Community told "You have the right of appeal"

In Oct 2017   the   50th Anniversary of the saving of   Ellison Reef from lime mining was celebrated at Ninney Rise'. Guest speaker, Prof  Bob Pressey  of   ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies - JCU Townsville,   began his address,   titled  'Death by a thousand cuts' with,   "The development assessment process is broken, it's been broken for a long time and it is kept broken deliberately."

With the approval of   a heliport allowing  three medium lift helicopters to operate early morning to late afternoon, 7 days a week,  in a tourism destination known for its quiet and peaceful amenity, the community  has  become painfully aware public interest is not at the forefront of  council decision making.

The community voice  is being   ignored during the public consultation process. Decisions are made  at closed meetings   that undermine  the planning scheme, allow  destruction of the natural environment and threaten strong community held values.  The community is then   told  they have a right of reply through  court when it is unlikely   the public has the expertise, motivation or ability  to raise enough funds to launch a legal appeal  against a council decision.​

"If you don't like it,
take us to court"
​ attitude

Not just about Mission Beach - a Cassowary Coast issue
​Council decisions  bely the  rhetoric reinforced in   their own policies, strategies and plans. Following is  from  the CCRC Corporate Plan . (below right)

Goal 2
Community FIrst
"We will listen to what people in the community are asking for, share our learnings, innovate and continuously improve to deliver sustainable facilities and services that support our vibrant communities, where health, community safety, education, arts, culture, sport and recreation enhance our lifestyle and
respect our unique natural environment.
We will continue to build social networks and provide for more engaged  community involvement in Council decision making.

​"We will listen to what people in the community are asking for and deliver  sustainable facilities and services that support our quality lifestyle and our   unique natural environment"

Future Assured
​The approval of the  Helipad on  zoned  good agricultural land  undermines the strategic  intent of  both  State and local planning and  is a symptom of Federal and State Government devolving broad discretionary powers to local governments across Australia. ​

Community First - Goal 2 Corporate Plan

The lack of Federal and State Government oversight has resulted in Planner’s reports being produced using shallow reasoning, blatantly justifying support for developments despite conflicts with local and State planning. When Planning department recommendations or councillor decisions are questioned, the public are informed they have the right of appeal. The council’s “ If you don’t like it, take us to court” attitude treats public interest with contempt.

If the communities of the Cassowary Coast thought  they could go back to  some 'normality' after  a resounding rejection of  a  council that ruled in secrecy with  a bias embracing  speculators and developers ahead of the public interest,  the heliport decision has   given a sobering reminder that  is not the case.    A culture  was introduced  with the former council that remains entrenched  in the  operations of the so called  democratic process of our present council.

Feel secure    and watch this space. There is a heliport,  or something equally  as inappropriate or shocking,  coming to a place near you soon!​

Liz Gallie
Mission Beach Cassowaries  Inc
​0414 402 315