Palm Cove harbour push
Backers call on State Government interest
BACKERS of a safe harbour concept for Palm Cove have called on the State Government to come to the party to help fund a masterplan.
Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds and LNP candidate for Barron River Linda Cooper said the safe harbour would be a “catalyst project” for Palm Cove and would attract investment in further tourist development in what Cr Olds said was “the jewel in the crown”.
“No one does anything alone, we need the State Government. I would like to see them involved with a masterplan,” Cr Olds said.
He said the member for Barron River Craig Crawford had not championed the cause.
“I spoke with him for 18 months when I was first elected. Everything fell on deaf ears,” Cr Olds said. “I’d be better off talking to a tree.”
Mr Crawford said those backing the plan needed to approach the government with a “proper feasibility study or business case”.
“Until they step forward ... it’s just going to circle around out there doing nothing like it has for years.
“We don’t ordinarily fund business cases (for projects) that then lobby us for money to construct them.
“If they don’t have the money themselves, they need somebody who does.
“If they can’t get a proponent, at the very least they need the council.
“The council can be the proponent.”
Palm Cove businessman Tony Richards and realtor Clive Abbott had been pushing the marina project, which would include a safe harbour facility, fishing pontoons and a swimming lagoon.
Trinity Beach resident and angler Lisa Mott said a sheltered harbour would be welcomed by recreational fishers.
“It gets so windy at the jetty that everyone has to cast to the left,” Ms Mott said.
“We need some sort of wind break here.”
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