$3.7 M 'blueprint' for Far North

Residents of Far North Queensland are being urged to outline their vision for the region.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas, said a survey had been distributed and asks for community views on how the Far North should grow over the next 20 years.

“Queensland’s Far North is booming with up to 4,500 people every year moving up from the south to take advantage of area’s unique lifestyle.

“An extra 2,000 homes every year will be needed to accommodate the region’s predicted population in 2025 which could top 317,000.

“That’s an additional 95,000 people.

“We’ve committed $3.7 million to make sure the region’s growth is managed properly and doesn’t compromise its natural heritage.

“Putting together a regional plan for Far North Queensland is a huge undertaking and the State Government will be working hand in hand with local councils to achieve the best result.”

Regional Development Minister and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said people in the Far North are very concerned about the pressures of development and the way it will shape the region in the future.

“It is really important that people have their say now rather than waiting for the plan to be drafted and then complaining.

“This is a great opportunity for people in the region to shape their own destiny,” Ms Boyle said.

Mr Lucas said residents would have until the end of the month to put forward their ideas, ahead of the delivery of the draft Far North Queensland 2025 Regional Plan in April 2008.

“The survey asks the citizens of the region to nominate the three most important issues they’d like addressed by the plan.

“Other questions in the survey seek feedback on housing, infrastructure and public transport options.

"The aim of the regional plan is to help deliver a stronger, more sustainable community – it’s about balancing economic potential with the area’s lifestyle and environmental credentials,” Mr Lucas said.

Copies of the survey can be found at council offices, libraries and on- line at: www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au .

The final Far North Queensland 2025 Regional Plan is expected by the end of 2008 .

Media contact: Darren Roberts: 0448 184 566