July 30, 2019 - Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan gets green light

It’s an exciting time for Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast region with Council endorsing the Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan at its recent local government meeting. 

The 10-year vision establishes the priorities and focused direction for the revitalisation of the Mission Beach town centre. 

Mayor John Kremastos said the plan contained 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 significant projects which would deliver for the local community and stakeholders.

Local businesswoman Hilary Watson was at the meeting and thanked the Council for its endorsement of the master plan.

“I am really thankful to Council for making this commitment to Mission Beach,” Ms Watson said.

“It’s vital to the future of Mission Beach and has been very well received by the businesses. Everyone can see the Mission beach town centre is getting very tired and old and this commitment by Council will secure the economic sustainability of Mission Beach. It is a key place in the Cassowary Coast region. It attracts a lot of tourists; promoting the area is vital for the whole region.” 

Cr Kremastos said a key principle of the master plan was to reflect the values of the adjacent Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas.

“These two natural wonders are at the core of what makes Mission Beach so special. Together, we can make Mission Beach’s town centre one that not only meets the growing needs of our community but also showcases our unique tropical lifestyle and exceptional natural environment to the rest of Australia and the world,” Cr Kremastos said. 

The Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan underwent an initial community consultation in August last year, resulting in 76 submissions being received. These showed various common themes, which were used to develop the draft master plan. 

A further 120 submissions were received in response to the draft master plan during the community consultation earlier this year. An online consultation portal developed for the draft master plan attracted 100 of the 120 submissions and allowed people to comment on their level of support for the project. 

The community’s key priorities for the Mission Beach town centre are:

• Activation of Porter Promenade and the Village Green;

• More commercial activities (e.g. restaurants, cafes, shops, takeaways);

• More amenities and facilities (e.g. public toilets, seating and shelters);

• Improved playground facilities;

• More greenery, colour and endemic plant species to attract butterflies and birds; 

• Improved pedestrian footpaths and safer crossings along Porter Promenade;

• Improved safety at night along Ulysses Link Walking Track; 

• Reduction in the speed limit of Porter Promenade within the town centre area;

• Provision of delivery vehicle, public transport and taxi parking spaces; 

• Provision of low-impact infrastructure for markets and events in Ulysses Park;

• Provision of an upgraded visitor information, cultural and environment centre; and 

• Showcasing the area’s natural beauty and unique wildlife by providing a rainforest walking track linking with the upgraded visitor information, cultural and environment centre. 

“This master plan project gives us a clear direction of what to implement in Mission Beach. As well as providing a collaborative approach for the community to become involved in shaping its future, the project has also enabled Council to identify practical economic activation objectives. Projects such as this can help set a better course for our prosperity,” Cr Kremastos said.  

“Council appreciates the community’s involvement in the Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan Project and is committed to working with local businesses and community organisations to ensure disruptions to trading and events during the construction phase are minimised.”

To view the Mission Beach Strategic Master Plan go to:  http://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/master-plans-and-strategies1. 

ENDS