Community
17 March, 2025
Valley project approved
LANDOWNER and developer Pat Flanagan plans to start his controversial industrial precinct in the Redlynch Valley as soon as possible after it was approved by Cairns Regional Council this week.
The Curranda Trades and Services Development Area on Redlynch Intake Rd was given the green light – with strict conditions – after rigorous debate at the council on Wednesday.
Councillors voted narrowly five to four for the project despite nearly 280 objections (32 submissions were in support) as well as a petition of 1000-plus signatures against the proposal.
Crs Brett Moller, Cathy Zeiger, Trevor Tim, Anna Middleton and Rhonda Coghlan voted for the officers’ recommendations that the precinct go ahead. Against were Mayor Amy Eden, deputy mayor Brett Olds, Cr Rob Pyne and divisional representative Kristy Vallely. Cr Matthew Tickner removed himself from the debate and decision-making due to a conflict of interest because of his town planning business.
Mr Flanagan told Cairns Local News that he was “very happy with the council decision”.
He said he was “always confident, having addressed all the issues”.
Mr Flanagan said he “respected” the concerns of the objectors. They included incompatibility with the rural-residential area, increased traffic, flooding and environmental impacts.
He said he had people desperate to start operating on the site which allowed storage facilities, builders’ yards and other light industry uses. Cairns has almost run out of new industrial land.
Mr Flanagan said he would seek permits to start as soon as possible.
“We expect to start very quickly after the appeal process ends,” he said.
Campaigner Margo Dean said she was “absolutely devastated” with the decision.
“I’ve got no words … I’m not functioning at all,” she said.
“I don’t know what we will do. We’re talking about it. Some want to appeal but there’s the money factor.”
Cr Vallely, who represents the area, said she voted against the development despite being harassed, bullied and intimidated on social media.
“I understand that many people feel strongly about this development and their concerns are valid,” she said.
“However, resorting to defamatory harassment is never acceptable.” Cr Vallely accused objectors of “irrational mob-like behaviours”.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds said “this is not what you expect if you live there”.
“It’s a rural zone. They don’t expect to have shopping centres and have footpaths everywhere,” he said.
“We’re elected to be the voice of the community and we should listen to them when they stand up. It’s not a NIMBY thing – not in my backyard.
“People have chosen to live in these areas and the decisions we make in this room, there are consequences to them.”
Division 1 councillor Brett Moller said the development would help provide much-needed industrial land, adding it would be obscured by a 10m high buffer, while division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger also backed the need for more low-impact industry sites.
