officers attending Wongaling Beach from Monday 20 February, weather permitting.”

Councillor Baines said that Council has established the program to clear unapproved structures, furniture, boats and debris that is left on the beach and to give owners the opportunity to remove any items within fourteen days.

“After this time, Council Officers will remove the item and store it at a Council depot for up to 30 days for collection. A fee of $63 per item will be applicable for items when they are collected. After the 30 days, Council will dispose of,

auction or donate items to a local charity.

“I understand that for some, these items are part of a tradition and Council will be looking to provide permanent alternatives across key locations in the future. For now, we are requesting the support of our community to ensure that these items return home with you when you leave.”

Cassowary Coast residents who would like to apply to have a structure, such as picnic tables, benches, or memorials, can view Council’s Park and Street Furniture Donation and Memorial Plaque Policy for more information on this process and the application criteria.

Let’s keep our paradise clean, and when visiting the beach, leave only footprints in the sand when you leave. Council sincerely thanks and appreciates our community’s support.

CASSOWARY Coast

Regional Council is excited to welcome a new tourism business to our region, providing another link to the iconic Dunk Island.

Last week, a new tour service commenced operation with the provision of ferry services from Clump Point Marina, Mission Beach to Dunk Island.

Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio Holder, Councillor Renee McLeod said Council has been thrilled to be involved in this process and to support a new business establishing in the Cassowary Coast

“The QuickCoast service, provides another option for visitors and locals to access and explore Dunk Island beaches and trails for a day or to stay and enjoy the newly upgraded camp facilities.

“Adding to the current marine services available from Mission Beach, this new service will increase accessibility in varying conditions.

“Tour and Operator Services are a valuable contributor to our region and are vital in creating memorable visitor experiences. Council is committed to providing support to operators interested in investing in Cassowary Coast through new services or the expansion of existing services.

“Council continues to work in collaboration with

Cassowary Coast Tourism to identify and facilitate opportunities to grow tourism products and service options available in the Cassowary Coast. The curation of the visitor experience, is a valuable component of our destination development journey,” said Councillor McLeod.

Cassowary Coast Tourism, Executive Officer Patrick Bluett said the relocation of the QuickCoast vessel from Cairns to Mission Beach is a great addition to the tourism infrastructure and experiences available to both locals and visitors alike across the Cassowary Coast region.

“The transfers offered by QuickCoast will complement the existing services in place and add much needed capacity to key destinations such as Dunk Island.

“We welcome Mr Penfold and his team to the Casso-

wary Coast and look forward to working with him moving forward,” said Mr Bluett.

Dunk Island Adventures, Managing Director Bry Penfold said it is fantastic to be returning to Mission Beach, and to launch our new Dunk Island adventure services.

“We commenced our service last week, providing scheduled trips to Dunk Island for both tourists and the community.

“It is such a beautiful place and we are really looking forward to sharing it with our customers on board QuickCoast,” said Mr Penfold.

To explore more of our beautiful region please visit the friendly team at one of our region’s Visitor Information Centres or visit Cassowary Coast Tourism. For further information please contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@ cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Dog owners ready to unclip the leash for Wrights Park trial

RESIDENTS and their dogs across the Cassowary Coast are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Dog Off Leash trial with Wrights Park in the suburb of officially confirmed as one of the six trial locations.

Cassowary Coast Councillor Jeff Baines said that community consultation had been undertaken on the Wrights Park, Webb site with majority of the responses in favour of this location proceeding.

“Community consultation opened on 21 December 2022 and closed Sunday 22 January 2023.

“It is important that the community has the opportunity to have their voice heard on these issues and Council thanks the community members who provided their feedback. All feedback has been reviewed

by Council officers and, of the survey respondents, 77% indicated that they were in favour of the Wrights Park trial proceeding.”

Councillor Baines said that Council is listening to all feedback and requests for future facilities for items such as fenced areas, shaded areas, seating and the similar will be considered as part of future budget allocations. This is dependent on the success of the (up to) three-month trial.

“The trial will commence Monday 30 January 2023 and all locations will have signage in place. The signs will have a QR code for ease of providing feedback to Council. Alternatively, residents can provide feedback via Council’s Your Say webpage.”

Dunk Island Jetty and Spit Area

Credit: TTNQ

Coast - Cassowary Coast

Help us find the right path to improve Tully’s walking network

WE want to know how we can make walking in the Tully area more accessible, safe and an overall improved experience to connect people to where they need to go. Walking the kids to school and walking or riding to work or the shops, is one of the most effective ways to combine regular exercise with your everyday routine. More people will walk when everyday destinations are connected by comfortable, direct, safe and accessible routes.

To encourage walking as a more desirable option and identify future opportunities around Tully, Council and The Department of Main Roads (TMR) are developing a draft Walking Network Plan. Following the consultation period, Council will collate feedback and conduct a community workshop for the

community to hear results and provide additional feedback on the Draft Walking Network Plan.

We are asking the community to share their feedback in an online survey and utilise our online interactive mapping tool to identify:

• points of interest you currently walk to and the routes you regularly use.

• areas of concern which impact your current routes (safety, poor quality paths, accessibility, no connections etc.); and

• map the routes you would like to be able to use in the future.

If you use a skateboard or bicycle, run with a pram, use a wheelchair, motorised scooter or any other transport methods we haven’t specifically named - we’d love to hear from you too.

Unsealed Roads Improvement Plan adopted to drive clear path for Council

AT the December Local Government Meeting, Council adopted the Unsealed Roads Improvement Plan for implementation across the Cassowary Coast region.

Council has committed to providing improvement in the unsealed roads services as contained in our 2022-23 Operational Plan and as also articulated as a priority area in the Community Voice Action Plan.

In September 2022, Council endorsed the release of the ‘draft’ Unsealed Roads Improvement Plan for community consultation for a period of four weeks to guide the development of the Plan.

Asset Sustainability portfolio holder, Councillor Barry Barnes, thanked those who took the time to provide feedback on the Draft Plan and provide commentary on whether any of the initiatives outlined should be changed, reprioritised or removed.

“Council Officers reviewed all feedback

and have adjusted the Improvement Plan (outlined in the document), to align with the feedback provided.

“Gravel material review and improved drainage will be given a higher priority, moving to become medium-term initiatives which are aimed to be undertaken in 2024.

“Whilst there were several contributions suggesting that all unsealed roads be sealed, it is not sustainable for Council to seal 525 kilometres of unsealed roads, with an estimated cost of $525 million to upgrade.

“There will be a number of short-term initiatives which will be delivered in 2023 which will bolster productivity, upgrade priority unsealed road sections and improve internal processes and effectiveness.

“I look forward to the work which Council will implement in 2023, and providing updates to the Cassowary Coast community,” said Councillor Barnes.

Cassowary Coast adopts Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has adopted our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (Innovate RAP) 2023 – 2025, taking the next steps on our reconciliation journey as we build relationships to develop respect and create opportunities through acknowledging and sharing experiences for an inclusive community connected to Culture and Country on the Cassowary Coast.

The Innovate RAP was officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in early January, and today was adopted by Council at the January Local Government Meeting.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan, said the Innovate RAP will guide Council’s work over the next 24 months, to ensure Council is positioned to implement effective and mutually beneficial initiatives as part of our ongoing

commitment to reconciliation.

“The Innovate RAP will focus on Council’s drive to create a trustful, supportive and collaborative environment for all First Nations peoples as we walk together with pride and a sense of belonging to One Coast, Cassowary Coast

“It will encourage and facilitate the understanding and respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and will celebrate the contribution they make to our organisation and our community.

“Council is firmly committed to the reconciliation journey and we will continue to identify where and how we can implement actions that make a lasting difference,” said Mayor Nolan.

To read the Innovate RAP in full visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/RAP.

Children’s Morning Baby Bounce Story Time

GREAT news! Cassowary Coast Libraries Children’s Morning, Baby Bounce and Story Time sessions are back for 2023! To check out start dates and session times, head to Council’s Website, find Libraries and click on Events. Also, visit any branch of Cassowary Coast Libraries to register your child as a Library member, and receive a Welcome Pack full of resources to take home!

Families are invited to attend free weekly BabyBounce, Storytime and Children’s Morning sessions, bookings are essential and can be made through Libraries website at www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/libraries

Modern website re-design to transform customer experience

AFTER months of detailed planning and development, Council is transforming the digital experience for our customers with a new design and structure for Council’s website. The new website will provide easier navigation, reorganised content and improved accessibility.

Council’s long-term vision is to provide a customer focused and informative web site that is easy to navigate and provides our customers with an “one-stop shop” for accessing Council services.

In improving the digital experience of our customers, we have not diminished the other ways that Council can be contacted, face to face at our Customer Service Centres or through phone

or email.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said community feedback received in Council’s Community Scorecard has highlighted our community’s desire to stay informed and be provided with digital access to online Council services.

“Our focus is to make our website as user-friendly as possible, so navigating for essential services like paying a bill or registering your pet can be completed with ease and simplicity.

“The new website, alongside the recently launched Your Say community engagement platform, are key resources our community can utilise to access Council services, actively engage

with Council and remain informed on Council projects and events.

“More than just a revamped look, the new website will improve user accessibility on mobile and laptop devices and will provide a more customerintuitive page structure and we hope the community will find these changes helpful when seeking out Council’s services” said Councillor Nolan.

We encourage our community to check out the new website at www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

If you have any questions or feedback regarding the new Council website, please contact enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld. gov.au.

Community Connect is a publication of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Supplied by Council