The weather forecast is for rain on Sunday the 3rd January.
The   aviation facility public meeting  will now be held at: ​
​The Progress hall
(Council Caravan Park, Porter Promenade)
12.30pm
​Guest speakers

  

Letter drops, posters and signs attached to boundary fences were some of the  suggested actions agreed to by those who attended the meeting. The community say they want  to send a strong message to the local council  that  a helicopter base is not welcome at the proposed location. 

Residents  who say they would be impacted by the development   describe the proposal as  'the industrialisation of the heart of Mission Beach'.
​
Fifty five (55) submissions were received  opposing  Mission Beach Helicopters  Development Application  for a Material Change of Use (MCU) to establish an Aviation Facility at 2224 Tully Mission Beach Road, Mission Beach .

Those  attending the meeting claim  the  Planning Departments report   recommending approval of the development did not  properly consider the community concerns in  submissions  opposing the proposal.

Responding to community requests,  the  CCRC council voted 4 - 3  at their  general meeting on December 10th,   to defer their decision about the proposal until  their next meeting on 21 January 2021.

Peter Rowles of  C4 stressed they have no objection to  what is being proposed. "It is just at the wrong location". said Peter.

Liz Gallie agreed saying "There would be  much more suitable locations within the Cassowary Coast for  what is being proposed".  "This would introduce unacceptable noise  to a  tourism destination  between two World Heritage Areas  known for its quiet  village  character" said Liz ​. "We are asking the  council to listen to the people and to stick to the Planning Scheme"

The community is encouraged to attend a meeting at 12.30pm the 3rd January at Ulysses Park  following the village markets. Guest speakers will attend.   
​Ends

Councillor Barnes: "Applicants have done a great job picking our shire to come to. I think it’s going to be  a great asset to our shire – if it is in the right place. I hope we don’t frighten this helicopter company off through making this decision (deferral)".
Mayor Mark Nolan:  "This is a renowned national company not a fly by nighter. They want to do a partnership with our council. It’s critical for our branding and our reputation that we are open about these types of DA’s.
In the year 2000, the Johnstone Shire was approached by Steggles and there was concern by the residents at the time and the councillors of the day listened to those people’s concerns and Steggles left Johnstone Shire established in Mareeba and currently employ 120 workers. So that’s the consequence of  ...ah...  being negative and not considering... ah... good applications from reputable people who are renowned nationally".