Cassowary Coast Community Connect #6 - 8 October 2021

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

OCT 8 2021

COMMUNITY CONNECT

Tropical garden paradise THE green thumbs of the region have been uncovered in the Tropical Garden Challenge with the winners awarded at a presentation at Warrina Lakes, this week.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council Garden Challenge recognises the diverse range of gardens in the region with winners showing off their skills across 12 categories including, Best Home Garden for rural and residential, Tourist Accommodation, Commercial Garden and a new category for Art in Garden.

The Champion Garden, winner of The Rose Layt Memorial Trophy was awarded to Joey and Jeanette Pizzino with a number of impressive and new entrants across the twelve categories.

Councillor Trudy Tschui portfolio holder for Community and Culture said the quality of flourishing gardens around the region is something to be celebrated for both winners and nominees.

“It’s wonderful to see the pride which entrants have placed in adding to the beauty of the Cassowary Coast region with their gardens.

“I want to thank those entrants of this year’s competition and encourage other community members to get involved for next year,” said Councillor Tschui.

Winners of the 2021 Tropical Garden Challenge by category: ● Best Home Garden (Residential) – Skye and Raoul Rodriguez ● Best Home Garden (Rural) – Gene Shepherd and Debra Kerridge ● New Home Garden – Karen and Gary Whittley ● Pensioner Garden – Joey and Jeanette Pizzino ● Front Garden – Kerry Dittman ● Outdoor Living Are – Johnstone River Community Gardens ● Art in Garden – Gene Shepherd and Debra Kerridge ● Commercial Garden – Banfield Plaza ● Tourist Accommodation Garden – Licuala Lodge ● Kitchen or Edible Garden – Upper Murray State School ● School Garden – Mission Beach State School ● Judges Award – Tina Haywood and Jason Dunne ● Champion Garden – Joey and Jeanette Pizzino

One Coast, Cassowary Coast

October 8, 2021

CULVERT UPGRADES

TWO culvert upgrades have been completed, one on East Feluga Road and the other on Tully Gorge Road, improving drainage and minimising erosion.

The project involved removing and disposing of existing culverts that had experienced extensive deterioration after many years of service. The drains running alongside the roadways at the locations were natural earth, with some grass coverage and so provided very little erosion protection when downpours occurred.

This project involved the installation of reinforced pipes with concrete headwalls and footings. Larger culverts were installed to increase resilience for floods to pass in significant weather events. Consideration was given to the alignment of the new culverts to ensure they could handle the water flow and flood heights.

Stone pitching was implemented along the creek banks and road drains near the culverts to prevent erosion and sediment flows into the local waterways.

All improvements and upgrades to the culverts and drains are considered best practice environmental practices by improving water-flows and in turn, water quality in the catchment of the Great Barrier Reef.

The project was funded under CCRC capital works budget.

SEWAGE DISASTER AVERTED

COUNCIL was made aware by the Port Hinchinbrook community of a potential release from the Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) on Saturday 25 September 2021.

As this posed as a public health and environmental risk, Council with the consent of the Liquidator mobilised crews to investigate any potential release to environment.

Council Officers identified an issue at pumping station five and working under the environmental authorities held by the Liquidator resolved the issue Saturday evening.

Council is currently working with the Liquidator to negotiate cost recovery for all works undertaken in relation to this event.

Responsibility for the Port Hinchinbrook STP and associated environmental authorities remain with the Liquidator and they provided the relevant notifications to regulators.

Chief Executive Officer of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Andrew Graffen said Council would consider operating the plant on behalf of the Liquidator until the acquisition of land is finalised if funding was agreed between parties.

“Council are working with the State Government and the Liquidator to find a resolution which is beneficial to all parties, particularly the residents.

“Council is well placed to operate and maintain this service for the Port Hinchinbrook community when land tenure, the required environmental authorities and funding are resolved.

“Council is committed to working with the Liquidator, the State Government and with the support of the Federal Government to realise a long-term solution around the normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook,” said Mr Graffen.

Council will continue to provide the community updates as they occur. For further information please contact Council at 1300 763 903 or via email at enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

IT IS COCONUT DE-NUTTING TIME ON THE CASSOWARY COAST

IT is not every day you see people swinging from coconut trees on the Cassowary Coast but, starting on Tuesday 5 October, the regions annual coconut de-nutting program begins.

Specialist contractors have been employed by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council to scale and de-nut over 800 coconut trees from Flying Fish Point to Cardwell.

Environment portfolio holder, Councillor Jeff Baines, said the annual de-nutting program is paramount when living in Tropical North Queensland to ensure our community and visitors stay safe.

“The program will target trees along Council controlled public parks, walking track and beach access points and is implemented to reduce the possibility of falling coconuts injuring residents or visitors.

“Arborists will inspect the trees to ensure they are healthy and, with the assistance of Council, remove any trees that are deemed unsafe,” said Councillor Baines.

For further information about the de-nutting program please contact Council by phoning 1300 763 903 or emailing enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

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One Coast, Cassowary Coast

October 8, 2021

COUNCIL BRIEFS

WELCOME TO INNISFAIL

THE first of eight new regional entry statements has been installed outside of Innisfail. Two signs will be installed either side of Innisfail, Mission Beach, Tully and Cardwell.

The designs reflect the Cassowary Coasts two major agricultural exports being sugar cane and bananas, whilst also highlighting our two world heritage areas being the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, our significant number of Tropical Art Deco buildings and celebrating our local Traditional Owners.

Keep an eye out for the others!

PHOTO: Below. Wade Bawden, Tilapia Tamer, 2021

WEEK LONG COMPETITION HOOKS INVASIVE PEST OVER 1,500 noxious Tilapia have been reeled in by over 480 competitors, during the week long Tilapia Tournament held at Warrina Lakes, Innisfail.

Environmental portfolio holder, Jeff Baines said the event was a huge success, providing a great school holiday activity that saw families and the community come together to enjoy.

“It was great to see whole families, including children, parent and grandparents, come down to Warrina Lakes, enjoy the outdoors and do something positive for our environment.

“Whilst down at the lake, you could hear the cheers across the water as competitors supported each other with each invasive fish that was reeled in.

“I had numerous people come up to me and say how happy they were with the competition and what a positive impact they felt they were making to the environment,” said Councillor Baines.

“Talking with many of the young kids, it was also great to also see how much they

had learnt about the devastating impact these pests have on the environment and the awareness that is generated from the overall competition.

“The Warrina Lakes Tilapia Tournament can officially be named the largest competition of its kind in Australia with 481 participants, which even on the last day of fishing saw over 120 tilapia pulled out of the lake.

“There were 26 prizes given out in total, including bonus prizes, daily prizes, category prizes and the two major prizes for the biggest fish and most caught overall. A lucky door raffle, kindly donated by OzFish and BCF, was also drawn on Sunday which was won by one lucky young man and his brother.

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors, who really pitched in to support this community building event and enabled Council to provide so many great prizes.

“The tilapia caught will now go to the Johnston River Community Gardens and will be made into fertiliser.”

Present of the final day of fishing was also the Commu-

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

nity Gardens, MAMs, Department of Environment and Science, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Tangaroa Blue who held stalls and ran activities with attendees.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council would like to thank all the sponsors involved, including OzFish, Soils First, Coastal Marine and Outdoors, Innisfail Game Fishing Club, BCF Innisfail and Cairns,

River’n’Reef Tackle and Bait Innisfail, Kurrimine Beach Fishing Club, Manitto’s Auto Centre and Johnstone River Community Gardens.

Council would also like to thank all the competitors that put their lines in the water to take positives steps in reducing this pest from our waterways. We hope to see everyone back in 2022 for an even bigger and better event.

PRODUCTION has ramped up on the much anticipated Irreverent series with nearby residents notified of planned filming activities.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Councillor Trudy Tschui said there had been a buzz about Mission Beach with many film sets now complete.

“I have to say it is very exciting to have a series being filmed right in our backyard, and can you blame them- we live in paradise. The show will showcase our unique environment and will hopefully encourage visitors to visit Mission Beach and the wider Cassowary Coast region.

“Nearby residents will have received a letter about upcoming film activities but I would recommend the wider community follow Council’s Facebook page as we will be regularly providing updates on filming activities and any possible impacts to the community.”

EXOTIC TURTLE WATCH

COUNCIL, in conjunction with Biosecurity Queensland, are currently undertaking aquatic surveillance at Warrina Lakes for an invasive freshwater turtle species.

Last week, an invasive turtle detection platform was deployed into the centre of Warrina Lakes by Council Staff and Biosecurity Queensland.

Exotic turtles are imported into Australia to be sold as pets and unfortunately when these exotic species escape into Australian waterways, they often outcompete our local native species for food and habitat.

The turtle surveillance program will be in place for a period of approximately four weeks capturing images of the local turtle populations at Warrina Lakes. The information collected will allow Biosecurity Officers to determine what species are present and if any further management actions are required.

If you see any unusual turtles, such as the red-eared slider turtle, please take a photo and email it to info@daf.qld.gov.au or phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

One Coast, Cassowary Coast

October 8, 2021

CREATING ART FROM JUNK

THE Cassowary Coast Family Day Care Scheme would like to thank all the competitors who entered into the Junk Art Competition.

There was an amazing turn out and it was great to see the creativity that went into reusing and upcycling junk to create amazing pieces of art.

The Junk Art Competition was judged at Warrina Lakes on Saturday 25 September by local artists Sue Foley and Wendy Shields.

Overall there were 12 winners, each who received a compost bin to continue their sustainability journey.

The winners were: ● Best overall presentation (as pictures of the process were included in the presentation) – “Flipper Man” by Felica’s Family Day Care, Innisfail. ● Most unique use of recycled items, Grade 7-10 –“Robot” by Jia Morton, Mission Beach. ● Next unique, Grade 7-10 – “Jelly Fish” by Layla Morton, Mission Beach. ● Winner, Grade 3-6 – “Turtle” by Cooper Millwood, Tully. ● Most complex and creative –“Globe” by Country Kids Family Day Care, Innisfail. ● Individual any age –“Rainbow window” by Sharlene Morton, Mission Beach. ● Best use of Dump material – “Dream Catcher” by Ashlin Thompson, Mission Beach. ● Best under water scene in “3D”- by Community Kids, Innisfail. ● Best funky fish – by Country Kids, Forest Friends Nature Play Innisfail.

● Best recycled house hold items- by the Tully Kindy. ● Best by the youngest age – “Robot” by Little Tree Family Day Care, Mission Beach. ● Best Collaborative piece “Family” by the Community Support Centre, Innisfail.

The event was organised to promote sustainability in the region and to highlight how our Educators in the Family Day Care Scheme are committed to re-cycling and re-using.

Council would like to thank all the sponsors involved including Mission Beach Mitre 10, Tully Mitre 10, Doug Pigdon Constructions, Mission Solar and Electrical, As Green As Garden Centre, Kitchen Essentials, Bunnings Innisfail and Tully Sugar Limited.

CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS THE Cassowary Coast has once again secured funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to help support local artists and performers in our region.

The RADF program is jointly funding by State and Local Government. An Arts Queensland contribution of $39,500 has been approved for the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and will go towards local artists, groups, art workers, cultural workers or project coordinators who

contribute to and support our local arts community.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council RADF 20212022 program promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers to support diversity and inclusivity; grow strong regions; and provide training, education and employment opportunities for local artists and their communities.

We are looking for collaborative and innovative projects.

Previous grant recipients in-

clude Raymond Blanco for a contemporary First Nation dance concept named ‘Salt Mother’ and a collaboration for the Cassowary Coast historical website design.

Council encourages you to visit our website at www. cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ radf where you can find information on RADF Guidelines, forms and other useful links that will assist in developing your application.

Once your application is submitted, it will be assessed

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

by the CCRC RADF Committee, a group of individuals which have been appointed by Council to provide advice and guidance. The Committee will recommend applications for Council approval.

Round one for applications, closes on Friday 29 October.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

‘Recipient of RADF funds- Gumbugan Indigenous Arts Forum May 2019’

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.

Customer Service and Opening Hours

Centres

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.