Minute with the Mayor – CC LIFE - SEPTEMBER

This month, I want to update our community on three important issues we are continuing to advocate strongly for the Cassowary Coast.

Firstly, following a recent social media post I shared on behalf of our community regarding the incorrect disposal of used syringes and needles in our public spaces, Queensland Health has requested a meeting with Council to discuss the concerns that have been raised.

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Representatives from Queensland Health, Cairns and Hinterland Drug and Alcohol Services, the Queensland Needle and Syringe Program, and the Queensland Injectors Health Network will attend.

The discussion will cover concerns regarding discarded injecting equipment in Innisfail, current program operations and supports, local impacts and community concerns, potential response options and partnership opportunities, and the next steps.

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This is an important opportunity to ensurethe Cassowary Coast’s concerns are heard directly and that practical local responses are explored.Secondly, Council is establishing advisory stakeholder groups for both the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Project and the future of the Warrina Lakes building.

These groups are about making sure community voices continue to help shape important local projects.

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For the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Project, the new Detailed Design Stakeholder Reference Group will help inform the next phase of planning for three priority areas identified in the 2023 Master Plan - Waterfront South Part A, Fitzgerald Esplanade Part A, and the Northern Gateway including ANZAC Memorial Park.

The group will include representatives from community organisations, business, youth, marine users, emergency services and key agencies, ensuring a broad range of perspectives are considered as detailed design work progresses.

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For Warrina Lakes, we have proposed a Stakeholder Reference Group to support Council’s consideration of the building’s future.

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Community feedback has shown just how strongly people value this facility.While no final decision has been made on whether the building will be refurbished or rebuilt, the advisory group will help review technical information, provide feedback on possible options, and contribute to the next stage of planning.

In both cases, these groups will be advisory only, but they will play an important role in helping Council make informed decisions.Finally, I want to acknowledge the growing concern across our region about insurance affordability and availability.

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This is a very real issue for households, businesses and community organisations across the Cassowary Coast.

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The rising cost of premiums, and in some cases the difficulty of obtaining cover at all, is placing additional pressure on communities already dealing with the challenges of living in a disaster-prone region.

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This is not an issue Council can solve alone, which is why advocacy at all levels is so important.

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I also acknowledge the involvement of Bob Katter, who has publicly raised these concerns and added his voice to calls for action on behalf of northern communities