Funds to solve smelly issue
DEPUTY Queensland Premier Steven Miles says significant federal funding for Cardwell’s beleaguered Port Hinchinbrook development may have resolved a longterm issue for local residents.
In a statement, Mr Miles said the Palaszczuk government had “delivered a lasting solution” by funding upgrades to their sewage treatment plant (STP) and resolving related land tenure issues.
“This includes the Palaszczuk government offering a commercial resolution to the liquidator for the land needed to operate the STP.”
Mr Miles said the council on Wednesday had, subject to the revision of federal funding, resolved to support compulsory acquisition and accept ownership and responsibility of the STP, including its operation and maintenance. “This recent development represents a significant step forward in resolving long-term issues experienced by the local communities of the Cassowary Coast,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk government will continue to work through the technical aspects with council to formalise funding arrangements and other documentation as necessary to support the project.”
Mr Miles said if the federal funding was forthcoming then it would be “an example of the three levels of government working together to resolve a long term issue for the Cassowary Coast community.”
He thanked Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto for the “constructive role he has played in assisting the government to secure this outcome”.
Mr Dametto said he was “thrilled” with the resolution announced by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council during its special meeting on September 1.
“This has been a long time coming for the residents of Port Hinchinbrook,” he said.
“As soon as the (special meeting) ended, I had Port
Hinchinbrook residents contacting me expressing how relived they were with the resolution. I can assure you there will be a few residents crackin’ a cold one after this announcement.”
Port Hinchinbrook couple Graeme and Desiree Lake said they were buoyed that Port Hinchinbrook residents could look to move forward.
“We have had our property in Port Hinchinbrook for just over 20 years and this is the first day that we feel recognised as part of the Cardwell community and shire,” they said.
“In the past we have felt very alienated; we have been ratepayers for all these years and have not been treated like every other resident in the shire.”
The pair said it was “amazing that both federal and state governments are contributing and are getting us back to normalisation.”
“They can see the potential in Port Hinchinbrook,” they said. “This is a win for the whole region because Hinchinbrook is a hidden gem.”
Port Hinchinbrook was wiped out by Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and has not recovered.
Its marina has been silted in and a series of a developers have tried and failed to further develop the property.