February 17, 2021 - COUNCIL VOTES TO SUBMIT MISSION BEACH REVITALISATION PROJECT FOR GOVERNMENT FUNDING

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Published
17th February 2021

Long term planning by Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the Mission Beach community may soon come to fruition if a funding submission is successful.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said he was happy to announce that Council had voted unanimously to submit the Mission Beach Village Green and Porter Promenade Revitalisation Project for Building Better Regions Fund.

“Council worked hard back in 2019 to develop the Mission Beach master plan in conjunction with the Mission Beach community and Village Green businesses. Back then, we said it was a ten year plan and we would aim to apply for funding to get the project underway.

We have previously applied for other funding grants but to date have not been successful. This project aligns with the Building Better Regions program, which supports the commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future,” Mayor Nolan said.

“With the impacts of Covid being felt in this beautiful town and the downturn in tourism, there is no better time for Council to be progressing a plan to revitalise the town and prepare for when international tourists can return. Projects need to be shovel ready to be successful for the funding and we are ready and eager to begin.

“The plan has been guided, not only by the Mission Beach community but by the wider community with the plans unveiled online and the opportunity for feedback on the proposed design during the consultation phase in 2019.

“Our main priority was to create a vibrant and exciting space which is a more inviting and interesting place to live, work, shop, dine, invest and experience. This will be achieved through undertaking much needed improvement works to breathe new life into the area and make it more inviting for locals and tourists.

“On behalf of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation of the community’s involvement in the planning for this project,” he said.

The Mission Beach Village Green and Porter Promenade Revitalisation Project consists of the following works:

  • New infrastructure (i.e. outdoor dining areas, stage, toilets, outdoor showers, viewing deck, public Wi-Fi infrastructure, banner poles, water fountains, lighting, seating etc.);
  • Drainage works;
  • Road pavement works;
  • Intersection improvement works;
  • Footpath pavement works;
  • Signage; and
  • Providing equitable access throughout the area for disabled and the elderly.

The current estimate for the project is in the order of $9.4 million Council will seek at least 50% of these costs through Government grants. Council will seek 50% through the Building Better Regions Funds and will seek additional funding from the Federal or State Government.

The Mission Beach Water Main and Stormwater Upgrade has been identified in Council’s forward design program. The project will involve the upgrade of the existing aged water and stormwater infrastructure along Porter Promenade and David Street. The Mission Beach Village Green and Porter Promenade Revitalisation Project and will provide improvements on the road level above the stormwater infrastructure.

The Mission Beach Village Green and Porter Promenade Revitalisation Project is a priority project of the Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan. The Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan underwent both an initial and draft consultation phase. The initial consultation phase was held in August 2018 and the draft masterplan underwent community consultation from 25 February to 29 March 2019, the Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan was endorsed by Council on 25 July 2019.

Further information regarding the project can be found here: http://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/master-plans-and-strategies1.