CHANGES TO REGIONAL PLAN A BOOST FOR TOURISM

CAIRNS: In a major boost for the tourism industry more eco friendly development will be allowed outside Far North Queensland’s proposed urban footprint, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

Ms Bligh said the Government had listened to concerns raised during the recent public consultation on the Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 about whether tourism developments would be allowed in the regional landscape and rural production area.

“These are tough economic times and this decision will help create a brighter future for the industry in this regions ,” Ms Bligh said.

“Operators in this region now have the certainty they need to go ahead with investment into new attractions and developments, which is good for everyone here in Far North Queensland.

“I’m particularly pleased with changes to facilitate tourist attractions that will ensure appropriate nature based projects like the Skyrail Cableway and Mamu Canopy Walk are still allowed.

“At the same time as promoting tourism, we also need to protect the region’s biggest tourism drawcards—its natural assets, including the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef world heritage areas – and the regional plan will make sure this happens.”

Minister for Tourism and Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle welcomed the announcement as a positive boost for the region.

“Far North Queensland’s population is projected to grow by up to 100,000 people over the next 20 years, she said.

“The draft Regional Plan is designed to ensure this growth is managed in a way that balances development with the region’s environment and lifestyle.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning said the size of tourism developments allowed outside the urban footprint would be increased to include “medium-scale” projects, as long as they were not in areas of high ecological significance or on good quality agricultural land.

“This allows accommodation for up to 250 people and accompanying facilities with a floor area of no more than 4000m², which is of a similar form and scale to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm,” Mr Lucas said.

“Small scale” developments like backpacker hostels and farm stays were already allowed outside the urban footprint, provided they have little or no impact on areas of high ecological significance and good farm land.

“The size of development allowed in this category will now double, to include accommodation for up to 100 people and accompanying facilities with a floor area of no more than 2000m².”

The Deputy Premier said any “medium scale” developments must be in keeping with the intent of the draft Regional Plan and would require approval from both the Council and State Government.

“They would have to meet the strict environmental provisions of the regional plan, and provide appropriate infrastructure in an ecologically sustainable way,” Mr Lucas said.

“I want to make it clear developers will not be able to build quasi-residential estates masquerading as tourism ventures, the place for homes is inside the urban footprint.

“The State Government has shown it will use its “call in” powers if needed to ensure the lifestyle and natural environment Queenslanders enjoy is not eroded by poor planning decisions.”

The Deputy Premier said any large-scale tourism development proposals would be subject to an ‘overriding need in the public interest’ test.

“The State Government is also very aware of the need to guard against the cumulative effects of tourism developments, particularly in places like Mission Beach,” said Mr Lucas.

“These issues and others will require further consideration before FNQ 2025 is finalised next year. “

The Deputy Premier announced he will meet with key stakeholders including Councils, environmental, agricultural and industry groups this week to discuss critical issues raised during public consultation on the draft Regional Plan.

“My department received nearly 970 formal submissions on the draft regional plan that covered a wide range of issues and were generally supportive,” said Mr Lucas.

The 4 critical issues identified are:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Protection of waterways and water quality
• Provision of industrial land
• Subdivision and boundary realignments outside the urban footprint

“Before I approve a final plan I want to discuss these issues in more detail with key stakeholders to determine whether the draft regional plan should be amended,” said Mr Lucas.

“For example, allowing inappropriate subdivisions outside the urban footprint is not in the region’s best interests and would impact on its unique environment.

“However, I am keen to look at whether there can be more flexibility around boundary realignments.”

Media inquiries: Matt Klar 0437 435 223