Council’s Caring for the Coast
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council is gearing up to head for the beach and its all in the name of Coastcare.
Mayor, Cr Bill Shannon, said that Council wants to take advantage of the federal government’s recent release of Coastcare funding by developing a region wide project to contribute to the protection of our beaches.
“The project will rehabilitate some of our important coastal environments and engage with our communities and traditional owners,” Cr Shannon said.
Mr Paul Devine, Manager Parks for CCRC, revealed today that many individuals and community groups have already contacted Council to ask about the Coastcare funding which is part of the government’s Caring for Country initiative.
“It demonstrates that there is a real interest out there in the community in protecting our coastline.
“Council officers have spoken to groups in Cardwell, Cowley Beach, Tully Heads and Mission Beach and have started to develop a region-wide project that aims to protect and restore our dunes and coastal vegetation communities”, Mr Devine said.
Cr Shannon said that whilst anyone can apply for Coastcare funding the most successful projects are those that are placed under Councils name with the community as partners, showing an integrated effort across the region.
“Any community groups from other parts of our region who are interested in working with Council to develop a project should contact Council staff immediately,” he said.
Mr Devine said that Council officers are currently talking to a number of resort owners to discuss how they may become involved as corporate sponsors in this project.
“This would be an interesting advance in partnership arrangements in relation to the protection of our beaches,” Mr Devine said.
Anyone wishing to speak to Council in relation to a Coastcare project should contact Mr. Paul Devine – Manager Parks – Cassowary Coast Regional Council on 4068 3105. Applications close 25 July 2008.