Historic FNQ regional plan gets underway: Fraser

3 May 2007

Historic FNQ regional plan gets underway: Fraser

The development of Far North Queensland’s Regional Plan officially started today with the first meeting of the FNQ Regional Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) in Cairns.

RPAC Chair, Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser and Co-Chair, Mayor Jim Chapman from the Atherton Shire, said the plan would manage growth in FNQ over the next 20 years.

“It is expected that FNQ will grow by around 3,500 people every year over the next 20 years,” Mr Fraser said.

“We cannot allow this growth to lead to unplanned urban sprawl or unwanted rural residential developments, which will impact on the very qualities that make the Far North such a popular place to call home.

“For the first time outside South East Queensland, we will place a statutory footprint over those areas of the Far North that are suitable for urban and residential development.

“We will legislate so urban development can only occur inside this footprint. All land outside the footprint will be protected from inappropriate development.”

Mr Fraser said the plan was designed to protect the Far North’s agricultural areas and environmentally sensitive areas and would provide a major boost to the longevity of the region’s tourism economy.

He said the initial draft plan would be developed with input from key interest groups particularly councils, environmental and community groups and the development sector.

“The draft plan is expected to be out for community consultation in early 2008, with the final plan expected to be endorsed by the State government in late 2008.”

Minister Fraser and Cr Chapman met today with RPAC members including Mayor Mike Berwick (Douglas shire), Mayor Kevin Byrne (Cairns City) and Mayor Joe Galeano (Cardwell Shire) as well as representatives of the Queensland Farmers Federation, FNQ Natural Resource Management, the Save Our Hill Slopes group and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.

Minister Fraser media contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874