Queensland Government committed to protecting pristine Behana Gorge

The Cairns community is one step away from a new planning scheme with the Queensland Government approving the Cairns Planning Scheme for adoption.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Jackie Trad, said the council produced a planning scheme that sets a clear direction for the future of Cairns.

“I made sure that community concerns had been properly taken into account before I decided to approve the planning scheme,” Ms Trad said.

“One of the issues I know the community has been particularly concerned about is the potential for an extractive industry to happen in a Key Resource Area (KRA) located on the road leading into Behana Gorge.

“People are understandably worried about the effects that the operations of an extractive industry would have on local flora and fauna, recreation activities, aboriginal cultural significance and the visual characteristics of the landscape surrounding the gorge,” she said.

“In approving the planning scheme, I have decided that the Behana Gorge Road KRA should not be shown in the scheme and I have taken action to remove the KRA from the State Planning Policy so it no longer applies to the scheme.”

“As Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, I have listened to the concerns of the community and approved a plan that will enable them to look forward with confidence to the future liveability of the Cairns region.”

Treasurer and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said he thrilled to have delivered on a hard fought election commitment for locals.

“Officially removing the Behana Gorge Key Resource Area (KRA) from the Cairns Plan was the best way to celebrate one year of the Palaszczuk Government being in office,” Mr Pitt said.

“Locals now have the peace of mind of knowing that this iconic attraction will be forever protected for generations.

“I’d like to thank Deputy Premier Jackie Trad for listening to Far Northerners about the negative impact that an extractive industry in this location would have on local scenic qualities, tourism value, biodiversity, recreation activities and importantly the aboriginal cultural heritage in our area.

“We promised the Palaszczuk Government would be one of consultation and locals can look forward with confidence to the future liveability of our community.”

The scheme is expected to be adopted by Cairns Regional Council in the coming weeks.

For more information about the State Planning Policy visit:

http://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/planning/state-planning-instruments/state-planning-policy.html. 

Deputy Premier’s Office: 0488 996 667