Advocacy Plan

Council’s advocacy is a vital function that bridges the gap between our community and other levels of government. By engaging with the community, adhering to governance and compliance frameworks, and strategically advocating for local needs, Cassowary Coast Regional Council plays a crucial role in ensuring that local priorities are recognised and supported at state and federal levels. This advocacy ensures that the unique needs of our community are addressed, contributing to sustainable, inclusive, and effective local governance and strengthening communities.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council 2024 Advocacy Plan was endorsed at the August Local Government Meeting. 

advocacyplan

Or click here to read the Advocacy Plan in full: advocacy-plan-2024-2025 (cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au)

Highlights of Council’s Successful Advocacy Outcomes (2023 and 2024)

The following outcomes highlight the success of Council’s advocacy in 2023 and 2024, made possible with support from the State and Commonwealth Governments and the Cassowary Coast community.

  • In August 2024, the Queensland Government committed $7 million to cover a funding shortfall for the Port Hinchinbrook STP, complementing the $12.3 million already allocated by State and Commonwealth Governments.

  • The Cardwell Family Practice, threatened with closure in August 2023, remained open due to intervention from all levels of government, including Council. In November 2023, the Federal Minister for Health announced that one of the first sites for innovative and localised interventions to address the health needs of Australians in Thin Markets will be within the Cassowary Coast. This will provide direct service delivery improvements for Cardwell and Mission Beach.

  • The Queensland Government has provided $300,000 for Beach Nourishment Works at South Mission Beach and Cardwell under the CHAS program to address the long-term impacts of erosion.

  • In late 2023, the Vocational Partnerships Group and Cassowary Coast Regional Council established a Regional University Hub (RUSH) in Innisfail. The Centre started operations in August 2024, following successful Federal funding.

  • The Federal Government has provided $7.9 million for the completion of the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation project. This is in addition to funding provided by the Queensland Government and funding applied from Council’s own sources.

  • In May 2023 the Queensland Government announced an upgrade to the Kurrimine Beach Boat Ramp with construction scheduled to commence in March 2025 and be completed by September 2025.

  • Cassowary Coast Regional Council participated in the Cleaner Road Runoff Project which was delivered through the Local Government Association of Queensland and is part of the Reef Guardian Councils Rescue Plan funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Grandadilla Road, El Arish was selected to review stormwater management practices on rural (unsealed) roads, stormwater drain design and road surface treatments to reduce sediment loss.

  • In July 2024 the Queensland Government committed $150,000 to the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails Project to support increased participation in mountain biking and hiking activities. This builds on completion of the Business Case for the $13 million project and the funding support from the Cardwell community and the Queensland Government. Council is currently preparing a funding application for Stage 3 Due Diligence (est. $2.5 million).

  • In September 2024, Cassowary Coast Regional Council was awarded $8 million through a partnership between the Queensland and Australian Governments supplemented by Council’s own funds of $978,000 for the Cassowary Coast Leak Reduction Project. This initiative will involve upgrading water mains by replacing sections of ageing pipelines across regional towns and installing infrastructure to detect and manage future leaks. The project aims to achieve substantial water savings of approximately 588 megalitres per annum.

Current and Previous Advocacy Plans

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