MP rejects buyback bid
BARRON River MP Craig Crawford says Cairns Regional Council made the “wrong decision” to approve a residential estate bordering rainforest at Kamerunga.
But the Palaszczuk government frontbencher has ruled out a state acquisition of the property to stop the development.
Community action group The Cassowary Crusaders has presented the government with a petition seeking to halt the development of 17 new homes along Douglas Track Rd.
Developer iicon Cairns Pty Ltd began groundworks at the hillslope site last month after gaining approval from the council in June.
The group wants the State Government to acquire the property in a similar move to the buyback of Earl Hill at Trinity Beach.
Mr Crawford, who has met opponents of the Kamerunga development, said he did not believe land acquisition was an option.
“It’s going to be a real shame to see those hectares of rainforest mowed down for houses to be put up,” he said.
“And I don’t think the community really supports that.
“But unfortunately, it’s a decision the council made.
“I think they made the wrong decision, I’ve got to say, but unfortunately that’s the decision they took.”
Developer Greg ClydeSmith said he was following strict environmental controls, with earthworks due to be completed within a month.
Brian Down, chairman of land and waterway conservation group Barron Catchment Care, said he was concerned that the sediment controls on the site may be insufficient.
“While we’re working so hard to protect the Reef … it’s disappointing to see this, especially coming into wet season,” he said.
“Plus there’s also the destruction of the rainforest and damage to the root systems of the remaining vegetation.”
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