Council Corner

Council Corner

THE journey of a thousand miles begins with a simple step. Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s journey commenced in late April when the new councillors and mayor were sworn in.

Since the inaugural meeting April 23, this new council has taken many steps, maybe not as fast or in the direction that some pundits’ desire, but they are significant steps.

Mayor Nolan is dedicated to delivering a strong and united council with a clear focus and commitment to the region.

Consider the steps taken already:

Gone is the 4WD mayoral car, replaced with a pool car from the fleet, we understand it had already been in commission for 12 months or more before the Mayor was assigned it. Please note, we understand it was the Mayor’s wishes that the 4WD be replaced with a pool car.

A Council restructure was undertaken, delivering almost $2M in savings over a 2 year period. The position referred by many as the ‘Assistant CEO’ was removed from the structure creating considerable savings and streamlining the administration arm.

Councillors voted to forgo their 2% remuneration increases. Although this represent modest savings for the coming twelve months it signalled loud and clear the commitment of this Council to trim the fat.

Social commentators have slammed this decision and belittled Councillors for this action, as they expected other actions first. But give credit where credit is due. This Council is dedicated to the community and responsible fiscal management.

The senior management team lined up behind Councillors and also committed not to ask for, nor expect any salary increases in the coming year. A united and responsible approach.

COVID-19 Financial Hardship Relief has been announced recently, easing the pressures and recognising the financial and social stresses our community is presented with. The Schedule of Fees and Charges for next year features reduction or remaining unchanged a raft of fees, including a simple but important discount for pensioners with de-sexed dogs, the registration fee for the first animal will be waived.

There’s still plenty to do and many more steps to be taken. This Council is facing an economic and social environment never before experienced in our lifetime. We can all sit back and criticise and expect a different course of action from Council, but we need to let them be, let them get on with the job of running the region. The proof will be in the pudding as they say. The coming 3 ½ years will demonstrate if the journey being mapped out by the Mayor is the right one.

This publication hopes it is the right one, and we also trust in the actions and directions of this group of Councillors. This region needs direction and focus, it needs to be united and it appears this Council is dedicated to delivering the outcome the region needs, despite not marching to the beat of some factions within the shire.

Bookings have started: Camping on the Cassowary Coast

QUEENSLANDERS can now book most campsites in national parks 12 months in advance, to help support tourism and regional jobs.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said Queenslanders have done a great job in containing the spread of COVID-19, so we are now making it much easier for campers and caravan enthusiasts to plan their holidays over the next year.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesperson states,

“The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has seen a rise in camp bookings along the Cassowary Coast and in the Wet Tropics.”

“This is great news for the region as it means the tourism industry is coming back to life.”

“Bookings opened on June 4 and the departmental booking system has received a good work out as people can’t wait to get out of their homes and into the great outdoors again.”

“We have received just under 500 bookings for the five camp sites at Lake Tinaroo, Danbulla National Park and more than 100 reservations for the Girringun National Park, which includes the popular Wallaman Falls camping area.”

“Another popular area is Paluma National Park with over 110 sites snapped up. One of our smaller camping areas, “Graham Range” in the Russell River National Park, has received 36 bookings already.”

Rafting is available at the Tully Gorge.

“We urge Queensland to get out and explore somewhere new. West of Tully we have the Tully Gorge and Cochable Ck Camping and Day Use areas which are very popular due to their unique rainforest environment and beautiful cascading waters.”

“This is not only great news for the towns near the campsites, but visitors from the rest of the state spend money along the way to their destination and that’s what we need.”

“The Cassowary Coast is a stunning part of the world and there are so many beautiful bush walks to go on and National Parks to visit.”

“Also more remote destinations like the Henrieta Creek camping area are good for people wanting to go somewhere a little quieter.”

The Queensland Government would also like to remind travellers that travel restrictions remain in place under the public health directions for designated indigenous community areas.

While National Parks in Cape York Peninsula remain accessible to local communities to book and camp, these areas are not currently accessible to visitors from outside the designated area boundaries.

The Department of Environment and Science encourages all Queenslanders to check the park alerts website before leaving home to ensure they are equipped with up-to-date information.

For bookings, please visit www.qld.gov.au/camping and for park alerts please visit https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/

No more trouble in paradise as businesses reopen in Mission Beach

IMOGEN KARS

THE Mission Beach community is slowly but surely witnessing the return of its beloved businesses, services and community centres.

First and foremost is the return of the much-loved Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi. Restarting their engines on Saturday, owner/operator Nancy Lowe was delighted to welcome just under 20 paradise-seekers onboard over the weekend despite the crummy wet weather.

“Considering it was bucketing with rain over the weekend, we still took over just under 20 people. It was great - there was a good selection of locals and international visitors.

“There were a couple of French tourists in a van, a few girls from Townsville on a girls weekend, a diving instructor from Lizard Island and a family of eight from Port Douglas,” Nancy said.

Despite the remaining travel restrictions, it’s clear the tourism trail is steaming ahead.

The refurbishment of the Dunk Island Spit is also steaming ahead, with the facelift including a new barbecue area, an extension to the amenities block and the addition of more camping sites.

Upgrades are due to be completed by the beginning of September, but Dunk Island remains ripe for camping as is.

The recommencement of the water taxi does come with a few new restrictions on capacity, but to make up for it, the team has added more scheduled times. Give Nancy and the team a call to book your spot on the taxi or a campsite at Dunk Island. Ph: 4068 8310 or email at info@missionbeachwatertaxi.com.

Mission Arts Pottery Shed has also reopened their doors, with the help of volunteers who readied the shed for COVID-19 safety requirements. Beginners, intermediate and advanced potters alike are welcome as always, with clay available to purchase and equipment available to use.

Open supervised days are set to be Mondays with Annie, Wednesdays with Dee and alternative Sundays with Hilary from 10am to 2pm. For members, the cost is $7.50, and for non-members the price is set at $10.00.

While all eyes are still set on Mission Beach Aquatic Centre, Ken Gray from Mission Beach Aquatic and Recreation Centre has reported no news yet regarding the opening date via social media. He did say that the pool options report is due at the next council meeting, and hopes remain high for the outcome. Firm news regarding appropriate shading is expected by July 7.