Cassowary Coast Community Connect #42 28 April 2023

COMMUNITY CONNECT

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

MAJOR DRAINAGE PROJECT COMMENCING IN CULLINANE

COUNCIL is commencing a major renewal project to replace part of the drainage system located in and near Callendar Park, Cullinane and several nearby streets including a section of Ernest Street and Fitzgerald Esplanade.

Council’s Asset Sustainability portfolio holder Councillor Barry Barnes said under the streets of our towns lie water pipes of varying ages and materials. Over several years, Council has been undertaking projects across the region to replace and upgrade ageing infrastructure and improve drainage.

The $2.4 million project will replace approximately 100 metres of ageing box culverts. The new drainage infrastructure is expected to give about 80 additional years of service and will reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Councillor Barnes said that works are planned to commence in mid-May to maximise the chance of

favourable weather conditions. To minimise impacts to nearby residents, visitors and Callendar Park patrons, works have been planned in stages with preliminary works starting in mid-May. Due to the nature of the works being undertaken, a road closure will be in place from late May to a section of Fitzgerald Esplanade (Near the Graham Academy of Dance) and detours will be in place via Campbell Street or Emily Street.

Works are expected to take about six months, subject to weather and site conditions. Council is committed to providing project updates throughout construction. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/drainage-works to register your interest in receiving project updates.

A letterbox drop is also planned for residents near Callendar Park closer to construction activities commencing.

For more information on the project, please visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/drainage-works

Anticipated effects include impacts during works across Fitzgerald Esplanade between Campbell Street and Emily Street. Minor impacts to existing services and increased truck and construction noises throughout the work site should be anticipated.

Temporary works are being undertaken to the stormwater drain located near Park Street. If heavy rainfall is experienced during the temporary works, nearby residents may experience a change in how the stormwater drains.

A site office will be set up in the current building located on the corner of Fitzgerald Esplanade and Campbell Street with excess stockpiles and equipment stored immediately adjacent to the site office on vacant land. In the interest of safety, fencing will be in place.

The project is fully funded by Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Main: The Callendar Park site. Inset: The Callendar Park project map.

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Bingil Bay Campgrounds Under New Management

CASSOWARY Coast Re-

gional Council wishes to advise that the Bingil Bay Campground, located on Alexander Drive, will be temporarily closed. The temporary closure will allow essential maintenance activities to be undertaken as the campground transitions to new management, the Djiru Tra-

ditional Owners from 1 May 2023.

During the transition, site improvements will occur to the beachfront campgrounds, which currently accommodates eight unpowered camp sites, a shower block and BBQ amenities.

New management looks forward to welcoming new and

returning visitors to the Bingil Bay Campgrounds, once reopened. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Visitors wishing to book a camp site, can contact the Djiru Traditional Owners directly on 0455735732 or via email djiru-missionbeach@ outlook.com.

For more information on Council campgrounds please visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/caravanning-camping

Changed traffic conditions for Tully Gorge road users

CHANGED traffic conditions will be in place whilst Council is undertaking a project to replace a culvert located on Tully Gorge Road, Tully.

Council’s Asset Sustainability portfolio holder Councillor Barry Barnes said Council maintains culverts and drainage across the region with an ongoing upgrade and renewal program for culverts that have reached their end of serviceable life.

“Once complete, the new culvert will improve safety for the community, improve flood

immunity following heavy wet weather events and provide additional years of service.

‘Works were awarded to local company, MJC Civil. To allow works to proceed, the contractor will install a side track, about 150 metres long, adjacent to the road and a detour will be in place for the travelling public during the works.”

Councillor Barnes said that the road will remain open for traffic with the side track under traffic control. Council appreciates the patience of

residents and the travelling public whilst these important works are undertaken and apologise for any delays that a detour may cause.

Works are expected to commence in early-May and take about four weeks, subject to weather and site conditions.

The $360,000 project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

For further information please visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/drainage-works.

Greener tomorrow tree giveaway

CASSOWARY Coast residents were invited to collect two free trees as a part of Council’s annual native tree giveaway.

Council encouraged residents to build a greener tomorrow by taking advantage of Council’s free native tree giveaway with a range of six species to choose from.

The native tree giveaway was held at both the Innisfail and Tully nurseries giving the opportunity to all residents to collect and participate in growing our region green. The giveaway was held over four days in April with approximately 443 trees handed out to our community.

Council was able to promote local nurseries and regional plants that are offered to purchase all year round.

Thank you to all team members who assisted in this event, especially Glen McLauchlan and Justine Crema in the preparation, and on the day to make this event a success.

Dalrymple Esplanade premier riverfront pathway

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council will commence work on a new pathway along Dalrymple Esplanade that will link suburbs together and take advantage of the beautiful views of the Johnstone River.

Stage One of the project involves construction of a 2.5-metre-wide concrete pathway that will weave its way through the trees from Tierney Street to Geraldton Bridge carpark.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Division Five Councillor Jeff Baines said the project has community support and will take advantage of the beautiful views and scenery that the Esplanade offers.

“The new pathway, replaces aged infrastructure and is located closer to the river, moving users away from the properties located along Dalrymple Esplanade and towards the river.

“During the design phase of the project, Council undertook consultation with the community, to understand

any concerns or issues they might have with the new design.

“The majority of respondents were in support of a new pathway positioned closer to the river that takes advantage of the natural environment, provides a space for friends and family to connect and enjoy our wonderful waterfront.

“Respondents flagged concerns over the old pathway and, as a result, a section of old pathway at both ends will be removed,” said Councillor Baines.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter said the beauty of the Cassowary Coast was evident through Mission Beach constantly being voted one of the most beautiful places on earth.

“And Innisfail is part of the ‘greater area’ that’s worldfamous for tourists, so any opportunity we have to take in the views of our surroundings such as the Johnstone River must be applauded,” Mr Katter said.

“I applaud the construction of this amenity.”

Stage One works will also include construction of a small footbridge and relocation of existing lighting.

Works are expected to commence early to mid-May with expected completion within six to eight weeks, weather permitting. Residents have been notified and signage will be in place to provide awareness of any detours for residents and visitors using this area.

The Dalrymple Esplanade Pathway project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Australian Government funding of $288,572 was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

Stage Two is currently unfunded and Council will seek opportunities for funding. For further information, please visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dalrymple-esplanade

Photo: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Commmunty member collects free native tree at Council Nursery

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EMBRACING YOUTH WITHIN THE REGION

COUNCIL is committed to embracing the unique perspective of youth across the Cassowary Coast to assist with informing and guiding the future of the region.

Mayor Mark Nolan said Council has listened to the community and has invested in a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) that is passionate about having a voice for our region.

“The YAC will focus on meaningful youth participation and will work collaboratively to ensure the voices of youth in the region are heard.

“This is a platform for young people across the Cassowary Coast to communicate with Council on current and emerging issues impacting youth in the region.

“This is a great opportunity for our region’s own to experience local government roles and for Council to have the opportunity to grow our own,” said Councillor Nolan.

In March, Council endorsed 12 members between the ages of 15 to 24 years to be a part of the YAC. Through the expression of interest process, these members highlighted their contributions to their

local community and their interests in making the community a more youth-orientated place.

During the first YAC meeting held in April, members raised their concerns and ideas in areas that they felt Council needs to focus on to strengthen the retention of youth within the region. Ideas included promotion of job opportunities, study support, event participation and lack of communication, and media reach to young people.

YAC member Tokorima Tuatai said it was an exciting meeting and which was great to connect with like-minded young people.

“Each member had the opportunity to discuss their key outcomes that they wish to achieve over the next two years focused around benefiting the youth of our region.

“I look forward to working through the YAC to deliver on the outcomes and being a voice for youth within our region,” said Miss Tuatai.

Throughout their term, the YAC will be provided the opportunity to present to the Executive Management and Local Government Meetings by invitation.

For

Council welcomes new Reef Guardian school with class visit

LOCAL students at The Rainforest School in Mission Beach recently welcomed Manduburra Traditional Owners to their classroom to share knowledge of the Seagrass Restoration Project, taking place locally at Mourilyan Harbour.

With 20 years of Reef Guardian Schools being celebrated this year, Council is proud to see local schools, like The Rainforest School, actively increasing knowledge on our Region’s waterways and the Reef.

Students heard from both Manduburra Rangers and Dr Paul York from Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER)

JCU on the valuable role marine grass meadows play as a habitat for marine life and the local recovery project taking place.

BRYANT STREET WORKS

COUNCIL will be replacing aged infrastructure by relaying new pipes along Bryant Street

Tully and require the road to be closed for a short period of time.

The road will be fully closed from Wednesday 3 May to

Tuesday 9 May 2023, weather permitting. Traffic signage will be in place to indicate the appropriate detour for the public.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your cooperation during this period.

Mourilyan Harbour was highlighted as a prime example of where previously dense and productive seagrasses were lost in 2010 and have failed to return due to their isolation from other seagrass areas. The renewal work is being led by James Cook University’s Seagrass Ecology Lab within the Centre for Tropical Water and TropWATER, in partnership with OzFish Unlimited and local Mandubarra Traditional Rangers. Councillor Jeff Baines, portfolio holder for Environment said The Rainforest School has been part of the Program for over five years, and it was great for the students to see real life examples of how their focus and learning in the classroom on marine wildlife health and reef ecosystems is

being delivered locally.

“Our Reef Guardian Schools contribute greatly to the protection and resilience of the reef and help educate the wider community about how they can do their bit.

“The future of these programs is sitting in our local classrooms and, to capture the passion, creativity and interest of young minds, ensures these programs and initiatives continue to flourish,” said Councillor Baines. Mandubarra Traditional Rangers would like to acknowledge the Djiru Traditional Owners of the land on which the Rainforest School operates. Council thanks all partners involved in the program, for providing education, and strengthening local stewardship of the reef.

Youth Advisory Committee Members with Councillor Baines, Councillor Tschui and Mayor Nolan

ANZAC DAY ACROSS THE REGION

CASSOWARY Coast residents of all ages attended Dawn Services and ANZAC Day Parades across the region to honour our servicemen and women past and present. April 25 is a day of national remembrance, marking the anniversary of the first major

military battle fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I (WWI). Thank you to all who serve, and thank you to everyone who organised, took part and attended commemoration events.

We will remember them.