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