Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Rezoning

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area rezoning

Background

The dump site has been cleared since before the World Heritage listing (Picture 2). Since being used as a dump, it has been capped with clay and used as a football field with lights. These are now in disrepair and some fencing, machinery and building materials are stored there (see Pictures 3, 6, 7, 8 & 9 below).

The old dump site was not included in the Pink Zone as part of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) in 2006 (Picture 4). However, the ILUA included a separate lease agreement (QI2006/013) between the State, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and Eastern Yalanji to lease the ‘football field area’ (then Lot 7 on DP189923) for recreational purposes only for 99 years (see Schedules 1, 2 and 12 of the agreement).

In 2012 the Cairns Regional Council agreed to transfer the old dump site to Wujal Wujal Shire Council.

Rezoning requirement

The old Wujal Wujal dump site is currently zone B under the Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998, for conservation and rehabilitation (see Picture 7).

As part of its draft planning scheme, the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council has identified the old dump site as a viable area for future housing and community infrastructure, subject to rezoning under the Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 (Picture 1). The Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council has, therefore, requested a rezoning of the old dump site (Lot 2 on SP171837, 2.36ha) under the Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 from zone B to zone C. The Shire Council advises it is seeking this rezoning as the Wujal Wujal community has very limited areas available to accommodate urban demands due to steep slopes, protected areas and areas prone to flood.

Assessment of future use and impacts on the World Heritage Area

Given the history, location and degraded environmental values of the old dump site, and the community need to use the area, the Authority considers the Wujal Wujal community’s proposal for housing and community infrastructure as the most appropriate use for the site. Considerations include:

• The site was already cleared before the World Heritage Area was declared and was included within the Area as part of a larger lot. • The Wujal Wujal community has expressed a strong desire to develop the site for community housing because their other alternatives are very limited. • Housing development on this area may alleviate pressure to develop in more environmentally sensitive areas. • The site has been capped with hard clay to prevent rainfall and runoff from entering the landfill area. Vegetation, particularly large trees and their root systems, could create cracks in the impermeable clay cap. • Other smaller vegetation could be used to help rehabilitate the site. However, the vegetation would offer little in the way of habitat or buffer for surrounding forest lands.

Community considerations

Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council is seeking some certainty in its planning scheme for future housing development. A prompt rezoning will allow for the intended use of the area to be reflected in its planning scheme.

Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council has indicated it will negotiate with Eastern Kuku Yalanji and the State about any need to change the lease agreement under the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Indigenous Land Use Agreement (see details above).

Further details

Details of the proposals can be viewed at:

• the Wet Tropics website www.wettropics.gov.au/plan-rezoning • Wet Tropics Management Authority: 1st Floor Corporate Tower, 15 Lake St Cairns

Copies of the proposed zoning amendment may be obtained by contacting the Wet Tropics Management Authority on 4052 0555 or by email: [email protected] .

If you require further information about the proposed amendments, please contact Mr Campbell Clarke on 07 4052 0531.

Have your say

Written submissions are invited from interested groups and members of the public, Aboriginal people, landholders, public authorities and government. Submissions should be forwarded to:

Zoning Amendments Wet Tropics Management Authority PO Box 2050 CAIRNS QLD 4870

or email: wettropics@wtma,qld.gov.au

Closing date for submissions is Monday 8 October 2012 Picture 1: Zoning map from Wujal Wujal Shire Council draft planning scheme

Picture 2: Old dump site and township in 1982

Picture 3: Current view of clearing on the old dump site (2009)

Picture 4: ILUA pink zone surrounding the old dump site

Picture 5: Wet Tropics management plan zoning

Picture 6: View of the old dump site from the road to Ayton

Picture 7: The football field area

Picture 8: View from the dump site to the southwest

Picture 9: View from the dump site to the northwest