Community Engagement Activities 2020

Community Engagement Activities January 2020

1. Causeway Upgrade – project update emailed to Whyanbeel residents 2. Noah Creek Bridge – project update emailed to Daintree database 3. Details of Tangaroa Blue’s beach clean-up for Cape Kimberley planned for Sunday 19 January 2020 emailed to selected Daintree database. 4. Murphy Street – selected property owners offered Condition Report prior to construction starting 5. Sports Complex and Coronation Park Master Plan – survey targeting 5-18 years olds – 49 responses 6. Marlin Drive, Wonga Beach – survey re speed humps. 170 letters posted; 40 responses 70% support; 25% against 5% undecided. 7. Rex Smeal and Market Park – summary of consultation findings from 50+ respondents distributed to 220+ stakeholders. 8. Attendance at Mossman Boating and Fishing Club re DTMR’s upgrade of Newell Beach Boat Ramp 9. Milman Street Playground – letter box drop to neighbourhood [60] informing of location of playground. 3 objections received. 10. Lund Street Mossman Gorge Community Speed Humps – leaflet distributed by BBNAC to assess community response.

January 2020

1. Whyanbeel Causeway Update – project update to residents to advise Kenmac Constructions appointed as contractor with expected start date of April 2020 and completed by 30 June 2020.

2. Noah Creek Bridge – project update to advise NQ Civil Contractors have completed the final design which has accompanied permit application lodged with the Wet Tropics Management Authority. Also advised Douglas Shire Council has been working through land tenure aspects. The road realignment requires extension of the Road Reserve into immediately adjacent Noah Creek and has been liaising with the relevant State Government agencies. We have also been working through Native Title with Traditional Owner groups. Construction is expected to commence in the mid to latter half of 2020, subject to receipt of environmental approvals.

3. Cape Kimberley Beach Clean Up – details of Tangaroa Blue’s beach clean-up for Cape Kimberley planned for Sunday 19 January 2020 emailed to selected Daintree database.

4. Murphy Street – 11 property owners offered Condition Assessment Report prior to construction starting.

5. Port Douglas Sports Complex and Coronation Park Master Plan – we had good response to the community survey distributed last year but only two respondents under 18. We created a youth-only shorter survey which was distributed to all staff, and leaflets given out at the bus stop when the school year started.

A | Page

Community Engagement Activities 2020

6. Marlin Drive, Wonga Beach – speed hump project. In response to a petition from local residents, Council is investigating the installation of 3-4 raised platforms in Marlin Drive, between Mossman-Daintree Road and Oleander Street. A community survey was done to ascertain if this would be welcomed by most in the community. Stakeholders included residents and property owners in Marlin Drive and roads which link into Marlin Drive as well as Queensland Police and local bus companies. Survey was promoted by letter to ratepayers, letter box drop, Facebook post, poster at Wonga Beach servo and the creation of a project page on Council’s website. The consultation rolled out week commencing 20 January with feedback requested by 28 February 2020.

7. Rex Smeal and Market Park Master Planning - during October and November 2019, we asked people how they thought the area could be improved. Feedback was received from around 50 people covering a range of topics. A summary of comments received was published on our website and a link emailed out to stakeholders on 18 January 2020. Hard copies were also distributed by the Market Coordinator on 12 January 2020. Stakeholders were asked if there was anything we missed, or if people had anything more to add.

8. Newell Beach Boat Ramp – assistance with consultation on upgrading Newell Beach Boat Ramp. Meeting at Mossman Boating and Fishing Club House next to Newell Beach Boat ramp.

9. Milman Street Playground – distribution of leaflet to the neighbourhood informing residents of the playground equipment planned for 49 Milman Drive in Craiglie.

10. Lund Street Mossman Gorge Speed Humps – in response to a request from BBNAC to reinstate speed humps, Council prepared a leaflet for distribution throughout the Mossman Gorge Community asking if there were any concerns. Closed 29 February 2020

B | Page

Community engagement activities 2019

Community Engagement 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019

1. Forest Creek – letters to residents seeking input on how to improve the local park 2. Ponzo Road – advise to residents re changed traffic conditions for road repairs 3. Environmental Initiatives – to educate people on DSC’s environmental initiatives & gather feedback 4. Sugar Wharf Update – input into design by regular users 5. Syndicate Road Landslip Repairs – advice of commencement of land slip repairs to residents 6. Bloomfield Road Landslip Repairs – advice of commencement of land slip repairs to residents 7. Murphy Street Landslip Repairs – advice to residents and surrounding businesses of pre-wet season works; input into design and construction schedule and advice of release of tender 8. Wonga Beach Illegal Foreshore Clearing – notice to residents advising reasons for fence; onsite meeting with owners of 6 Camelia Close 9. Vehicle on Beaches Policy – ongoing liaison with residents (both for and against permits for ATVs on Wonga Beach) related to assist with drafting of the conditions. 10. TV Signals Alexandra Bay – consultation with residents to assess number who rely on the tower. 11. Poletti Bridge Replacement Project – advice to residents that bridge will be replaced 12. Whyanbeel Causeway No. 1 – advice to residents that causeway will be replaced with a bridge 13. Alexandra Range Landslip Repairs – updates of progress throughout the repairs. 14. Lagoon – Online survey inviting people to share their first impressions; September followed up with workshops in December. 15. Atoll Close Drainage works – liaison with residents on interim and long term solution 16. Warner Street – ongoing liaison & project updates to stakeholders 17. Daintree Village – advice related to tree trimming and repairs surrounding large rain tree 18. Outdoor Signs – collaboration with Teamsters Industrial Park tenants to resolve illegal signs 19. Reef Park Drainage Upgrade – update on interim works and status of permanent solution 20. Daintree Ferry Contract – input into new Daintree Ferry Contract by ferry users 21. Mossman Pump Track – input into design by Mossman youth 22. Disposal of Liquid Waste – consultation with food businesses to improve compliance 23. Noah Creek Bridge – update on bridge replacement project to road users 24. Waste Disposal Services – survey of food businesses on grease trap pump out services north of Daintree River 25. Newell Beach Sand Replenishment – advised residents about sand replenishment 26. Corporate Plan – shire wide post card survey 27. Daintree Ferry Service interruptions – daily updates sent to users on two occasions Jan & Mar 2019 28. Diggers Bridge – input into revegetation plan and advice to residents about fixing up the wooden pedestrian bridge 29. Cooya Beach Drainage – consultation with residents with flooding issues 30. Cooya Beach to Mossman Cycleway – onsite meeting with landowners re location of cycleway 31. Website – email to 5,500 ratepayers seeking input into new website design 32. Cemetery Creek – advice to residents of work to improve drainage 33. Cassowary Falls, Daintree Valley – liaison with Daintree Discovery Tours to minimise impacts to their operations 34. Over 200 stallholders and event organisers advised of upcoming tender for master planning of Rex Smeal Park and Market Park. 35. Port Douglas Sports Complex And Coronation Park Master planning – community survey

Details of each of the above is covered in the following five pages.

1 | P a g e

Community engagement activities 2019

December 2019 Six presentations providing information on the Lagoon Vision were held 10/11 December encompassing meetings with immediate neighbours of the proposed site; the business community at a Douglas Chamber of Commerce breakfast; three community meetings and meeting with Queensland Health. Comments written on the graffiti wall at the presentations has been published on Council’s website.

December 2019 Environment Workshops: Two workshops were held 12 December, one in Cow Bay and one in Port Douglas to gather community input into, and build on Council’s environmental initiatives. Feedback gathered at the workshops will guide Council’s future direction.

December 2019 Under the current capital works budget, a number of parks throughout the shire are proposed to be renewed, one of which is Forest Creek Park. In early December, we sent a letter to all ratepayers living in Forest Creek inviting them to complete a short survey about how the park could be improved. We had a poster at the ferry booth and traffic controllers handed out leaflets at the ferry. A total of 29 people responded and findings will be used to guide future enhancements to the park.

November 2019 We advised residents Council would be working on a 900 metre section of Ponzo Road from Monday, November 25 to repair pavement failures and reseal this section of road. Residents were advised the road would be under traffic control for two weeks, weekends inclusive, while work is underway.

November 2019 As part of preparing master plans for the Port Douglas Sports Complex and Coronation Park, the consultants CPR Group conducted a survey sent to sporting groups, and out to the broader community, to understand how the two facilities were currently used and ideas on how they could be used in the future, and what future equipment and infrastructure they’d like to see. They got 200 responses which was a pleasing result.

October 2019 Douglas Shire Council is preparing a Rex Smeal and Market Park Master Plan. Stallholders and event organisers were emailed information and asked how the area can be improved. The purpose of seeking comments at this early stage is to give the consultants an understanding of what the community thinks before they embark upon developing up different concepts. Leaflets were also handed out to all stallholders on 27 October, to capture those without email addresses. A summary of the findings was distributed in January 2020.

October 2019 We will be upgrading the toilet facilities at the Sugar Wharf in early 2020. The 29 frequent users of the facility, plus the Douglas Historical Society were invited to an onsite meeting with the architect and a representative from Australian Heritage Specialists to have input into the upgrade. Twelve people attended and it was a very constructive meeting. We have gathered feedback on the proposed number of toilets, as well as a wish list of other improvements. It was made clear that only the toilets have been allowed for in this year’s capital budget, but by collecting ideas now, this can be considered by the architect when doing the floor plans to reflect the expanded amenities.

October 2019 Cemetery Creek is a small waterway which flows parallel to Four Mile Beach. The waterway has become over grown and clogged with debris which can impede water flow. To significantly improve drainage for homes and resorts between the end of Solander Boulevard and Barrier Street in Port Douglas, Douglas Shire Council will be clearing out the creek over the coming weeks. Landowners

2 | P a g e

Community engagement activities 2019 were emailed details of the construction schedule and likely impacts and a leaflet will be letterbox dropped to all properties backing onto Cemetery Creek.

October 2019 Miallo residents were advised repairs to the landslip in Syndicate Road would commence onsite 14 October 2019. The notice advise works would take 6 weeks and that during construction, the road would be reduced to a single lane under the control of traffic signals.

October 2019 Bus and tour companies and Wujal Wujal and Cook Shire councils were advised that repairs to the landslip on Bloomfield Road near Wujal Wujal, would commence 21 October 2019. The notice advised repairs were expected to take eight weeks and that during work, the road would be reduced to single lane with traffic control (give way signage) in place.

October 2019 We have been liaising with Murphy Street residents since November 2018. First communications were about pre-wet season works done November/December 2018. In July 2019 we consulted with residents about the design of permanent repairs, construction schedule and the revegetation plans. We reported back to residents on the consultation findings which were considered prior to finalising tender documents. Our last communication confirmed the tender had been released and would close at the end of the month. In addition to the 53 people on our Murphy Street database, we have done leaflet drops in Owen, Macrossan and Grant streets.

October 2019 Since December 2017, Council officers have been trying to stop illegal clearing of vegetation in front of 6 Camelia Close at Wonga Beach foreshore without success. Council planted 565 seedlings to revegetate the area and installed cameras for 10 months to monitor activity but within days of the cameras being removed, all the seedlings were either uprooted or snapped off and the sign was vandalised. As a last resort, Council erected a fence. Council received five letters of complaint and in response a fact sheet explaining Council’s reason for the fence was prepared and letter box dropped to the neighbourhood. There’s been no further complaints. The owners of 6 Camelia Close requested an onsite meeting which occurred earlier this month. The owners would like the fence removed, although it is possible for people to access the beach at the end of the fence, and it’s not intrusive as it blends into the trees. A request will be made for Peter Logan to reconsider, and/or meet with the owners to discuss further.

October 2019 As part of Local Laws consultation done in September 2018, Wonga Beach residents were made aware of the opportunity to view the Vehicle on Beaches draft policy and provide feedback with letters delivered to all 500 households in Wonga Beach. We received 85 submissions from 187 people, with 162 of these people living in Wonga Beach, representing 16.6% of the community. As an overall finding, there is strong community support for introducing Limited Recreational Use permits for residents of Wonga Beach. Officers are in the process of working through the Conditions which would be applied, and have had ongoing consultation with both supporters and objectors to the policy. This has involved driving with a resident on an ATV from the southern end of Wonga Beach and also walking with two residents (for three hours) from Pinnacle Village Caravan Park to the mouth of the Daintree River. This enables us to better understand concerns raised by people from both sides.

September 2019 Since March we have been updating 280 people regularly on the progress of repairs to Alexandra Range Landslip. In early September we advised repairs were complete, traffic lights removed and two lanes restored.

3 | P a g e

Community engagement activities 2019

September 2019 Poletti Bridge Replacement – local residents were advised that Council had applied for and was successful in securing Federal funding through the Bridge Renewal Program to replace the bridge. We informed residents that several mature rainforest trees would require remedial work including: . Trees to be pruned for bridge clearances in order to safely ensure their retention and continued form/structural integrity alongside proposed construction works. . Some additional pruning to ensure high level of amenity is maintained post-construction. Council’s Arborists will ensure that final aesthetics are considered at all stages throughout works. . Removal of significant deadwood over the bridge and creek (as appropriate).

September 2019 Whyanbeel residents were advised that to reduce the instance of flooding, Whyanbeel Causeway No. 1 would be replaced with a bridge and Council hoped to appoint a contractor in October/November 2019. It was explained a temporary side track would be installed to provide access for residents and once completed, the track would be completely removed and the area restored to original natural conditions. In mid-October, residents were sent an update to advise that Ken Mac Constructions had been appointed and that they would be onsite 28 October 2019. The update also informed residents that construction would be completed by the end of January 2020, weather permitting.

September 2019 When the vision for the Lagoon was released early in September 2019, people were invited to rate the vision and leave a comment. A total of 234 people responded and the overall rating was 79 out of 100. We gathered reasons for support, and concerns of others. We have 179 people who have registered to receive updates.

September 2019 Emails were sent to 5,500 ratepayers with a link to an online survey, inviting input into a new design for Council’s website.

August 2019 A total of 169 Cow Bay and Diwan residents were sent a letter advising them Council was reviewing its involvement in the retransmission of TV signals at the Alexandra Bay tower site and inviting them to complete a survey. The key findings from the survey were that just 9 households relied on the Free to Air Broadcast from Alexandra Bay; that while designed to cover the whole of Cow Bay, about halfway down Buchanan Creek Road, coverage drops out and some households in Diwan receive transmission from a different tower. Councillors wanted to know how many households would be impacted if Alexandra Bay equipment was decommissioned and the survey indicated that it was likely to be less than 30 households.

August 2019 DSC is planning to upgrade access to the water intake at Cassowary Falls in Daintree Valley. A meeting was held with Daintree Discovery Tours who takes visitors there twice a day to discuss impacts. Ideally the water intake would not be open to the public at all however the waterfall is an important element to DDT’s itinerary so we will work with them to make it work.

August 2019 We have been liaising with Atoll Close residents who have been experiencing flooding of their driveways. This has included advising interim measures to clear a section of the open drain during the dry season which has been done, and also the long term solution which has entailed an onsite meeting with one owner where there is a requirement to clear a section of his boundary garden on Council’s easement to improve water flow away from the street and prevent inundation of his and neighbouring properties.

4 | P a g e

Community engagement activities 2019

August 2019 Warner Street residents and traders, as well as those who lodged submissions during the initial consultation last year, were advised the soft approach upgrade of Warner Street had commenced with the removal of invasive weeds from the road verges as a precaution against spreading weeds during construction. A detailed work schedule was provided as well as expected impacts on traffic and pedestrians. Residents were assured the design had taken into account the structural root zone of the Rosewood trees to minimise any impacts from construction and that no Rosewoods will be removed.

August 2019 Council has prepared several options for the location of the Cooya Beach to Mossman Cycleway shared pathway. All options involve potential purchase of land under sugar cane and Council staff and consultants have met the owners on site to talk through the different options.

August 2019 Daintree Village residents and river cruise operators were advised vehicle access would be restricted for two days while geo technical investigations were done as a precursor to designing and building a retaining wall where earth surrounding a large rain tree was washed away in the Australia Day flooding.

August 2019 A small working group of business operators has been formed to look at an alternative to the plethora of sandwich boards on the at the entrance to Teamsters Industrial Park. A tenant of the business park who is a sign maker has teamed up with another tenant of the park who is a steel provider to produce a preliminary design which would accommodate 25 individual signs. Liaison has included TMR to ensure any sign is not located within the state-controlled road boundary. We are awaiting approximate costings to assess whether a sign is viable. If yes, a planning report will be prepared to accompany a DA for consideration by Council.

July 2019 Residents in Reef Park were advised the interim drainage works completed last year prior to the wet season were successful in that during the monsoonal rains over the Australia Day weekend, no houses were inundated. The Endeavour Street drainage inlet was at capacity, doing its job. We also acknowledged that residents were keen for Council to pursue a long term solution to alleviate flooding in times of higher and more intense rainfall and confirmed via email that funds had been allocated in the 2019/20 budget to prepare detailed design plans for a permanent solution.

July 2019 We have been liaising with ferry users about the new Daintree Ferry Contract since August 2018. Over this time we have done an online survey, presented survey results at workshops, explained the contract process, presented results of a traffic study and our last communication was to confirm release of the tender in July 2019.

June 2019 Onsite engagement was arranged with youth to provide them with the opportunity to vote on the design of the new Mossman Pump Track. The crocodile won!

May 2019 Anecdotal evidence indicates there are instances of the illegal disposal of used cooking oil in the Shire by a few commercial operators. In response, officers undertook research to assess how widespread the practice was and also to identify how Council could assist operators dispose of cooking oil in a sustainable way which safeguards public health. A total of 240 food businesses

5 | P a g e

Community engagement activities 2019 throughout the shire were invited to complete an online survey and 46 companies responded. A report on the findings was completed in July 2019.

May 2019 An update on the progress of the Noah Creek Bridge replacement project was prepared and distributed to the Daintree community. The update confirmed Council had received the preliminary design from NQ Civil Contractors. It explained plans to build a new crossing upstream of the existing bridge, allowing the existing bridge to remain in use until the new bridge is opened to minimise impact to road users. The update advised the new concrete bridge would be increased from one to two lanes bridge and that the crossing’s flood immunity would be increased from approx. one in 10 year (10% chance of flooding per year) to one in 100 year (1% chance). Council is hopeful construction will commence this year, however, until the permits are received, a definite schedule cannot be provided.

April 2019 Liquid waste research completed entailing telephone survey of businesses north of the Daintree. Short report provided to Water and Waste and Local Laws showing no interest in a cooking oil disposal point at Cow Bay Waste Transfer Station and very strong interest in an alternative grease trap pump out service, but level of interest would depend on price.

April 2019 Letterbox drop to all Newell Beach residents to let them know Council would be doing sand replenishment.

March 2019 Emails sent to 250 people over several days, on three different occasions, advising Daintree Ferry closure and reopening.

March 2019 Corporate Planning community workshops held in Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay, Port Douglas and Mossman and post card survey distributed. Preliminary results presented at internal corporate planning workshop and further discussed at community workshops. A final report on 814 responses has been completed and feedback incorporated into Council’s 2019-2024 Corporate Plan.

March 2019 A meeting was held with residents and representatives from the RSL and Historical Society members on site at Diggers Bridge to discuss landscaping plans. The project team prepared a vegetation plan and it is in the process of being implemented. Mowbray Valley Residents have been updated on progress of the vegetation plan including the elements already completed which include the planting of 336 rainforest trees on the northern side of the access road, removal of the old bitumen road and levelling of the area. Worked planned for November will include: . Concrete repair to all concrete piers . Twelve new girders . Six new corbels . Thirty new Deck Units

6 | P a g e