MYOLA AGED CARE SITE IN URBAN FOOTPRINT

The Bligh Government has listened to community feedback and paved the way for the Tablelands Regional Council to consider a proposed aged care facility at Welcome Pocket, Myola.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the site, about 35 km from Mareeba, was now included in the Urban Footprint for the Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031.

Mr Wettenhall, who led a delegation of project proponents to meet with the Deputy Premier in Brisbane, said that “We’ve listened to feedback from people that this aged care facility may benefit the local community.”

“Many locals believe aged care accommodation is needed, along with the jobs that would come with a project like this.

“I want to make it clear this is not an approval, but the State Government has acted to remove the red tape that would stop Council from even considering a development application, if one is lodged.

“Previously this site was outside of the Urban Footprint so certain types of development would not have been allowed under State Planning Regulatory Provisions.

“Now, if a development application is received by Tablelands Regional Council it will be assessed against the Mareeba Shire Planning Scheme provisions, as well as applicable State and federal legislation.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said this site has been included in the Urban Footprint only to be used for the proposed aged care facility.

“In the near future I will issue a direction to the council to amend its planning scheme to only allow this retirement village and no other inappropriate development,” said Mr Lucas.

“The people of Myola want this site for the proposed aged care facility and I will continue to listen to them.

“All relevant approvals, including environmental approvals, must be obtained before this proposed development can proceed.

“This will also enable a thorough assessment of the proposal’s traffic implications for the area and any conditions that may be necessary due to any increased traffic generation.

“Locals will be able to have their say on the proposal through the development assessment processes, which include public notification requirements.

Media Contact – Matthew Klar 0437 435 223