Food for thought – Council plan features riverside kiosk
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council is seeking community feedback on a draft plan to upgrade riverside recreational facilities in Innisfail.
The draft Land Management Plan for the Reserve, located along the western banks of the Johnstone and South Johnstone Rivers, between Alice Street and Bamboo Creek, includes a proposal to organise the lease of a small area within the reserve to establish a takeaway food kiosk.
“As tourist numbers throughout Far North Queensland continue to grow, it is important for the council to promote better use and enjoyment of Innisfail’s rivers, both for local residents and visitors, by upgrading and improving facilities,” Cassowary Coast Mayor, Bill Shannon, said.
The Reserve, including Fossey Park, is a popular recreation site for picnics and community events, and provides access to commercial and recreational fishing boats moored in the Johnstone River Boat Harbour Reserve. It is also the site of the town’s war memorial and heritage-listed canecutter memorial.
“The council believes there is a high level of community support for the establishment of a small kiosk operation to provide takeaway food and snacks on the riverfront,” Cr. Shannon said.
“We also appreciate the need for the food site operator to have some security of tenure for a known period which will permit some improved site facilities to be provided.”
No other commercial activities are envisaged within the Reserve, part from occasional recreational events such as fairs, festivals and community celebrations which have commercial content, but no long-term impact on the area.
Copies of the draft Land Management Plan can be viewed at all Cassowary Coast Regional offices and also downloaded below.
The deadline for community feedback is Thursday, 2nd July 2009.
Comments should be addressed to: Terry Brennan, CEO, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, P O Box 887, Innisfail Q 4860.
Submissions can also be made by email using the contact form below.
