EXPRESS The
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Locally owned and proudly independent
Green thumb comp looking for biggest pumpkin
Vince Mete and Makse Srhoj (pictured) from the Mareeba and District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association are challenging farmers, green thumbs, home gardeners and school children to grow the biggest pumpkin in the region. Now is the time to get your hands dirty with competitors given until September 12 to grow the massive vegetable. For more information or to enter, call Vince on 4093 3186 or 0419 651 319.
Winds of change
By Katherine Kokkonen
T
he winds of change have taken the Mount Emerald Wind Farm development proposal out of the hands of Mareeba Shire Council and into the state government’s lap. Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jeff Seeney called in the proposed $380 million development last week, following a request from Mareeba Shire Council. The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 gives Mr
Seeney the ability to call in development applications that involve matters of state interest. “The Queensland Government understands councils, which are currently the assessment managers for wind farms, do not have the provisions in their planning schemes specific to wind farms,” he said. Ratch Australia’s proposal for the Mount Emerald Wind Farm includes up to 75 turbines to potentially generate enough electricity to power 75,000 homes each year. It is estimated 158 local jobs could be created over the potential develop-
ment’s two-year construction phase. Mr Seeney said given the complexity of the proposed development, independent assessments will be undertaken to evaluate economic, environmental and community impacts and benefits. The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning will use the information and consider the application against the relevant planning instruments before making a recommendation. “Affected parties will receive notice of my final decision, which is expected to be made later
Don’t let the SUNSET go down on this opportunity! cCloshh
Lot 203 - 4052m2
Price Re
duced
$115,000
this year,” Mr Seeney said. Member for Cook David Kempton supported the call in of the application because it had been around for far too long in the hands of local government. “I am in full support of the wind farm development as a major infrastructure project in our region that will boost the local economy,” he said. “This is a significant infrastructure project and should be dealt with as soon as practicable. Our CONTINUED P3
therise.net.au Debbie 0409 321 000