NEWS

A cause for the Quizmaster

13/5/2023

The Quizmaster and his apprentice

Chappy's Spiritual Music Quest Fest event held last Saturday was on the same day as the Kings coronation.

There are no prizes for guessing who had the most fun!

For the past 11 years Mission Beach Cassowaries Inc has been the grateful recipient of the private fundraiser held in the grounds of Baden (Chappy) and Angela Chapman's home at Mission Beach.

Known affectionately as 'Chappy' of Happy Chappy's Lawnmowing service, Baden transforms into his colourful 'Quizmaster' character for the day to entertain guests with questions on 70's and 80's rock music.

The quest fest is interspersed with other fundraising activities including guessing the number of bottle tops, air guitar competition and raffles. Some of the regular contestants travel from as far as Adelaide and Charters Towers each year to take part in the fast paced, fun afternoon event.

"Extroverts make my job easier

Guests participation is encouraged. This year there was no shortage of entertainment.

"Extroverts make my job easier" Chappy said.

Dawn Shimmield takes it away with the air guitar

Light showers couldn't dampen the enthusiasm. Local business owner Dawn was the clear winner in the air guitar competition while Charters Towers Zoey Marshall and Mission Beach councillor Trudy Tschui were irrepressible showing off their miming skills to 'Wuthering Heights' by Kate Bush and Sherbets How's That' soundtracks.

Zoey Marshall nails it with Wuthering Heights Cr Trudy Tschui - 'How's That'

Chappy's grandson Dan Marshall (Zoey's son) is now being dubbed the 'apprentice quizmaster'. Is he destined for a future on the stage?

Quizmaster's apprentice - Dan No-one got the answer?

Mission Beach Cassowaries (MBC) president Liz Gallie would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who made the afternoon such a special event.

"The funds raised through Chappy and Angela's generosity go toward projects to help protect the cassowary at Mission Beach" said Liz.

The 2024 event will be held on the 24th August. Table numbers are limited so if you know your 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music, and would like to be part of the next music quiz fest call or email Chappy to find out more. 0418 898 940
quizmequick@iinet.net.au

Photo; MBC secretary, Sandal Hayes presents the 'Quizmaster' with a signed, framed cassowary print.

Photos; Liz Gallie

Village Green project lacks direction

11/11/2022

MBC is calling into question the process to determine the upgrade of the Mission Beach Village Green.

Public freedback ignored

In 2019 public feedback was sought through a workshop and a ‘have your say’ online survey for a Strategic Mission Beach Master Plan of which the Village Green upgrade was the major component.

The community feedback received was unambiguous including; "Keep it natural" "Maintain the character" "Built areas should not detract from nature" "Present World Heritage areas these should dominate the landscape" "Iconic wildlife and trees" "Green up the village green".

The sentiments are consistent with decades of public consultation and workshop outcomes. They are reinforced in a key principle of the master plan project outline. The document claims a "vision that establishes the priorities and focused direction for projects within the Mission Beach town centre" . " A key principle of the plan is to reflect the values of the adjacent Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas as these natural wonders are at the core of what makes Mission Beach so special".

Village design fails to resonate with community

Lack of overarching guidelines

No agreed vision

Apparent intolerant and disrespectiful behaviour at meetings

While the community welcomed the idea of an upgrade of their village centre, the motivating reason for the project was the urgent need to replace the collapsing drainage system associated with Dawsons Creek which flows beneath the town. Very little of the more than $10m funds for the project was allocated for the upgrade of the Village Green itself.

There was no consideration at all by the landscape architect or project manager for the existing trees in the village green to be saved and replanted to provide essential natural shade.

So far the project has involved a community 'workshop' two council project teams, two landscape architects, project managers, a marketing firm, a community reference group and three rounds of community feedback - on three different designs.

The Town Centre revitalisation Reference Group (RG) was only formed once the final plans were ready to be presented to the community. While some members were appointed, others were chosen through an expression of interest process. It was not clear what the selection criteria were for the members of the RG. MBC EOI here.

Purpose of the Reference Group

The role of RG members was to refer to their own member networks, to keep the wider community informed on the progress of the plans and encourage feedback to the consultants on the 'negotiable' elements of the design.
Mission Becah Cassowaries position has been consistent;

Natural shade (native trees) as opposed to shade shelters. Additional shade trees to be mature trees. We would like expert advice on the feasibility of removal and replacement of all the existing trees as a priority option. If it is possible and if there is not enough in the budget, community members have expressed the willingness to fund raise for this.
MBC position on any other additions to the whole village green, including design and placement of rubbish bins should first consider how it will blend with the natural environment, be a unique design reflecting the cultural and environmental values of Mission Beach and suit the existing village character.

No Vision or Guiding Principles

It's unsurprising the designs presented so far have failed to gain public enthusiasm. They haven't captured the unique character of Mission Beach or the community’s strong sense of place.

At no point in the process was an overarching vision or set of guiding principles developed. Consequently, some of the members of the ref group appear to have had no idea from the start of what was required. As a reference group member, MBC has repeatedly drawn attention to the need for a set of key points to guide the direction of the project.

The lack of clear direction has allowed apparent intolerant behaviour from some of the RG members toward other members and has led to a rejection of and refusal to discuss any suggestions provided by some members. This behaviour culminated in an unbridled tirade of abuse aimed at a member during the Nov 7 Zoom meeting. (Meeting minutes here)

The large laser cut metal shade shelter, part of the original landscaping design, has been rejected by the community but remains the centre of attention. In suggesting the design needs to be of a more organic nature and reflect the character of Mission Beach, the project manager invited MBC to produce something 'tangible'. MBC provided a mock up of an alternative pergola structure and seating at the culvert area as a starting point for discussion. Advice was sought from local artist/builder Brent Cook. Photos of the Village green and David St including existing trees and palms have been used in the mockups.

Instead of initiating constructive discussion, the concepts (below) have been ignored.

Process in a state of flux

The state of flux in finding an acceptable resolution for the village green design now has reference group members, including the project manager, providing random suggestions based on photos found by surfing the internet and what appears to be personal opinions, (photos below), none of which reflect the unique character of Mission Beach or its high-value natural setting.

Shade shelter at Smithfield shopping centre

Artificial trees in the dry desert of California

Random ideas from the internet

MBC is calling on the CCRC to resolve an unacceptable situation.

The current situation could have been so easily avoided by simply providing the Landscape Architect and RG with relevant guidelines based on the public consultation, with a process working towards a concept/plan properly considering and taking into account community views. This could be done now – it needs to be done now, before more dissension is caused by those individuals who have not absorbed what Mission Beach means to most of its community.

MBC is committed to having input in any decision making that will help retain the Mission Beach unique character based on the natural 'points of difference' and not for it to become, or look like, 'just another place".

Minutes Monday 7 November 2022

Submissions to Cassowary Coast Regional Council

4/11/2022

Mission Beach Cassowaries has made submissions to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council on two important issues this month.

Proposed dog off Leash areas
and
Feedback invited on the Mission Beach Village Green/ town centre project.

Proposed dog off leash areas

Mission Beach Village Green feedback

Mission Beach authentic character under question - you can help

24/10/2022

Based on community feedback, some revisions have been made to the draft concepts for the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation project. The final concepts will be available to view on CCRC website here on Tuesday (tomorrow) 25 October and at a community drop in session at the Village Green on Wednesday 26 October between 3-6pm.

Mission Beach Cassowaries (MBC) is a member of the Town Centre Revitalisation Reference Group (RG). There has only been one meeting of the group to date and no opportunity to have any discussion to provide meaningful input. This is despite separate meetings held between the project manager, landscape architect and some of the group representatives. No invitation was officially offered to all reference group members.

When MBC applied to be part of the RG it was with the understanding members were chosen on a 'merit basis'. We expected the reference group would follow a formal process to incorporate relevant input into the town centre final design.

To the contrary, the process that determined the direction of the design appears to have ignored the original community feedback and intent which was overwhelmingly to retain the Mission Beach village character and reflect its natural beauty.

Apparently, from correspondence shared with the RG, community feedback on the draft concept design is 37% positive, 50% ’neutral’ and 13% negative. Not surprising given the distortion of scale, unrealistic artist impressions and generic style making it very difficult for the public to give informed feedback.

Due to the lack of clear guiding principles the outcome has resulted in a mish mash of 'ideas' and 'on trend' design that dominates the natural environment and undermines the authentic character of Mission Beach.

It would be an irreversible mistake to attempt a change of character of Mission Beach – nor is there any right to do so. Locals and visitors appreciate the way Mission Beach reflects its exceptional natural environment inside and outside the World Heritage boundaries.

Our village might need some attention, but such attention does not demand or allow for a change of character.

The intiial community feeback (right) includes;

Natural beauty
Rainforest
Iconic wildife and trees
Jewel of the casssowary coast
Inidividual charcter
Size and quaintness
Green up the village green
Village atmosphere
Careful not to lose natural beauty and protectg it

Rainforest to reef
Birthplace of Great Barrier Reef
Wet Tropics experience
Wet Tropics World Heritage Walk
Come for natgural beauty and protect it
Upgrade but maintain identity
Built areas should not detract from nature
Take all of Mission Beach into account
Present World Heritage values- these should dominate the landscape
Policies to identify and maintain character,

none of which appears to be reflected in the current design.

Further, the proposed viewing deck seriously counters the natural values of Mission Beach: it would introduce infrastructure of a type that is inappropriate within the erosion zone on a cyclone exposed coastline. The Foreshore Management Plan must be refered to when any interferance with the littoral zone is being planned.

This is the last chance for you to help keep Mission Beach 'Magic'

Let the Project manager and Landscape architect know:

You have have a strong sense of identity with Mission Beach
because of its authentic character

Have your say online here from Tuesday 25th Oct or
at the Village Green between 3 and 6pm on Wednesday 26th Oct

Say Yes to:

Fundraising to either transplant (if possible) or replace Village Green trees with mature trees.

Unique locally designed and made Village Green public seating and tables.
Existing businesses to determine individual style dining pods
Rehabilitation of foreshore vegetation to enhance the 'through the rainforest to the beach' experience.
More organic design,
Essential infrastructure to reflect and blend with (not dominate) the authentic character.
More lawn less concrete

Say No to:

Foreshore viewing deck and retaining wall
Metal shade shelters (ask for mature trees)
Sand dune 'sculptures'
Raised hard edged concrete raised lawns and garden beds
'Mission Beach' sign
Straight line/regimented garden beds

Town Centre design 'in character' or 'on trend'?

23/9/2022

Community feedback
The Cassowary Coast Regional council is calling for community feedback on the draft final design for the Mission Beach town centre. The concept drawings can be seen below.

The concept was presented at a meeting of the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project Community and Stakeholder Reference Group (CSRG) on Monday 12th September. A well attended public viewing of the plans was held at the Village Green on Friday 16th.

The role of the CSRG is for members to keep their networks informed and give feedback to the Council via C7even marketing group. The council says it "will consult the CSRG regularly to gain independent, honest and constructive feedback".

The concept drawings are very difficult to put into perspective. The scale of the drawings is unrealistic, showing an open plaza with hundreds of people.

The landscape architect told the group he wanted to create something 'on trend'. The result is a design with jarring hard edges, straight lines and excessive use of concrete.

It's hard to see how the drawings reflect the low key character of Mission Beach; of villages set in rainforest by the sea. There doesn't appear to be any consideration given to designing in a World Heritage setting. The process of consultation to this point is highly questionable with the Initial community feedback totally ignored in both the orginal and final concept designs.

THIS IS YOUR TOWN CENTRE
Please take the time to send your feedback to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council at;
missionbeach@ccrc.qld.gov.au

Below is the considered comments from Mission Beach Cassowaries (MBC) as a CSRG member.

Porter Promenade
The concept includes an upgrade of Porter Promenade for a short distance north and south of Campbell Street and at the intersection of Campbell Street itself. It's great to see this section of road redesigned to create more of a town centre by slowing traffic and introducing more vegetation including trees shown below.
The drawings show hard edged regimented raised concrete plant boxes. The trees will be potted size not mature.
MBC Comments

In keeping with the World Heritage and natural character of Mission Beach, priority should be given to planting species endemic to the basalt soils of Mission Beach.
Instead of hard edged, regimented concrete boxes, the road could 'meander' through the village with 'garden' beds being placed in an informal manner to create a more 'natural' feel. People have often commented they would like to see the same treatment given to the road through the village as in Collins Avenue in Cairns.

Eating Pods
The restaurant 'eating pods' will be a mixture of laser cut metal shade structures and hard covers. A larger laser cut metal shade structure is planned for the centre of the existing 'green' as a performance area. These structures, even with vines growing over them would be hot to sit under and don't take into account Mission Beach's reputation as having one of the highest rainfalls in Australia.

MBC comments:

It would be more practical given the rainfall and temperatures and more in keeping with the low key village character to make any restaurant extensions hard shelters.

Village Green
The unusual white concrete 'shapes' appearing through the village green represent sand dunes - in line with the theme 'Rainforest to the Reef'. The extension of eating areas, 'dune sculptures', mounding of the small lawn areas along with the extensive use of concrete including raised concrete seating areas, clutter and reduce usable public space.
All vegetation is to be removed and replaced with immature (potted) trees.

The Village Green is a smal intimate space. The drawings are grossly out of scale. What is shown is not only out of character with the low key village atmosphere, it is not achieveable.
MBC comments:

'Dune sculptures' should be removed and level lawn areas maximised.
Reduce the amount of concrete particularly avoid raised concrete walls for seating.
The Mission Beach sign should be exluded.
Existing trees should be transplanted or field grown mature trees planted. (If there is not enough funds in the project budget, the community should be given the choice of raising funds for this purpose).
Creative locally designed chairs and tables strategically placed under the shade throughout the Village Green. (see examples below from Cairns Botanic garden). The community should be further consulted on furniture design.

Rainforest meets the reef - Ulyssess Park

David Street Area
The village Green is to be extended to the end of David Street (Past the Shrubbery). Parking bays are to be removed with access provided for deliveries and residences along the esplanade. The concept includes a viewing/entertainment deck and beach retaining wall over the drain exit and along the beach. The infrastructure will require removal of littoral vegetation.
MBC comments:

No removal of native vegetation from the littoral zone
Remove viewing platform. Infrastructure should not be considered in the erosion zone.
Rehabilitation of the littoral zone. Emphasising and presenting the transition between the rainforest and the reef should be an essential part of the plan. (See Ulysses Park character)
The same low key 'natural' design of shade trees, grass, meandering pathways in David Street would create a continuity of the existing 'Green'.
The culvert could be redesigned to incorporate some basalt boulders to disguise the beach drain outlet if it is considered ugly; or a small base for a set of seats and table under shade of existing vegetation could be considered. Meaningful community input should be sought on any of these 'character changing' aspects of the upgrade.
The Foreshore Mangement Plan states;

Vision; the council and community show leadership in the protection, restoration and sustainable use of the Greater Mission Beach foreshore and work together to preserve and manage the foreshore for its significant contribution to Mission Beach being renowned as a unique World Heritage Area and one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world
"The foreshore is cuturally significant and highly valued by the Djiru Traditional Owners"
"The foreshore is high valued for underpinning the identity, landscape character, scenic amenity and tropical lifestyle of its residents".
"The foreshore is valued for its function as a protective buffer against coastal hazards'"
"...the sustainable use of our foreshore achieves a careful balance between the protection of our high heritage value and pristine beaches in a natural state while allowing for appropriate recreation'"
" The foreshore is recognised as being essential for naturally occuring coastal and ecological porcesses'"
"...best practice foreshore management and recognising that conserevation, social values and economic wellbeing are firmly interdependent'
"The values and features are the foundation of a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry that protects and celebrates the unique natural values and toruism assets of Mission Beach".
"Maintaining and enhancing the scenic amentiy and landscape characger values of the foreshore is very important'
The ongoing protection and stabilisation of the foreshore through best practice vegetation management and not placing people, infrastructure or development at unacceptable risk from coastal hazards is vital to the ecological, economic and social wellbeing of our communities now and into the future".

Foreshore Management Plan Greater Mission Beach

Draft Final Concept Plan

Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project

17/9/2022

Background
The Mission Beach Village is built over the top of a waterway. The drainage system goes under Porters Promenade down the right side of the Village Green onto the beach at the end of David Street. The infrastructure has been in urgent need of repair for over ten years when holes appeared in the road at the intersection of Porters Promenade and Campbell St as drain pipes started collapsing.

Mission Beach Master Plan
In August 2018 community feedback was sought for a Master Plan for Mission Beach. The scope of the project was to be from Seaview Street to Boyett Road including the arboretum and Ulysses Park.

In March 2019 'key community stakeholders' were invited to a workshop where CCRC presented the results of the feedback. Following the workshop the public was then invited to make comment through a 'have your say' on the CCRC website.

The message received was unabiguous and consistent with decades of meeting and workshop outcomes on 'what makes Mission Beach special'. The local community is well aware of the special social and environmental values of Mission Beach. For the most part that is why they choose to live there.

Limited Community input into draft Concept Plan
The key stakeholders didn't have any further involvement in the design process. Another 'stakeholder' group was formed comprising the Village Green business owners who worked exclusively with LA3, the architects contracted for the concept design.

It appears LA3 is the preferred architects for projects within the Cassowary Coast. The same business has been engaged for several other projects including the Bingil Bay Picnic Area and the Cardwell Foreshore. The standards used by LA3 do not include expertise or understanding of design within a world heritage setting where it is crucial the urban environment does not dominate the sensitive world heritage values.

Following the release of LA3's concept plan in July 2019 the then Mission Beach Tourism manager and representatives from Mission Beach Cassowaries and C4 met with CCRC Planner Byron Jones to voice their concerns the design was out of character with everything Mission Beach represents.

The draft Final Design does not reflect community vision
Funding was secured for the project in July 2022. In September a Reference Group was formed with members chosen on a merit basis to represent a cross section of the community (including Mission Beach Cassowaries). The final design has now been presented for feedback at the first meeting of the Reference Group and to the general public.

It is alarming to note the draft final design does not;

reflect any of the discussion at the July 2019 meeting,
recognise the unique and character defining features that underpin Mission Beach community identity and visitor appeal or;
Reflect wider community feedback.

Was the Foreshore Management Plan referenced at all during the design?

Did the architect or any of the stakeholders have any understanding of designing in a World Heritage setting?

Were some of the features included in the final design such as the viewing deck reflecting a personal view to hide the 'ugly' drain rather than a practical need sensitive to the natural environment setting?

Bingil Bay Picnic Area - What part of NATURAL wasn't understood?
An example of how the same urban design and generic architectural approach can permanently change the natural amenity of a place was in 2012 with the post Cyclone Yasi upgrade of the Bingil Bay Picnic area. The original plan was rejected outright by the Bingil Bay community who had made it clear they only wanted a minor upgrade and to 'keep it natural'. The second design wasn't much better but the community were tired of waiting and "it didn't look so bad".

The final design saw the natural lay of the dune benched and concreted. The result is a hard edged stepped area where magnificent callophyllom trees now create a safety hazard by dropping their large round seeds on the concrete surface surrounding they trunks. The beach almond seeds stain the concrete requiring increased maintenance. There is now no opportunity for natural process to occur on this part of the dune. Once a vibrant community meeting place, the picnic area is no longer used by the Bingil Bay locals since it was concreted and the wooden seats replaced with metal ones.

Fast forward 10 years to the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project. The same architect with the exact same urban approach which might look ok on a marine boulevard somewhere in Dubai, Brisbane or even Maroochydore but could not be more out of character for a place like Mission Beach.

Bottom Line
The CCRC media release gives an insight into the councils fundamental focus. The town centre upgrade would not be happening but for the failing infrastructure that is now in desperate need of repair. The CCRC makes it clear in their media release their motivation beyond drainage work is to attract investors, not a well needed uplift of our town centre, for the community and visitors.

The designs have ignored community input.
The concept drawings are misleading,
grossly out of scale
and not achievable.

Mission Beach is not just another urban space.
A special place requires special consideration, not a generic hard edged 'on trend' urban design that could be anywhere.

The only special treatment required is to reflect the village character and to protect the natural environment - where the rainforest meets the sea.

The Mission Beach Village Green;
Does need;

Rehabilitation of foreshore and beach access to repair a degaded dune and to present the natural transition between rainforest and sea.
A more 'organic' as opposed to a hard edged 'on trend' approach to the design.
More trees to provide natural shade (full consideration must be given to the removal and replacemnet of existing trees.
Ground level and level lawn areas
Hard shelters for restaurant eating area extensions

Does not need;

A viewing deck, that permanently destroys the inegrity of the littoral zone that necessitates a concrete retaining wall in the erosion zone.
Pseudo sand dune 'sculptures' to reflect rainforest to the sea 'theme' (Mission Beach doesn't have sand dunes and the rainforest to the sea is already there).
Excessive use of concrete with raised areas that minimise usable area.
Laser cut metal shade shelters
A huge Mission Beach sign above the shops

Could have;

Bespoke furrniture designed and made locally
Existing trees transplanted and mature trees used in Village Green upgrade.
A more organic/natural approach to the design including the shape of Porters Promenade

Will the architects, the marketing agents and council representatives meaningfully listen to the feedback that this design does not reflect the natural World Heritage amenity and the low key character of a village set in rainforest by the sea?

Or will we be forever left with a town centre where community members and visitors will once again ask "What part of natural was not understood?"

Mission Beach character

Scale taken from fence

Scale taken from people

Scale taken from fence

Seating Cairns Botanic Gardens

Ulysses Park

Existing track to the beach

Quiz Me Quick

23/8/2022

Nothing rivals the colourful fun filled afternoon of entertainment at the private annual fundraiser held in the garden of Baden (Chappy) and Angela Chapman’s home.

The private event held on Saturday 20th August marks the 16th year Chappy and Angela have raised funds for a community cause.

A showman at heart, Chappy assumes the role of Quizmaster and takes to the stage for a fast paced music quiz fest. Teams of four guess different aspects of music from a chosen period. This year music questions were from the 80‘s with a more mellow line up than the usual rock and roll list from the 60’s and 70’s.

While this suited some of the younger participants it wasn’t such good news for the team named ‘The Gutta Boys’ who travel each year from South Australia to compete and have reigned as the winners for 7 of the last 10 years.

This year the ‘Blue Heroes’ from Charters Towers won first place with the local team ‘Cassowarriors‘ who normally trail at the bottom of the pack taking out second place. Third place was the ‘Raging Revolutionaries’ with team members from South Australia and Mission Beach.

The Quizmaster

The winners - The Blue Heroes

Second - Cassowariors

Third - Raging Revolutionaries

There were thirteen tables of teams with participants travelling from as far as Tasmania to join in the fun and frivolity.

Funds are raised by teams paying to answer questions and other activities including guessing the number of bottle tops, raffles and finishing with an auction of prizes donated by businesses around the region. The air guitar competition is hotly contested and is hilarious entertainment

The entry fee includes a smorgasbord meal for the guests at the end of the day. A special thanks go to the support team of roustabouts Angela Chapmen, Brendalee Foley, Liz Gallie and Lyndon Marshall, scorers, Dan Marshall and Jodie Smith and memory retainer Ned Marshall. Chappy said “without the support team the show wouldn’t happen!”.

Brendalee Foley and Angie Chapman

Ned Marshall

Dan Marshall and Jodie Smith

For the past 8 years the funds raised have been donated to Mission Beach Cassowaries.

Mission Beach Cassowaries spokesperson Liz Gallie said “We are so grateful for Chappy’s support. “Funds donated to Mission Beach Cassowaries enable us to raise awareness and have input into planning that will help better protect cassowaries and the things people love about Mission Beach”.

Next year’s event is already in the planning. The song for the air guitar competition is ‘Choo Choo Mama’ by Ten Years After, Chappy said “So start practicing!” The theme will be 70’s rock and roll.

The number of tables is capped at 15 so if you know your 70’s music, and would like to be part of the quiz fest being held in May 2023, call or email Chappy to find out more. 0418 898 940. quizmequick@iinet.net.au

LG

Photos Liz Gallie

“DEAR MR CRONIN…PLEASE FLY ELSWEHERE”

10/8/2022

Media Release

Residents call for developer to rethink location of proposed helicopter aerodrome
An Open letter, to be published in the local Cassowary Coast newspaper, calls on Director of Mission Helicopters Ray Cronin to locate his planned obtrusive helicopter aerodrome business where it cannot disrupt residential areas and wildlife.

“The present Council-approved site lies between two villages and immediately adjacent to a wilderness reserve” Ms Gallie said “residents and visitors alike are attracted to the very special low-key village atmosphere and nature amenity of Mission Beach – into which this helicopter aerodrome approval has brought nothing but social division, anxiety and stress”.

“The community has no objection to a helicopter aerodrome being located near Mission Beach, but it must be situated where its operations cannot disrupt residential areas and cassowary habitat” said Ms Gallie “this proposed three-storey industrial hanger complex will introduce a visually jarring and peace-shattering interruption right on the scenic route into town

“The community has no objection to a helicopter aerodrome being located near Mission Beach, but it must be situated where its operations cannot disrupt residential areas and cassowary habitat” said Ms Gallie “this proposed three-storey industrial hanger complex will introduce a visually jarring and peace-shattering interruption right on the scenic route into town

THE COURT CASE THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN
With the support of the Mission Beach community, which made many submissions against the Mission Helicopters aerodrome proposal, community group C4 (Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation) started a legal appeal against the Council’s approval; but then withdrew from the case in favour of a negotiated agreement allowing Mission Helicopters to conduct 120 helicopter movements daily, from early morning to late afternoon, 7 days a week.

Ms Gallie said “this is not the outcome the community wanted. Noise trials conducted during C4’s negotiations with Mission Helicopters highlighted just how disruptive and intrusive this helicopter aerodrome would be if it goes ahead”.

UNHAPPY LOCAL RESIDENTS SPEAK UP
“Local residents are speaking up” Ms Gallie said. “They fear loss of their community’s sense of identity, which depends on the low-key village atmosphere. Decades of consistent feedback from the community have highlighted the special amenity, character and natural environment of Mission Beach”.

New arrivals Robyn and Tony Pembroke moved to Mission Beach from ‘overdeveloped’ Byron Bay, believing they were buying into a peaceful neighbourhood. They had not been advised of the helicopter plans. “It’s unfair to expect residents to accept the noise of a helicopter operation right in the middle of town” said Robyn. “Helicopter noise is extremely loud, unpleasant and intrusive and needs to be well away from houses, especially at a place like Mission Beach”.

Another new resident, who did not wish to be named, had bought a house lot next to the rainforest. “I was devastated” she said. “we bought next to the reserve thinking it would be a quiet nature block – we had no idea we’d be next to a helicopter aerodrome! We saved up for this block- it was to be our first home. Now we don’t know what to do. It’s right under the flight path”.

Ends
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information,
contact;
Mission Beach Cassowaries Inc
0414 402 315

Tony and Robyn Pembroke
0413 456 59

No Helicopters Here campaign - www.nohelicoptershere.com

Photo/graphics Liz Gallie

ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE AND BIRDS Dr Helen K Larson

7/1/2021

Photo Jeff Larson

The proposed heliport in Mission Beach, when operating, will create considerable loud noise from the industrial helicopters at irregular times seven days a week, during daylight. The proposed heliport is to be sited among known cassowary corridors (albeit fragmented).

Cassowaries are diurnal birds and walk considerable distances in search of food, so anything that disrupts their normal behaviour and movement may have a negative effect. Anthropogenic noise pollution is a relatively recent phenomenon that birds now have to cope with throughout much of the world, and investigators have recently found that responses to this include avoidance of noisy areas, changes in reproductive success, and changes in calls and singing (Ortega 2012).

While there have been no studies carried out specifically on cassowary responses to loud or constant anthropogenic noise, there have been several carried out on two of their closest relatives, the emu and ostrich, under captive conditions, in which emus showed behaviours indicating stress and agitation (e.g. Jakob-Hoff et al 2019). A study of birds’ reactions to constant traffic noise through good habitat showed that constant noise degrades that habitat that is otherwise suitable, and that the presence of a species does not indicate the absence of a negative effect (the bird is just tolerating the noise) (Ware et al. 2015).

Cassowaries’ hearing has not been studied but it is known that they produce very low-frequency sounds as long-distance communication in the forest (Mack and Jones 2003). It is unknown how these sounds travel in a noisy environment. It has been observed that cassowaries respond to helicopter noise in a panicked way – Jeff Larson photographed an adult bird running in fear from a military helicopter flying overhead in Wongaling Beach on 17 April 2014 (2 of the 4-photograph sequence below).

Birdlife Australia Guardian, Coastal Wet Tropics Key Biodiversity Area.
Curator Emeritus, Fishes, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, NT
Research Associate, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville, Qld
Co-chair, Goby Group of the Marine Fish Red List Authority, International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Dr Helen K. Larson
65 Reid Road, Wongaling Beach, Qld 4852
Email: eviotahkl@gmail.com

REFERENCES:
Jakob-Hoﬀ, R.1., Kingan, M., Fenemore, C., Schmid, G., Cockrem, J.F., Crackle, A., Van Bemmel, E., Connor, R., and Descovich, K. 2019. Potential Impact of Construction Noise on Selected Zoo Animals. animals 9(8): 1-25.
Mack, A.L. and Jones, J. 2003. Low-Frequency Vocalizations by Cassowaries (Casuarius spp.). The Auk 120 (4): 1062-1068.
Ortega, C.P. 2012. Effects Of Noise Pollution On Birds: A Brief Review Of Our Knowledge. Ornithological Monographs 74: 6–22.
Ware et al. 2015. A phantom road experiment reveals traffic noise is an invisible source of habitat degradation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112(39): 12105-12109.

Photo Jeff Larson

Photo Jeff Larson - detail "Bird upside down, feet in air, in ditch after slipping on road in fear".

“Photos I took while an Australian Army helicopter flew overhead as I was watching a cassowary deciding what to do from inside the fence of the Happy Days farm on Wheatley road. The helicopter came over and the bird immediately tore through the fence and across the road slipping in the act, falling over and sliding into the grass verge on the other side of the road. It then got up and quickly shot into the forest. If a vehicle had been coming the bird probably would have been killed. 5:05pm on the 17th of April 2014.”

(in litt. J. Larson 7 December 2020).

Photo Jeff Larson

More information on aviation facility

Community calls for council to listen to the people

4/1/2021

Media Release 3 January 2021

Residents of Mission Beach are calling for the council to listen to the people and deny approval of a proposed aviation facility being located in the centre of their quiet tourism town.

Almost 200 concerned Mission Beach residents gathered at the village Progress Hall early this afternoon to express their concern that the CCRC councilors have not listened to the community when recommending the approval of a Material Change of Use (MCU) for an Aviation Facility on agricultural land.

The community hall spilled beyond capacity as residents queued at the 'sign in' waiting to hear more about a proposed development they say will threaten their peaceful lifestyle and the towns tourist appeal.

It was standing room only as community members listened to the guest speakers talk about the impact of the development on the peace and quiet, the community sense of place, loss of agricultural land and the cassowary,

Biologist Nigel Tucker highlighted the high environmental values and importance to cassowaries of the habitat around and through the proposed development site.

Nigel, who has carried out studies of the coastal lowland habitat surrounding the proposed development site over the the last 40 years, questioned why there had not been any State or Federal Environment Department involvement in the assessment process.

Peter Rowles from C4 outlined the details of the proposed aviation facility and the impact it would have on the sensitive environment, the residents and township of Mission Beach.

Peter encourages the Cassowary Coast Regional Council to work with the proponent to find a more suitable location for the development.

Liz Gallie of Mission Beach Cassowaries said “There is more protection in the Planning Scheme for Art Deco architecture than there is for the cassowary at Mission Beach”. Liz is calling for a Master Plan to identify and protect the intrinsic values of Mission Beach during the revision of the Planning Scheme.

Liz questions the local council’s Development Incentive Plan which she said appears to allow any development at any location despite inconsistencies with the Planning Scheme. “The council is not listening to the people". said Liz. "Inappropriate development is impacting on the character of beautiful Mission Beach" Liz continued, “We are losing ‘the magic’ and along with it our sense of community identity”

Award winning exotic fruit farmer and Fruit Forest Farm tourism operator, Peter Salleras said it is crucial agricultural land is not developed, denying future possibilities of food production.

Peter who is a third generation local farmer showcased his highly successful farm tourism business as an example of how diversification and a boutique approach to farm practices is an alternative to traditional approaches to rural land use.

Peter said "The current process doesn't value small areas for food production. We must get away from the idea that we can only grow sugar and cavendish bananas. They are low value broad acre crops".

"There are endless opportunities for high value crops in this part of the world such as flowers, chocolate, vanilla, medical crops etc. said Peter "The proposed development site has 'phenomenal possibilities with the sea breezes creating an excellent microclimate for niche crops and the added possibility of a roadside stall.

Peter also questioned why the councillors did not attend the meeting. "Decisions are being made that have a big impact on 'our place' that don't involve the community" said Peter. "Over time we have witnessed destruction of some of the unique features of our area such as the canopy licuala forest drive at the entrance to Mission Beach"

"Increased air noise pollution from skydiving activities is already impacting on our quiet lifestyles" Peter said." It would be an idiotic decision to put a helicopter aviation facility at the proposed location. "This place is too good to waste on stupidity like this" said Peter, "If we don't stand up now we will definitely regret it".

The community is questioning why the council would consider approval of a high impact industrial development in the middle of a tourist destination reliant on its reputation as a quiet peaceful village.

“If an industrial helicopter business is allowed to go ahead at the current location it will mean the beginning of the industrialization of Mission Beach, the end of our peace and quiet and visitors who come to Mission for a relaxing holiday" said Liz.

Councilors were invited to the meeting to listen to the communities concerns but declined saying they were unable to attend any meetings held by opponents or proponents due to the fact the matter is currently before council.

A website has been launched as part of a campaign against a material change of use from agricultural land for a high impact industrial development in the heart of Mission Beach.
More information can be found on www.aviation-facility.weebly.com
Ends

Contact:
Liz Gallie 0414 402 315
Peter Rowles 0429 179 152
Peter Salleras 0429 194 710
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan 0400 440 837