Master Plans and Strategies

Council develops master plans and strategies to help share its vision for the region.

This page does not include all of Council's master plans and strategies. It includes the latest plans as well as plans related to ongoing or recently-completed projects.

  • The Cassowary Coast Cemeteries Management Strategy (“the strategy”) has been developed to analyse current levels of service and management procedures and consider options for the future provision of cemetery services within the Cassowary Coast Region.

    View Cemeteries Mangement Strategy here.

  • The Cassowary Coast Community Plan 2011-2021 is a roadmap to guide Council and the community on decisions about the region's future. It is based on a shared vision and values.

    While Council is a steward of the plan, it can be acted on by community groups and other government agencies.

    The 10-year plan is a requirement under the Local Government Act 2009. It was adopted by Council in December 2011 after extensive community engagement which took place under the banner of the Liveable Cassowary Coast 2020 Project.

    Cassowary Coast Region Community Plan 2011-2021

    Liveable Cassowary Coast Whole of Community Plan

    The Liveable Cassowary Coast Whole of Community Plan 2020 reflects the community's needs and priorities.  It was created in partnership with Queensland Health's Healthier Great Green Way. The first draft of the 10-year plan was officially launched in October 2010 after extensive community consultation.

    The plan has received statewide recognition and was a major factor in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council winning the Premier's $750,000 Healthy Queensland Award.

    The community plan sets out short, medium, and long-term objectives and strategies.

    Related Reports

    Master Plans and Strategies

    For information on council's other plans, visit the Master Plans and Strategies page.

    Feedback on Community Plans

  • On 28 April 2022, Council endorsed the The Warrina Lakes Strategic Master Plan. The Warrina Lakes Community Parkland holds immense value as a cherished community asset, serving as a hub for both recreational activities and cultural experiences; enhancing the enjoyment and well-being of all who engage with it.

    The Masterplan's design ensures a dynamic and inviting space, offering a number of engaging activities and attractions for both the community and visitors to enjoy. As Council progresses with the ongoing implementation of the Master Plan, our goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of the Lakes. This proactive approach will increase the number of visitors and locals who frequent the lakes. Crafted with considered design and shaped by community feedback, once delivered, the Master Plan guarantees a vibrant and inclusive space, teeming with a variety of activities and attractions that will serve the community today and into the future.

    Future stages of the Master Plan delivery will be a matter for consideration in Council's annual budget discussions, which underscores our dedication to delivering enhancements in a phased and sustainable way, aligning with the needs and preferences of our community.

    The Master Plan also stands as a valuable tool to seek additional funding opportunities at both the state and federal government levels.

    The draft plan underwent an initial consultation phase in 2019 and draft consultation phase in 2021, during which a total of 120 submissions were received from the community. The suggestions, feedback and ongoing discussions with the community and key stakeholders were collated and used to develop the final Master Plan.

    Warrina Lakes Strategic Master Plan video

    Warrina Lakes Strategic Master Plan 

    Warrina Lakes Concept Design 

  • The Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan is a 10-year vision that establishes the priorities and focused direction for projects within the Mission Beach town centre. This document will provide the overarching redevelopment vision and strategic direction for the revitalisation of the Mission Beach town centre. The plan contains strategic, long-term directions for economic, community and cultural development, including some quick to implement ideas, house-keeping to revive tired structures and areas, as well as a prioritised list of significant projects which will deliver for the local community and stakeholders. A key principle of the master 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.

    What follows is a vision for a liveable, dynamic and vibrant town with a unique, laid-back atmosphere that connects the World Heritage rainforest through the Village Green onto kilometres of golden, sandy beaches with views to Dunk Island and beyond. Respecting and showcasing the natural environment, laid-back atmosphere and beauty of Mission Beach is integral to this vision. All projects listed within the implementation plan are subject to detailed design considerations, works and maintenance programs, and final costings will be determined at this stage.

  • The Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Master Plan envisions a destination where the rivers of the lush rainforest coverage with the Great Barrier Reef, celebrating the "Chjowai" culture and embracing a proud multi-cultural heritage. The plan includes both long-term transformative projects and short-term quick win initiatives.

    Throughout the development of the Masterplan, the Innisfail Stakeholder Reference Group has been instrumental in supporting the community engagement process with a recent focus on the short-term initiatives. The top three short-term priority initiatives identified are Illuminate Innisfail, Edit Street Urban Rainforest, and Activate Chjiowai.

    The long-term aspirations of the Masterplan will be implemented across the next decade and beyond with an estimated cost of $144 million. Council is committed to working with our partners, State and Federal Governments as well as the community to take a strategic approach for the delivery to deliver sustainable and tangible outcomes.

    The Innisfail CBD Staging Delivery Plan 2023 – 2057 (Plan) is a roadmap for the delivery of the master plan projects. The Plan will guide Council’s implementation and will be updated over the next decade and beyond to meet the community's priorities and identified funding opportunities.

    All projects listed within the implementation plan are subject to detailed design considerations, works and maintenance programs and final costings will be determined at this stage. 

  • Council endorsed ‘The Place to Invest' Cassowary Coast Investment Prospectus at the November 2023 Local Government Meeting.

    "Place to Invest" Cassowary Coast Investment Prospectus 2023 

  • The Cardstone Plan of Development functions as part of the preliminary approval pursuant to s242 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (‘SPA’) that varies the effect of the local planning instrument for the area by specifying the level of assessment for certain development within the Cardstone Plan of Development Area and establishing zone codes that form part of the common material against which subsequent development applications will be assessed.

    The Cardstone Plan of Development seeks to lower the level of assessment for a number of land uses within the Cardstone site so it can be developed into a world-class tourism location.

    The site will provide the opportunity for locals, and domestic and international tourists to experience a number of unique recreational and accommodation activities which showcase the exceptional natural environment of the Tully Gorge and surrounding rainforest in a sustainable manner.

    The Cardstone site is widely acknowledged as having significant environmental values and any development will need to complement these values. In keeping with this, it is proposed that all power will be produced by renewable energy sources, wastes will be reused or recycled, and water supply needs will be locally harvested, with all waste water purified and recycled as potable water where available.

    The Cardstone Plan of Development is made up of the following zones:

    • Cardstone Adventure Tourism Zone;
    • Cardstone Village Zone;
    • Cardstone Conservation Zone; and
    • Cardstone Camping and Open Space Zone

  • The Cardstone Adventure Tourism Zone allows for the establishment of a range of different activities such as day use, tour booking, retail, food and beverage and tourism facilities. The activities in the Cardstone Adventure Tourism Zone can act as a "gateway" to the world class nature based activities available in the Tully Gorge and the Cassowary Coast Region, such as walking trails, guided tours and adventure activities.

    The activities in this precinct can cater to the full range of visitors to the site, from persons staying on site, local day trippers through to private guided tour groups. The Cardstone Adventure Tourism Zone will be a multi-use area for a range of lower amenity activities such as goods and equipment storage and parking (including overflow accommodation and parking during events). This precinct may include a helicopter pad for both commercial and emergency use. The land will be open to the public during the day and will include picnic tables, amenities and shelters.

  • This Cardstone Village Zone consists of highly desirable, elevated land overlooking the Tully River and the surrounding landscape and would be ideal for a quality accommodation and or dining experience/area.

    This zone is suitable for a range of accommodation types including camping sites and facilities, cabins, "glamping" and/or resort development. Any accommodation development may include facilities ordinarily associated with a resort such as recreational, food and beverage and conference and event facilities.

    This precinct allows for the expansion of accommodation and other facilities and will be connected via pathway to other parts of the Cardstone site while suitably secluded from the Cardstone Adventure Tourism Precinct. Development in this precinct will also benefit from unrivalled views of the surrounding landscape and the natural feel of the adjacent rainforest and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

  • The Cardstone Conservation Zone includes all protected vegetation within the site, including the riparian areas and watercourses. The existing creek and swimming hole will remain under Council control and be open to the public, excluding areas along the creek which may be closed off for environmental and public safety reasons.

    The swimming hole will be open for use by the general public during the day and be accessible from the Cardstone Adventure Tourism Zone day use areas. The construction of buildings and structures is prohibited within the Cardstone Conservation Zone.

  • The Cardstone Camping and Open Space Zone provides for the protection and conservation of areas of the site in its natural state, while allowing the public to appreciate and enjoy the relatively undisturbed nature of the area. The Cardstone Camping and Open Space Zone includes all areas within 45 metres of the protected vegetation within the site, including the riparian areas and watercourses included within the Cardstone Conservation Zone.

    The construction of permanent buildings and structures is prohibited within the Cardstone Camping and Open Space Zone. However, the Cardstone Camping and Open Space Zone will allow for camping in tents and short-term stays by fully self-contained recreational vehicles or caravans.

  • The Tully Gorge Strategy was undertaken on behalf of the Council by MacroPlan Dimasi. It was funded through a Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) grant to the value of $40,000 with a further $20,000 provided by the Council and support-in-kind provided by Council, community and businesses who were consulted.

    The study looks at the role that adventure tourism, and tourism generally, is able to play in economically activating the Tully Gorge area including the Council’s freehold land at Cardstone and the Town of Tully.

    The Tully Gorge Adventure Tourism Strategy identifies a range of business leveraging opportunities as well as recommending actions to be taken by the Council to help push tourism forward for the Tully Gorge and our region.

  • The Bingil Bay Campground Master Plan has been developed to better protect the site from erosion and vegetation issues. The plan provides for gradual repair of the area. Not all items are funded at the moment - works will be staged as resources become available and as assets are due for repair or replacement.

  • A master plan was developed in 2007 for this popular beachside park.  In 2011 the park was heavily impacted by storm surges associated with Tropical Cyclone Yasi.  The main picnic shelter was badly damaged and then demolished, and large areas of the foreshore park were lost. Council worked with the Mission Beach Rotary Club to develop the 2013 revised master plan.

    The plan is consistent with the rationale behind the 2007 plan but relocates significant infrastructure to reduce the risk of storm surge associated with severe weather events. It also makes more effective use of the reduced park area and enhances activities for young people. This plan will be implemented in stages. Stages 1  (constructing a picnic & performance pavilion/amphitheatre) and 2 (upgrading and relocating amenities, construction of pathway linkages and lighting and associated landscaping works) are complete.

  • The Tully Entry Experience - Butler Street Master Plan was developed after community consultation in 2011. The plan includes streetscaping and landscaping for the Butler St entrance and parkland areas, and recommends smaller projects that could happen through partnerships and/or as funding permits. The plan was endorsed by Council on 12 September 2013.

  • The Greater Mission Beach Area Foreshore Management Plan is a guidance document that identifies preferred uses and activities for foreshore areas and provides a vision for beaches and foreshore areas to support community, environmental and tourism values.  Council endorsed the plan in September 2015.

  • Lions Park is beside Tully’s Golden Gumboot. The park was created by the Tully Lions Club around 1978. This plan was developed in consultation with the Lions Club as the first stage of the Butler Street Master Plan. Works have been undertaken as part of a Local Government Grants & Infrastructure project jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government, with help from the Tully Lions Club.

  • As part of the Cyclone Yasi Reconstructing Cardwell project, a community working group was formed to develop an arts and interpretation strategy supporting the Cardwell Community Vision.  Signage and artwork on the Cardwell foreshore has been developed by local artists, writers and community members. This strategy also highlights opportunities for future public art installations.

  • Port Hinchinbrook is a continuing approval as defined in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015 in Table SC7.2 - Port Hinchinbrook documents, Schedule 7.  The following documents contain information about the existing approvals and in the way Port Hinchinbrook is to progress into the future.

  • Ella Bay Little Cove is a continuing approval as defined in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015 in Table SC7.1 - Ella Bay Little Cove documents, Schedule 7.

    The following documents contain information about the existing approvals and in the way Ella Bay Little Cove is to progress into the future.

  • The Cassowary Coast Art Deco Strategy aims to reinvigorate and celebrate the currently dormant Art Deco attraction in the Cassowary Coast region. The strategy details a number of goals and actions which are considered to be essential in activating Art Deco in the Cassowary Coast and also acts as a public declaration of Council’s commitment to reinvigorating the region’s Art Deco asset.

    View more information about Cassowary Coast Art Deco Strategy.

  • The Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy (CHAS) sets the direction and key priority actions for Council, stakeholders and our communities to proactively plan, prepare and respond to coastal hazard risks for the future resilience of the Cassowary Coast community. The CHAS comprises a vision, adaptation actions, and location-based adaptation pathways to address coastal hazards from now until 2100 across the Cassowary Coast region. 

    View Evolving with our Coast Cassowary Coast  Coastal Hazard Apaption Strategy here

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