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48 Agenda – Planning & Environment Committee 10 August 2011 - #3253965 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE 10 AUGUST 2011 5 DAINTREE GATEWAY MASTER PLAN Paul Cohen : 8/26/29: #3253963 RECOMMENDATION: That Council: A. endorses the Daintree Gateway Master Plan, prepared by Arup and dated July 2011, for staged implementation; B. develops a detailed implementation program outlining staged works and planning and engagement activities, C. notes in regard to the detailed design of the Western Precinct: a. that a boardwalk may be provided for access equity, but would not constitute a “canopy walk”; and b. that rest shelters along the boardwalk are not necessary, but small- scale information and interpretive materials may be presented in a number of effective and innovative ways; and D. recognises and considers recommendations resulting from the master planning process, beyond the scope of the works for the Daintree Gateway Master Plan, contained within the “Other Suggested Works” section and the Options Report, in its planning and operational activities in the Daintree region. INTRODUCTION: The Daintree Gateway Master Plan is the culmination of a master planning activity aimed to develop an entry to the Daintree Rainforest, at the Daintree River, befitting of the world heritage values the region is known for. This report provides an update of activities from March to July 2011 and recommends Council endorse the Daintree Gateway Master Plan.

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Agenda – Planning & Environment Committee 10 August 2011 - #3253965

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

10 AUGUST 2011

5 DAINTREE GATEWAY MASTER PLAN Paul Cohen : 8/26/29: #3253963

RECOMMENDATION: That Council: A. endorses the Daintree Gateway Master Plan, prepared by Arup and dated

July 2011, for staged implementation; B. develops a detailed implementation program outlining staged works and

planning and engagement activities, C. notes in regard to the detailed design of the Western Precinct:

a. that a boardwalk may be provided for access equity, but would not constitute a “canopy walk”; and

b. that rest shelters along the boardwalk are not necessary, but small-

scale information and interpretive materials may be presented in a number of effective and innovative ways; and

D. recognises and considers recommendations resulting from the master

planning process, beyond the scope of the works for the Daintree Gateway Master Plan, contained within the “Other Suggested Works” section and the Options Report, in its planning and operational activities in the Daintree region.

INTRODUCTION: The Daintree Gateway Master Plan is the culmination of a master planning activity aimed to develop an entry to the Daintree Rainforest, at the Daintree River, befitting of the world heritage values the region is known for. This report provides an update of activities from March to July 2011 and recommends Council endorse the Daintree Gateway Master Plan.

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This report was deferred from the Ordinary Meeting held on 27 July 2011 to allow for further discussion with the Stakeholder Reference Group members following concerns raised with Councillors. A meeting of the reference group members was held on 1 August 2011. The main concerns raised were around the Western Precinct’s focus as a tourist destination as well as the perceived infrastructure investment in the area by Council benefiting private enterprise and not for the broader business community across the Daintree region. Constructive discussions have resulted in a number of changes being proposed for endorsement. Changes to the Daintree Gateway Master Plan as presented to Council previously include the following: - removed reference to the Western Precinct being a “primary destination or

gateway on the journey north of the river”; - removed references to the establishment of a specific “food and drink kiosk” at

the Western Precinct; - removed reference to rest shelters in the Western Precinct, but acknowledging

information signage will still be provided; - removed reference to an “elevated” boardwalk in the Western Precinct, but

acknowledging access standards for all abilities must be maintained through design, which may be a raised boardwalk – it is not a “canopy walk” as some may interpret;

- removed reference to leases being offered to existing operators in the first

instance to maintain open and transparent tendering processes. It is a further recommendation to the endorsement of the Master Plan that through the detail design processes, the Western Precinct design has regard to the rest shelters and boardwalk in particular. It is considered that these actions will help facilitate a better outcome for the balance of the stakeholders.

BACKGROUND: The lowland rainforest north of the Daintree River is Australia’s oldest coastal rainforest and amongst the most bio-diverse areas in the world. The outstanding attributes of these natural features are reflected in the protection of the Daintree National Park and the 1988 declaration of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. These features make the Daintree’s lowland rainforest one of Australia’s most attractive natural attributes and support a number of small communities and an eco-tourism industry. Where the Cape Tribulation Road crosses the Daintree River is identified as the Gateway to the Daintree. In recognition of the outstanding natural assets of the Daintree National Park and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Cairns Regional Council seeks to deliver a sustainable, iconic and world-class visitor experience at its Gateway.

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A number of outstanding action items relating to the Daintree Gateway (tenure of land, undefined visitor experience and poor state of appearance) require resolution. To ensure that all relevant issues are addressed in a cohesive manner, Cairns Regional Council committed to preparing a Master Plan for the Daintree Gateway.

COMMENT: The Daintree Gateway Master Plan evolved through a master planning project that included the engagement of a Stakeholder Reference Group which, in conjunction with project team and Steering Committee, provided valuable input and directly influenced its outcomes. The following sections outline the progress of the project, over the past year. Master Planning Process The master planning process was undertaken throughout the 2010/2011 Financial Year. Key milestones achieved through the project include:

Milestone Completed Detailed project planning undertaken July 2010

Draft guiding principles developed August 2010

Steering Committee initiation September 2010

Master planning consultancy request for quotation September 2010

Stakeholder Reference Group initiation October 2010

Arup awarded master planning consultancy October 2010

Daintree Gateway Issues and Opportunities discussion paper completed

October 2010

Government and Agency Reference Group initiation November 2010

Vision and principles workshop with stakeholders November 2010

Daintree Gateway Vision and Context Report January 2011

Draft Daintree Gateway Options Report January 2011

Options workshop with stakeholders February 2011

Draft Daintree Gateway Master Plan March 2011

Community consultation and feedback April 2011

Consideration of feedback and refinements made May 2011

Stakeholder Reference Group review and feedback June 2011

Final Draft Daintree Gateway Master Plan developed July 2011

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Daintree Gateway Master Plan As mentioned above, the Daintree Gateway Master Plan was embarked on as a means of addressing a number of outstanding opportunities and issues that, when resolved would provide an improved visitor experience at the entry to the Daintree lowland rainforest in the Daintree National Park (formerly known as the Cape Tribulation National Park) and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area north of the Daintree River. While the master plan contains a lot of detail, it is worth pointing out its main elements. These include: ● purpose, vision and guiding principles; ● the context of the Daintree Gateway; ● proposed works for:

● Intersection; ● Western Precinct; ● South Bank; ● North Bank;

● landscaping strategy; ● signage strategy; ● furniture and built form outcomes; ● future visitor centre; ● other suggested works; and ● implementation strategy, business case and program and budget. The Master Plan is attached separately to this report and should be read in conjunction with this report. However the main works within the gateway are presented below. Intersection The initial proposed works to achieve these priorities are described below and shown in the following plan. ● Feature landscaping using endemic tropical tree species planted in copses with

low grassy species between, at the intersection and within 200m of it. This will have the effect of marking the beginning of the rainforest experience, creating some enclosure whilst maintaining the views to the mountains and surrounding farmland.

● Access and parking to the cafe and private properties behind will be formalised via

a defined 4-way intersection. ● The existing pull over bay will provide visitors with themed orientation information,

including maps, distances and travel times to key destinations. Advertising will be removed. It is recommended that a local artist be engaged to design this display using local materials and imagery and best-practice interpretive methods.

● Themed signage, continued throughout the precinct and north of the river will

improve way-finding.

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Western Precinct Priorities for this area include: ● Clearly defining activity zones, improving the experience for tourists including

visual amenity and shade, and improving safety and amenity for public boat ramp users. The initial proposed works required to achieve these priorities are described below and shown in the figure opposite.

● Feature landscape treatments using endemic tropical species to screen the

parking areas and provide shade and visual amenity for users. On the southern approach the landscape treatment will evolve from trees in copses to a more continual planting providing a canopy to the road.

● Dedicated vehicle access and parking to the River Cruise access area, including

bus parking, and separate access and parking for boat ramp users. ● Distinctive visitor information structure comprising a large roof and deck and

information/ interpretation displays ● A board walk with interpretive signage connects to pontoon.

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● Area allocated along the boardwalk for tour booking booths ● Shared amenities (toilets and picnic areas) between this facility and the boat ramp. ● Extensive revegetation around the new works. ● Revegetate dredge spoil pile and relocate dredge spoil to new location.

South Bank This area suffers from visual clutter in the form of domestic style landscaping with exotic species, an array of signage, the ticket booths, a model cassowary, ferry equipment, unformed parking and hard waste. The approach to the area is framed by an overarching tree canopy and could be easily beautified if the visual clutter were diminished. It is not intended that vehicles stop in this area other than waiting for the ferry. The proposed works are therefore limited to landscape works to beautify the area and a rationalisation of signage.

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It is proposed that railings be provided near the ferry launch to deter public access to the river. However, a small viewing platform could be provided in this location to allow for safe public viewing and photographing the river. A footpath is proposed along the road to provide access to this platform. A small car parking area should also be formalised adjacent to the existing toilet block to improve the legibility and amenity of this area. Clumps of endemic tropical trees are proposed along the southern road, continuing the informal boulevard treatment established throughout the gateway and framing views to adjacent farmland and mountains on the southward journey from the river.

North Bank The immediate area for works is relatively small. There is also a bus stop at the landing and parking for buses picking up or dropping off tour boat passengers. This latter function is not well managed from a traffic and pedestrian safety perspective and is a priority for improvement. As with the south bank it is not intended that vehicles stop in this area other than to wait for the ferry. The proposed works involve overall landscape improvement treatments to beautify the area and a rationalisation of signage. A small toilet facility is also required and a walking track/boardwalk to facilitate boat access is recommended.

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The optimum development in this area would include development of a parking area within an existing cleared area of the adjoining lot. This area would be used for tour boat passengers, primarily for buses but also private vehicles. Access to this bus parking area would be approximately 200m north of the ferry landing, thus limiting the need for unsafe bus movements that currently occur within the vicinity of the ferry. These works would free up space at the ferry stop, enabling the reintroduction of a fresh fruit seller as was popular in the past. A large pontoon is not proposed in order to protect the integrity of mangroves in this area, instead a small narrow jetty type landing would be appropriate.

Consultation Activities and Outputs There were a number of engagement activities and outputs from the project which lead to the final master plan. These are discussed below. Steering Committee The Steering Committee met at milestones to discuss project direction, consultation activities and outputs. Meetings concentrated on the options for infrastructure elements, “place-based” enhancements and scenarios for various precincts within the study area, along with the draft master plan and the broad consultation outcomes and comments made to shape the final master plan.

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Stakeholder Reference Group The Stakeholder Reference Group met at milestones to actively participate in workshops to refine the project’s guiding principles, a vision for the Daintree Gateway and to express their views to the options for different precincts and the place-based outcomes for each. Comments from the reference group members have informed outcomes in the Vision and Context report and the development of the draft master plan (from the Options report). Subsequent feedback was provided through the consultation of the Draft Master Plan and again at a meeting to discuss the refinements made in response to community feedback. Vision and Context Report The purpose of the report is to document the information that will inform decision making about project options and outcomes. The Vision and Context report presents the strategic framework for developing the Daintree Gateway Master Plan along with the contextual framework that defines the Gateway. While the contextual framework deals with the historic, geographic/physical, economic, stakeholder needs and legislative characteristics that define the Gateway, the strategic framework sets up the purpose, vision and guiding principles for the establishment of the Daintree Gateway. These are outlined below. Purpose The Daintree Gateway has two distinct purposes: ● Improve the experience for visitors to the Daintree-Cape Tribulation area. ● Increase economic benefit from visitation for local communities and businesses. Vision The Gateway is an enticing landmark that welcomes visitors to the magical wilderness and cultural landscape of the Daintree River and the world’s oldest rainforest. The Gateway enhances the prosperity of the Daintree area by inspiring visitors to take more time to get to know the values and stories of this outstanding natural environment, its traditional owners and the resident communities. Guiding Principles A set of Guiding Principles has been established for the Master Plan following consultation with the project Stakeholder Reference Group. These principles outline the basis for decision making and outcomes sought from the master planning. The guiding principles include: ● Sustainability

Sustainability will be a fundamental consideration in the development of the Daintree Gateway, clearly expressed in the design of built and natural environments. Project outcomes will demonstrate a balance between community needs, economic growth, cultural practices, environmental protection and efficient use of resources.

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● Cultural Association

The Daintree Gateway will celebrate the rich cultural fabric of the Daintree-Cape Tribulation area and provide opportunities for visitors to learn and interact with cultural history and contemporary practices through interpretive displays, materials, design and art. The precinct will honour the Eastern Kuku Yalanji as the traditional owners of the land and will also acknowledge the non-Indigenous history and association with the Daintree area.

● Environmental Protection

The Daintree Gateway will be a celebration of the significance and natural wonder of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and Daintree National Park. Development and land uses associated with the Gateway will improve degraded area, enhance vistas and scenic amenity and do no harm to the coastal and riverine processes of the Daintree River, endemic habitats and eco systems, or the cultural landscape.

● Local Economy

The Daintree Gateway will enhance the prosperity of local businesses and communities. It will contribute to greater awareness of the experiences available in the region and will promote and complement existing businesses and attractions.

● Sense of Place

The Daintree Gateway will clearly mark the journey from rural landscape to wilderness environment and pay homage to the natural and cultural character of the Daintree-Cape Tribulation area. The Gateway will create a strong sense of arrival, welcome and anticipation and provide a visitor experience befitting the world class values of the area.

● Character

The Gateway will reflect the tropical and natural character of the Daintree-Cape Tribulation area. The built form will be a high quality design that reflects and respects the natural areas and character of the local area. Planning of the project will enhance vistas and degraded areas and retain and increase vegetation.

● Access and Mobility

The Daintree Gateway will transform the way in which people move through the entire Daintree region and the choices they make about journeys and destinations. In the immediate development area, the Gateway will rationalise the road network, parking areas and river access, creating a safe, legible and accessible environment that meets the needs of all users.

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● Planning

A successful Daintree Gateway project will be delivered by an integrated and collaborative planning process informed by the: ● cultural values of the landscape and precinct; ● wealth of local knowledge and ideas; ● important role of tourism in the area; ● need to make provision for adaptation and change; and ● value of good design, innovation and creativity.

Options Report The purpose of the Options Report is to describe and illustrate a broad range of potential development options for the purposes of community and stakeholder consultation. The report informs the basis of consultation activities with a wide range of community, business and visitor stakeholders to test and evaluate the options and develop a shortlist of preferred options for future development. For the purposes of the paper the study area is divided into six precincts, namely: - Intersection of Cape Tribulation & Mossman-Daintree Roads - Western Precinct - South Bank - North Bank - Daintree Village - Wonga turnoff A range of possible options for each precinct have been identified, including a review of advantages and disadvantages and inter-relationship with other options. The options range from ‘do-nothing’ to a high level of development. The report also identifies possible combinations of the various options. These options are centred on a key location for an interpretative/visitors facility and a range of low and high development models associated with each location. Visitor Experience Survey A survey of visitors to the Daintree area (north of the Daintree River) was undertaken by Council Officers during the latter half of January to gauge the expectations and experience sought from those tourists. Approximately 80 self-drive tourists completed the questionnaire. The results of the survey highlights that tourists continue to seek an adventure and wilderness experience from the Daintree area and the need to provide proper facilities at its entry marking the beginning of their experience. The most notable result of the visitor experience survey was that it identified tourists did not have enough information about travel distances and correlating travelling times for the area. By providing greater travelling information, tourists may be more likely to spend greater time and money in the region as a result of more informed decisions.

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Draft Master Plan The draft master plan was produced in response to the workshops with the Stakeholder Reference Group, Council officers, State government agency requirements and the project team and the visitor surveys undertaken. The content of the draft master plan incorporates the supported ideas for development within precincts and the style and character of the infrastructure and landscaping. Four precincts of the Daintree Gateway represent the focus of works proposed under the master plan: ● Mossman-Daintree Road and Cape Tribulation Road intersection; ● Western Precinct; ● South Bank (of the ferry); and ● North Bank (of the ferry). In addition, opportunities for the Daintree Village are identified, but not explored in detail as they sit outside the scope of work for the defined Daintree Gateway. The idea of a “virtual gateway” where travellers can download or receive live updates about activities in the Daintree Region and interpretation of areas and experiences from the internet is also explored. A staged implementation program is also identified. Response to Draft Master Plan A number of submissions were made to Council by email, through online and printed surveys and through verbal feedback at organised drop-in sessions over the month of April. In particular, issues were raised in relation to the following: ● Daintree Village plans; ● Western Precinct business presence; ● Priority funding of community infrastructure projects; ● Boat trailer parking numbers; ● Indigenous language in signage ● Ferry ticket price; ● Ferry congestion; and ● Daintree Action Plan. Daintree Village The response from residents and businesses within the Daintree Village was predominantly around the lack of detailed planning for the Village and the perceived loss of revenue as a result of formalising the gateway, including the intersection, which because of its underwhelming state has led to visitors at the Village because they have missed the turn-off to the ferry.

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The master plan has a strong signage strategy which aims to ensure visitors are aware of the Daintree Village’s presence and its attractions before they turn-off to the Daintree Ferry. In addition, the Village’s residents and businesses will be engaged through a separate process aimed to identify, capture and promote the economic development opportunities for the township given the scope of this project. Western Precinct Businesses Responses from the community around the Western Precinct were varied. Generally, the notion of landscaping, consolidating signage, improving the amenity and formalising spaces for community and visitor uses were strongly supported. However, it was noted that: ● Businesses should be removed from the Precinct altogether; or ● Businesses should operate by absorbing the full commercial cost of their activity

such that there is not cost to the ratepayer. In response to these matters, an amended plan was developed which showed “opportunity” for future activities. This was reviewed by the Stakeholder Reference Group and was subject to criticism. A more appropriate response was developed which highlighted the presence of tour operators and the need to be operated at no cost to the community. This was endorsed by the Steering Committee at a subsequent meeting. Priority for Community Infrastructure Members of the community strongly expressed concern over the expenditure of money for this project where they could see capital being better invested in other, or needed community infrastructure. The master plan, discussed further in a later section of this report, identifies a series or relatively small interventions that are within the scope of Council and the community to collaboratively plan and deliver. The cumulative outcome for these initiatives will be the transformation of the gateway precinct. It is not envisaged that the development of the gateway would be developed in a one-off capital project such that those funds can best be used by Council to deliver a wide spectrum of community infrastructure as deemed necessary. Boat Trailer Parking Spaces A need for a greater number of parking spaces for recreational fishers was expressed by some submitters. The numbers expressed through these submissions were in line with a one-off peak event of up to 70 spaces. With due consideration for the number of spaces required for peak events at public boat ramps (which is around 18% of registered boats for the catchment, per lane provided), it is considered to be significantly unlikely to provide the required formal trailer parking numbers and retain the amenity of the area. Instead, the consultants have reviewed the land available for community and business use and balanced their needs to provide the best available space for both. The configuration of trailer spaces and visitor car parking now best utilises the area and provides for 26 trailer parking spaces and wash down.

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This is considered to be an appropriate response to the utilisation of the area in the Western Precinct and to accommodate the normal use of the area, rather than the peak use. Indigenous Language in Signage The expression of using indigenous language of the Kuku Yalanji interpretation and information does not shine through in the draft master plan. The provision of signage and information are considered within the master plan but information displayed (other than way finding signage) in the Daintree Gateway will be the subject of a further body of work in detailed design. It is important to recognise through this work, where indigenous, and other, language is displayed. Ferry Ticket Prices A notion is held that the willingness of visitors to enter the Daintree rainforest areas north of the Daintree River has a relationship to the price of the ferry ticket and that Council should not “charge” to enter the area. A nominal fee or toll is appropriate is as with other road structures, however, profit above this is viewed as a deterrent to visitors. It is also viewed that the price of tickets, coupled with the presence of businesses in the Western Precinct is deliberately established to provide an alternative to entering the Daintree rainforest. The price structure of the ferry ticketing is not the subject of this master planning project and is often reviewed by Council. It should also be noted that this is the subject of contractual matters that cannot be influenced by the master plan. Ferry Congestion The congestion of the ferry and the need for additional/priority lanes was identified in some submissions. While opportunity exists for Council to explore additional or priority lanes for the ferry, it was not part of the scope of the project to undertake a detailed analysis of congestion around the ferry, but rather improving the appearance of the gateway and improving visitor experience. Notwithstanding this, the master plan does not propose any changes to the ferry queuing areas that would inhibit such investigations or works occurring to improve vehicle movements. Daintree Action Plan Community members expressed a desire for Council to complete the proposed Daintree Action Plan. It was recognised some time ago that the Community Plan was the appropriate avenue to start to address community issues around forward planning and futures of the Region, and in particular the needs of the Daintree Community.

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Final Master Plan Content These submission matters and responses were reviewed by the Stakeholder Reference Group. Their comments were delivered to the Steering Committee and a final master plan was developed thereafter. Master Plan Implementation The Master Plan contains an implementation strategy which articulates the need to be strategic about the manner in which works, approvals and tenure arrangements are implemented. Notwithstanding it does not provide the level of detail necessary for a project management framework. This level of detail is in progress with Council officers at the present and is still subject to internal review processes. Notwithstanding, it is considered that an integrated implementation approach (a place-based management across Council departments) is appropriate for the ongoing management of the project. This will require a project officer responsible for coordination of the project activities and a multi-departmental team. It is recommended that a subsequent report be presented to Council outlining the project management approach and the priority processes, activities and works to be conducted within the 2011/2012 financial year at the September Planning and Environment Committee Meeting.

CONSIDERATIONS: Corporate and Operational Plans: The preparation of a Daintree River Gateway Master Plan is aligned with following elements of the Corporate Plan: Goal 1 – Caring for the Environment

Objective: To ensure that the natural and built environments are managed and protected in a sustainable manner.

1.1 Deliver improved management of the region’s natural resources and biological diversity for sustainability and ecosystem health.

1.2 Achieve greater recognition of the natural environment as an integral part of the region’s identity and fundamental to quality of life.

Goal 2 – Building Vibrant Communities

Objective: To build more creative, innovative and self reliant communities where participation in community life is enabled and encouraged. 2.2 Improve the quality and opportunities for use of public space across the

region.

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Goal 3 – Delivering Integrated Planning

Objective: To take an integrated planning approach to development that creates a sustainable region reflective of our uniqueness and tropical lifestyle. 3.1 Implement an integrated approach to planning by Council and stakeholders. 3.2 Deliver integrated provision of physical and social infrastructure in existing

and future parts of the region. 3.7 Promote good urban design outcomes which are responsive to the region’s

tropical environment and unique character.

Goal 5 – Creating a Prosperous Region Objective: To increase the region’s capacity for long-term economic growth by supporting opportunities for local businesses and local employment. 5.3 Plan and make financial and capital decisions with the state of the local

economy in mind.

Goal 6 – Striving for Organisational Excellence Objective: To ensure that Council is open, accountable, ethical and financially responsible. Recognise that Council plays a leadership role for our immediate communities and for the wider region and will strive to represent our community’s needs and expectations. 6.3 Collect, interpret, manage and capture data and information to inform good

decision making. 6.6 Be innovative and work in collaboration with key stakeholders, suppliers,

partners and in collaboration with Council Boards and Reference Groups. 6.7 Consistently perform better, deliver on our objectives and operate

sustainably. Statutory: The Master Plan is a non-statutory document. Implementation of the Master Plan will be commensurate with statutory requirements under a number of legislative documents. Policy: The engagement of the community throughout the project has been in keeping with Council’s General Policy No.1:05:15 – Community Engagement Policy, particularly in relation to consultative and participatory engagement with the community and policy decision makers.

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Financial and Risk: The cost of the master planning project has been $110,000, expended from the Planning Strategies 2010/2011 Financial Year budget. The critical risk in endorsing the Daintree Gateway Master Plan is the obligation for implementation of works. An equal risk arises if the Master Plan is not endorsed. It should be noted that a principle of undertaking an integrated master planning approach to planning the improvements is in itself a mitigating measure to the risk arising from the ongoing use of the gateway and the poor quality and experience it provides. Council could be exposed to risk of a higher costs and poor public image (over a longer term) should it not address the matters which the Master Plan seeks to resolve. Sustainability: The focus of the Master Plan must be on achieving sustainable outcomes. High sustainability targets are set for the works within the Daintree Gateway. The following sustainability assessment of the expected outcomes of the master plan shows high levels of achievement. The only downfall relates to natural hazard risk and disaster planning which is difficult given the Gateway’s location in the middle of the Daintree River floodplain. Further, the formalisation of infrastructure in this area represents an ongoing maintenance cost to the organisation that may be higher than already exists. Notwithstanding this, it represents an overall improvement in the space and resolves the future of the precinct.

CONSULTATION: The master planning process has involved local businesses, government agencies and Council staff. This report has been prepared by Planning Strategies staff as culmination of these processes.

OPTIONS: A. notes the report on the progress of the Daintree Gateway Master Plan project; B. endorses the Daintree Gateway Master Plan, prepared by Arup and dated July 2011, for staged implementation; and

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C. develops a detailed implementation program outlining staged works and planning

and engagement activities, including capturing recommendations from the master planning process beyond the scope of the Daintree Gateway Master Plan.

D. recognises and considers recommendations resulting from the master planning

process, beyond the scope of the works for the Daintree Gateway Master Plan, contained within the “Other Suggested Works” section and the Options Report, in its planning and operational activities in the Daintree region.

OR That Council receives and notes the report on the progress of the Daintree Gateway Master Plan project, and seek further clarification on any particular matter prior to the Master Plan’s endorsement.

CONCLUSION: The Daintree Gateway Master Plan represents the culmination of an integrated master planning project seeking to improve the experience at the entry to the Daintree rainforests which are world renown. Through this process the community has had input to, and helped directly shape the concepts that are presented within the document. It is therefore recommended that Council notes the process and endorses the Daintree Gateway Master Plan in its current form.

ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 – Daintree Gateway Master Plan Report <<Available on website and Councillors area>> Paul Cohen Senior Strategic Planner Peter Boyd Manager Planning Strategies