Award winning documentary team in town
 | Had a fantastic day with intrepid explorer/adventurer biologist - Niall McCann, Gryphon Productions producer Peter von Puttkamer and crew who recently travelled from Townsville to the Daintree documenting the Cassowary. The award winning Canadian team is in Australia putting together the Saltwater Crocs and Cassowary episode of their 'Biggest and Baddest' series which will air on Discovery Channel in January 2013. |
The preface for the show is to explore and dispel misconceptions about nature's biggest and most feared animals. It is not a sensationalist television series - rather, a well informed and educational expose on animals around the world. The series is looking at how development is encroaching into the habitat and placing pressure on some of the worlds biggest species that may have an undeserved reputation as being dangerous.
It was great to listen to their stories and passion for the natural world, their individual experiences, and how they believe they can 'make a difference' with this style of documentary, for better environmental outcomes around the globe.
My job was to show them around Mission Beach, inform them of how the cassowary is under threat and to introduce them to some of the locals who have stories to tell about our endangered icon.
As we are now so aware, the lack of appropriate planning at Mission Beach has created an uncertain future for both the economy and the environment. The ad hoc manner in which development has been allowed has, left an oversupply of residential lots, fragmented and degraded the natural habitat, reduced the scenic tourism appeal and lowered real estate prices and demand.
It was great to listen to their stories and passion for the natural world, their individual experiences, and how they believe they can 'make a difference' with this style of documentary, for better environmental outcomes around the globe.
My job was to show them around Mission Beach, inform them of how the cassowary is under threat and to introduce them to some of the locals who have stories to tell about our endangered icon.
As we are now so aware, the lack of appropriate planning at Mission Beach has created an uncertain future for both the economy and the environment. The ad hoc manner in which development has been allowed has, left an oversupply of residential lots, fragmented and degraded the natural habitat, reduced the scenic tourism appeal and lowered real estate prices and demand.
| To demonstrate the problems arising from the current development approach, first stop with the team was to 'Oasis' where only two houses have been started on the 2008 approved 140 residential housing estate. It is a good example of how conditions for approvals (such as the introduction of fencing) have resulted in the fragmentation of habitat corridors and created a nightmare for compliance.  Condition 3.a.iii The fence must have self closing gates at the four access points where access can be gained to the conservation zone from the development area |  When the development was first completed, cassowaries were often seen trapped inside the fences as their access to essential habitat within their normal range was blocked. Four years later, even after repairs following cyclone Yasi, the fence and gates are now becoming derelect as is the entire development which is weed infested with one of the two houses being built in the estate in an unkempt state of incompletion. |
 Condition 3.c Ensure weed and invasive species eradication is maintained for the life of this approval |  Condition 4.d....erect signage at each entry point to the conservation zone to encourage alternative access |
The final conditions administered under the EPBC Act to allow this development to proceed have increased the threats to the endangered speices the Act is supposed to protect.
From the Oasis development We visited artist and Djiru Traditional Owner representative Leonard Andy who lives at Clump Mountain. There is a paradox of history here as the only land at Mission Beach that has been under full control of Djiru ownership until the recent native title determination over unnalocated state lands, is a place that was bequeathed by an early settler to the area. There is another story to be told about Fenby and his lifestlye who was affectionately known as the 'tarzan of the north'.
From the Oasis development We visited artist and Djiru Traditional Owner representative Leonard Andy who lives at Clump Mountain. There is a paradox of history here as the only land at Mission Beach that has been under full control of Djiru ownership until the recent native title determination over unnalocated state lands, is a place that was bequeathed by an early settler to the area. There is another story to be told about Fenby and his lifestlye who was affectionately known as the 'tarzan of the north'.
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Leonard's artwork is mostly politically motivated and centres around the impacts on the cassowary and the direction development is heading at Mission Beach. In Leonards words, "A quality place should be promoted to attract quality people".
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I was fascinated as I listened to Leonard's quiet voice talking about what part cassowaries played in the life of the local rainforest traditional owners - stories of cassowary chicks being kept as pets, on what occasions they were used as a food source and explaining what traditional 'land ownership' and the word 'consultation' meant to his people.
 | Then it was off to Peter Salleras's farm at East Feluga. Peter has led the way for more than two decades with an innovative approach to farming that seeks to find a balance between his farming practices and protection of the adjacent natural areas. He explores to understand symbiotic relationships that can be taken advantage of such as native insect and animal pollinators and rainforest buffers that may aid in the control of disease. |
| Peter has worked with Mission Beach environment group C4 over many years, one of the initial joint ventures being the design of a cassowary friendly pig trap. He won the Cassowary Award for Wet Tropics Neighbour in 2010 for best practice farming within the wet tropics rainforest environment. Peter's willingness to look for solutions to reconcile the traditional divide of farming and the natural environment has led to his being a leader in tropical fruit growing in challenging climate conditions |  |
Peter's proactive philosophical attitude is always evident wether it is about development growth threatening his lifestyle, forging successful new ways of farming in a cyclone belt area or when faced with losing the occasional fruit to a resident cassowary. More about Peter and Farm tourism.
After leaving Peter's place we took a quick trip to South Mission Beach to see the recent clearing of high value cassowary habitat to accommodate yet another residential development.
The approval of a development that displaced the endangered birds from a highly utilised corridor into an open developed area was approved by all levels of government under current legistlation including the EPBC Act.
For anyone interested this is the process a development that has resulted in significant clearing of an endangered species habitat is subject to on a federal level. You wil note the intial application to local Council was approved based on the local planning scheme codes and did not give opportunity for public comment. High quality remnant vegetation at the entrance to the development was removed despite Approval condition No.2 which states "The person taking the action must rehabilitate the area marked revegetation and landscaping on Survey 2 in order to protect and enhance habitat for the Southern Cassowary" Read more here
For anyone interested this is the process a development that has resulted in significant clearing of an endangered species habitat is subject to on a federal level. You wil note the intial application to local Council was approved based on the local planning scheme codes and did not give opportunity for public comment. High quality remnant vegetation at the entrance to the development was removed despite Approval condition No.2 which states "The person taking the action must rehabilitate the area marked revegetation and landscaping on Survey 2 in order to protect and enhance habitat for the Southern Cassowary" Read more here
| | This process is now being called 'Green Tape' , blamed for, and targeted as being too restrictive to development. You can read about the value of the habitat that was cleared in this environment report. The yellow dot shows the position of the cassowary in the photo (left) and another was seen (marked in red) a week ago when the above photo was taken. |
Next stop was to Coquette point to Yvonne Cunningham's place at the mouth of the Johnstone River. So far we hadn't seen a cassowary. Yvonne has frequent sightings of birds, all recorded in a weekly diary she keeps about wildlife and politics in her area so we had high hopes of catching a glimpse of one.
The small population of cassowaries at the mouth of the Johnstone River is a good example of how the natural environment has been fragmented, isolating species and exposing them to all the threatening processes associated with development.
The small population of cassowaries at the mouth of the Johnstone River is a good example of how the natural environment has been fragmented, isolating species and exposing them to all the threatening processes associated with development.
 As we explored around Yvonne's lot and down onto the small beach on the bank of the Johnstone River, we were treated to a mineful of information about the history and wildlife of the diverse environment Yvonne lives in.  | W e finally got lucky when a cassowary was spotted in the front yard of a house not far from Yvonne's place. The bird was obviously familiar with the house and the actvities of the owners as seen when the bird rushed to the front door when it heard it being opened. It was late afternoon and Yvonne took us on a walk around her property in the hope of seeing any one of the birds she sees frequently and writes about each week on News from Coquette Point.   |
We completed the circuit without a sighting when one of the crew excitedly alerted us of the presence of a bird. Juvenile 'Dot' was not in a hurry as 'she' foraged around the paw paw grove and gave ample opportunity for a film shoot' and chat from Niall.
While the team was in town they visited Etty Bay where they were able to film birds living in their natural environment both on the beach,in the adjacent rainforest steam and also how they interacted with the visitors at the public picnic and camping area.
They were also able to spent a morning with the QPWS rangers filming the release of a cassowary back into the environment where it had been found injured. The bird had been treated at the Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Centre.
After an action packed week they travelled north to record experiences with the Daintree community and another of the important cassowary populations of the Wet Tropics.
From there they were off to Darwin in search of a few crocodiles.
We look forward to seeing and sharing the episode of this series made here when it airs in January.
While the team was in town they visited Etty Bay where they were able to film birds living in their natural environment both on the beach,in the adjacent rainforest steam and also how they interacted with the visitors at the public picnic and camping area.
They were also able to spent a morning with the QPWS rangers filming the release of a cassowary back into the environment where it had been found injured. The bird had been treated at the Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Centre.
After an action packed week they travelled north to record experiences with the Daintree community and another of the important cassowary populations of the Wet Tropics.
From there they were off to Darwin in search of a few crocodiles.
We look forward to seeing and sharing the episode of this series made here when it airs in January.
Cyclone Yasi donations help project for cassowaries at Mission Beach
Mission Beach after the media highlighted a community call for buyback of Lot 66, a crucial cassowary habitat corridor being theatened by development. Their visit prompted a 7.30 report about the threats to the endangered cassowary at Mission Beach and Rainforest Rescue began a campaign with Bob to raise funds to help protect rainforest at Mission Beach.
|  Terrain and Rainforest Rescue collaborate in revegetation of rainforest corridor at Mission Beach. |
Donations received from the Rainforest Rescue Mission Beach cassowary appeal has funded the planting of 600 trees to revegetate a cassowary corridor damaged by Cyclone Yasi that links two large areas of cassowary habitat at a rural property in Mission Beach. Terrain NRM managed the tree planting event where teams of nearly 50 volunteers planted about 600 native rainforest trees. Read more on Rainforest Rescue blog
Both the federal and opposition governments are now calling the bureaucratic process 'green tape'. and want to give more power to the States. The new State government has vowed to cut green tape' to fast track development approvals and hand over more power to local government. Local government representatives are often motivated by self interest with many having no previous experience of the political processes.
If local governments don't add clear guidelines with enough detail to protect natural areas outside the World Heritage Areas and within urban footprints in new local planning schemes, places like Mission Beach where 40% of essential cassowary habitat is not protected, could lose large amounts of habitat supporting endangered species.
If local governments don't add clear guidelines with enough detail to protect natural areas outside the World Heritage Areas and within urban footprints in new local planning schemes, places like Mission Beach where 40% of essential cassowary habitat is not protected, could lose large amounts of habitat supporting endangered species.
 The Gillard Government has hailed a deal with business leaders to slash into the myriad regulations affecting major new projects | Julia caves to states. Green tape deal Gillard has given some ground to win agreement from the premiers to cut 'green tape', specifying when Canberra will intervene in approvals rather than leave a broad definition of "high risk" projects. The agreement to streamline approvals for economic developments in environmentally sensitive locations came at a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Canberra, which despite opening with hostility and political posturing, PM tells premiers to cut 'green tape' to free capital |
JULIA Gillard will act on business complaints about the soaring cost of environmental regulation by seeking commitments from premiers to streamline state and federal laws, amid fears tortuous 'green tape' is stifling investments worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Ms Gillard said her plan to streamline environmental rules with states would mean developers "don't go through double assessments''.
But she said the Federal Government still had to oversee developments in World Heritage areas in Commonwealth waters and nuclear power. See Lateline report
Ms Gillard said her plan to streamline environmental rules with states would mean developers "don't go through double assessments''.
But she said the Federal Government still had to oversee developments in World Heritage areas in Commonwealth waters and nuclear power. See Lateline report
 "The kind of green tape that has strangled residential development ... will be slashed under the proposal," | Coalition wants to slash 'green tape' "States would be a one-stop shop for environmental approvals for major projects under a coalition plan to fast track development and slash "green tape". Federal opposition leader Tony Abbott said the opt-in scheme would see states and territories administer Commonwealth legislation such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, creating a single lodgment and assessment process. |
"The one-stop-shop process could also be extended to councils that choose to be involved". 'The proponent of a residential development in Mission Beach, for instance, should not need Canberra's go-ahead just because there are cassowaries in north Queensland,' he said.
 Koala listing another example of government 'greentape', says Campbell Newman | Campbell Newman demands developments be approved in Queensland's World Heritage areas. Mr Newman has gone further than other Premiers and called for complete control over environmental assessments in the Sunshine State. "It's a bit rich for the Prime Minister to suggest that the states have to work with her to reduce that 'green tape' when the Federal Government coming over the top in Queensland on major resource and tourism projects is causing huge delays and blocking the economic progress of Queensland,'' Mr Newman said. How did 'red tape' get changed to 'green tape'? |
 Cripps pledges 'practical' support for landholders | Minister Cripps decides to review approach to enforcement of Vegetation Management Act (From latest Environmental Defenders Office (Qld) e-notices) Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps announced this review on 19 April, 2012 on the basis that an overly aggressive approach had been taken to enforcement of this legislation. We’ve (EDO) had a chance to consider Minister Cripps’ statement. In our (EDO) experience: |
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 "The over-arching theme must be that development be sustainable and not prejudice our natural values". | New statewide report reveals the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s (CCRC) development application approval rate is at 98 per cent – a figure higher than the state average. CCRC Mayor Bill Shannon has publically criticised the three tier government system actively demonstating his view by protest voting against several state laws concerning local planning decisions. Cr Shannon voted against the State determination to deny a development at Mission Beach which would have resulted in increased density within a conservation zone and required destruction of prime cassowary habitat in a known highly utilised cassowary corridor. |
Cr Bill Shannon said "Cassowary habitat at Bingil Bay and other places is extremely important . However, in my view, one extra lot at Bingil Bay in itself is not critical. There can be no “slow creep” as you might see it - the law does not allow it in the 2031 Plan.
(Ed Note) The FNQ2031 Plan clearly identifies Mission Beach as a village activity centre, recommending low density development in respect of the high biodiversity values. State laws and plans that currently provide recommendations and some protection for the natural environment such as the FNQ 2031 Plan and the Vegetation Management Act (VMA) are now under review by the state government in a bid to fast track development.
When asked about being the first to sign a petition against state imposed regulation of dogs on rural properties? Cr Shannon stated "Regarding rural dogs – they are regulated, despite the impracticality of policing this due to the size and/or isolation of many properties".
About voting against the degazetting of a road through the heart of a World Heritage area at Mission Beach because it would deny horse riders access? "Horse riding in National Parks in Australia is often permitted. My support was for horse riding on gazetted roads adjacent to/through National Parks".
Voting for Woolworths Sunday trading against a plea from a local business owner petitioning council on the plight of her business if Woolworths were allowed to trade on Sundays? "I do support Sunday trading for Woolworths – in my view it would improve amenity, business opportunity i.e. for people to buy and overall employment".
Exploring ways to remove contracts with local landowners to protect natural vegetation in return for rate reduction? Cr Shannon expressed a view that there was no more need for convenants as current legistlation such as the VMA provided adequate protection.
In regard to our civic leader's comment that, "There is no one vision for a region as diverse as the Cassowary Coast?"
(Ed note) In fact, the opportunity does not only exists but is now urgent for a clear vision to be realised in the new Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Scheme, (which contradicts the Mayor's comments above by seeking to provide shire wide policies), that will allow for long term, in Cr Shannon's words "sustainable development that will not prejudice the natural values".
(Ed Note) The FNQ2031 Plan clearly identifies Mission Beach as a village activity centre, recommending low density development in respect of the high biodiversity values. State laws and plans that currently provide recommendations and some protection for the natural environment such as the FNQ 2031 Plan and the Vegetation Management Act (VMA) are now under review by the state government in a bid to fast track development.
When asked about being the first to sign a petition against state imposed regulation of dogs on rural properties? Cr Shannon stated "Regarding rural dogs – they are regulated, despite the impracticality of policing this due to the size and/or isolation of many properties".
About voting against the degazetting of a road through the heart of a World Heritage area at Mission Beach because it would deny horse riders access? "Horse riding in National Parks in Australia is often permitted. My support was for horse riding on gazetted roads adjacent to/through National Parks".
Voting for Woolworths Sunday trading against a plea from a local business owner petitioning council on the plight of her business if Woolworths were allowed to trade on Sundays? "I do support Sunday trading for Woolworths – in my view it would improve amenity, business opportunity i.e. for people to buy and overall employment".
Exploring ways to remove contracts with local landowners to protect natural vegetation in return for rate reduction? Cr Shannon expressed a view that there was no more need for convenants as current legistlation such as the VMA provided adequate protection.
In regard to our civic leader's comment that, "There is no one vision for a region as diverse as the Cassowary Coast?"
(Ed note) In fact, the opportunity does not only exists but is now urgent for a clear vision to be realised in the new Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Scheme, (which contradicts the Mayor's comments above by seeking to provide shire wide policies), that will allow for long term, in Cr Shannon's words "sustainable development that will not prejudice the natural values".
Turtle rescue at Garners Beach
 | We received a call from a Garners Beach local on Saturday reporting a turtle stranding. We rang the official DERM wildlife number and found there were no rangers on duty in the area until Sunday. There was no luck with alternative action after a phone around, so we went to investigate. Other worried locals were keeping an eye out for the large old turtle that appeared trapped amongst the mangrove roots. |
We were able to find QPWS ranger Jeremie with his feet up watching footy who was more than happy to check out the situation.
It was all smiles as we watched the barnacled and scarred old reptile being freed from its confines and could see its head bobbing up occasionally as it headed out to sea.
It was all smiles as we watched the barnacled and scarred old reptile being freed from its confines and could see its head bobbing up occasionally as it headed out to sea.
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Margaret's portrait exhibition
 Margaret Thorsborne AO with artist Catherine Bone | Hi everyone, I wanted to share this photo of Margaret and Catherine Bone at the exhibition of Catherine's portrait of Margaret in Townsville last Friday (5 May). Titled " Margaret Thorsborne AO - Pigeon Census after Cyclone Yasi ". It was a wonderful night and the judge said of Margaret's portrait that it was a wonderfully symbolic work which gave a clearly very grounded figure an ethereal quality...just the intention . It will be on exhibit at Perc Tucker Gallery until 1st July. Enjoy. Suzie (Suzanne Smith, WPSQ Tully Branch) |
