Community
22 October, 2024
Protecting two key beaches
MORE than 400 residents worked with Cassowary Coast Regional Council on a foreshore management plan (FMP) aimed at protecting and enhancing the coastal areas of Kurrimine and Cowley beaches.
Development, planning and environmental portfolio holder Cr Jeff Baines said the community’s input influenced the FMP to ensure it met their needs while protecting “these pristine destinations for recreational and commercial use”.
“Kurrimine and Cowley beaches are, not only stunning locations, but also significant for their recreational, commercial, and environmental values,” he said.
“They sit alongside the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage areas, both of which hold deep traditional owner and social importance for the local community.
“This FMP is a non-statutory document that provides guidance for the management of the Kurrimine Beach and Cowley Beach foreshore areas in a manner that promotes the preservation of ecological, cultural, and social values of the area.
“The FMP observes the importance of enabling use of the foreshore in a sustainable manner in the short to medium term while considering the longer-term impacts of coastal processes outlined in the CCRC coastal hazard adaption strategy”.
Based on stakeholder feedback, council officers developed a comprehensive list of actions to address key community priorities. These include:
Enhancing recreational opportunities through improved access and infrastructure
Strengthening environmental protection to safeguard local wildlife and ecosystems
Creating sustainable commercial opportunities that reflect local needs while promoting long-term health and cultural connections.
Cr Baines said this approach ensured that community desires were met through thoughtful, sustainable planning and development.
He said the council was committed to working with local community members as the plan was implemented, ensuring that the voices of residents were heard and considered in the ongoing management of these vital coastal areas. “We encourage all residents to participate in future opportunities as we work together to create a sustainable and vibrant future for our beloved beaches,” he said.
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