Time to register interest in Mary Valley buy back scheme ends today

Former Mary Valley landowners have lodged 91 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) as part of the State Government’s buy back initiative, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe announced today.

Mr Hinchliffe said the seven-month timeframe to lodge an EOI for land or property purchased during the Traveston Crossing Dam project would end at close of business today. The previous deadline of May 31 was extended to June 30 to ensure Mary Valley residents had enough time.

“So far 91 Expressions of Interest applications have been lodged but the final figure won’t be tallied until close of business,’’ Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The State Government acknowledges the relatively low interest in the scheme and is realistic in its plans moving forward. Once the final response from former landowners to the buyback scheme is known, we will begin the next stage of planning for the future of the Mary Valley.

“It’s important residents know there will be no fire sale and no major urban development for the Mary Valley.

“Any properties put on the market will be subject to a staggered release as properties gradually come back onto the market in coming months and years to ensure value for money is achieved for the Queensland taxpayer.’’

Mr Hinchliffe said former land owners who registered their interest would now work with the State Government to negotiate contracts for their properties. The Government has offered to buy back properties at the price for which they were purchased without stamp duty or any associated legal fees.

He said more than 90 per cent of rentable properties were occupied by tenants. He said all existing leases would be honoured.

“In some cases the former landowners have moved on and in others they have decided to stay and simply lease their property,’’ he said.

“There’s no doubt this process has been difficult for the people of the Mary Valley who have lived with uncertainty for years and I acknowledge the angst and disruption this process has caused.

“The State Government has committed $500,000 to the Gympie Regional Council’s Economic Development Vision Strategy and Implementation Plan to create jobs, promote existing businesses and attract new businesses to the area.

“At this point council are working to implement job creation and business promotion measures identified as part of the study. These measures include new agricultural businesses, possible economic incentives to bring new businesses to the Mary Valley, land use options for tourism and the support of rural enterprises to create a ‘food bowl’ for the entire region.

“The State Government, through this plan, supports a future that strengthens existing farming and agricultural businesses.

“The plan also commits us to placing covenants and easements along the banks of the Mary River and its major tributaries to support existing and the revegetation of those riparian zones.

“The creation of nature refuges in some areas with established native vegetation will also increase the protected area estate and koala habitat area.

“The State Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Gympie and Sunshine Coast Regional Councils to engage with the community on the implementation of land use strategies.’’

He said June 30 was also the deadline for the transfer of properties purchased by Queensland Water Infrastructure (QWI) to the State Government’s Coordinator-General (CG). The CG has land management powers under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971. In total 494 properties, including easements, were bought for the proposed dam.

Today also marks the end of the Community Futures Task Force Unit (CFTFU) which was established in 2006 to support Mary Valley residents. The CFTFU provided services including free emotional and financial counselling. Free Lifeline counselling will continue throughout the region.

“I would like to pay tribute to Major General Peter Arnison chair of the Community Futures Task Force Unit, and the hard work undertaken by his team,’’ Mr Hinchliffe said.

“They have been a constant support and presence in the Mary Valley over the last few years and I believe they leave the community positioned and ready to take advantage of future opportunities being developed by council and the State Government through ongoing community consultation with residents.

“The many minds that rallied for the Mary Valley - be they legal minds, environmental minds, agricultural minds or simply the community minded - will now play a role in guiding the future of the region.

“To help achieve priorities identified in council’s Gympie Regional Council’s Economic Development Vision Strategy and Implementation Plan, all land currently owned by Queensland Water Infrastructure and not registered for re-purchase under the buy back scheme, will transfer to the Coordinator-General today.

“Lease conditions will not be altered and all existing leases will be honoured.

“The State Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Gympie and Sunshine Coast Regional Councils to engage with the community on the implementation of land use strategies.’’

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Ron Dyne said residents were encouraged to have their say at a series of ongoing one-on-one consultations and online at the “Have Your Say” section of council’s website.

Cr Dyne said a dedicated link would be established in the Business and Industry section to provide direct contact with Council’s Economic Development Office in coming weeks View council’s website at www.gympie.qld.gov.au

“Council is committed to working closely with existing business and industry to promote growth and development,’’ Cr Dyne said.

“Council is also seeking to attract new business and industry which will add value to the region, complement existing business and provide employment opportunities.

“Gympie Regional Council is actively seeking to gain feedback on issues and opportunities which may impact on the future development of industry and business.

“As part of this process, an Economic Development Reference Group is being formed which will provide a direct link to Council for regional businesses.’’

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