Recovery bid on track
MISSION Beach residents hope for a return to the region’s old way of life and a shot in the arm for local tourists as Cassowary Coast Regional Council begins clean-up work on Dunk Island.
The council crews began work this week on the jetty repair, sand renourishment and camp ground clean-up on Dunk Island.
Recent storm damage to the jetties in November last year have been the latest in a long line of upsets for the island.
It has copped substantial batterings in the past from both Cyclone Larry and Yasi.
Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxis owner Nancy Lowe said once the renourishment works were completed, it would be the last memento from Cyclone Larry to say goodbye to.
“It’ll give the area a new lease on life,” she said.
“Not only is it an incredibly important for tourism but for the locals in the area as well.
“It’s always been a very social spot, so to have that place back we’re all so fond of, it’ll give the area a big boost.
“Boating and recreation are a large part of our way of life, it’s why many of us moved here, and having that back will be a huge asset to local businesses.”
An excavator, truck, bobcat and cement mixers were among machinery and equipment which arrived on the island by barge from Lucinda on Monday.
Mayor John Kremastos said the work was expected to take up to two weeks.
“It’s a construction site with heavy machinery in operation and the jetty, toilet area and spit are closed to the public,” Cr Kremastos said. “These operations are fully permitted under strict environmental controls.
“People wanting to access the Mt Kootaloo Walking Track can land their boats at Muggy Muggy Bay near the resort area or Coconut Beach on the other side of the island.”
Ms Lowe said wet weather from Cyclone Trevor has had a minimal impact on the works under way.
“It’s just been good wet season rain down here, it hasn’t affected any of the sand replenishment,” she said.
The council obtained permits through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to relocate sand from Pallon Beach at the end of the spit to the areas around the jetty and main beach, which had been badly eroded through a series of adverse weather and tide events.
Experience Co has expressed an interest in investing in the island as a tourism hub in quarter two 2019
Cr Kremastos said work on the jetty, spit area and campgrounds would be completed in time for Easter.