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The Alliance to Save Hinchinbrook (ASH) Inc. is calling for support to oppose proposed extensions to Keith Williams' controversial Port Hinchinbrook development.
Support for ASH
ASH Inc. is asking for three types of support:
- Donations now to fund government lobbying, expected FOI, and related expenses
- Donations and pledges to a special Fighting Fund to support expert witness expenses. This money will also fund a report supporting the objection to the Application and any subsequent Appeal to the Planning and Environment Court
- Submissions from the general community to Cardwell Shire Council when the Port Hinchinbrook Stage II development application is publicly advertised.
Development proposals
The so-called Stage II proposal to Cardwell Shire Council includes:
- another 3 or 4 kilometres of canals (alternative configurations proposed)
- a golf course.
In addition, the proposal includes a draft agreement proposing that the Council will apply for breakwater walls extending into the World-Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Channel.
Impacts of development
These developments will impact on:
- the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
- the adjoining unallocated state land (USL) - a proposed national park.
The creation of a canal system will interrupt freshwater flows and result in salinity problems.
The breakwater walls would intrude into the aesthetic integrity of the Hinchinbrook Channel and change the channel's hydrological characteristics.
The Port Hinchinbrook Stage I has already impacted on the Hinchinbrook Channel and the USL:
- death of an admitted five hectares of vegetation, containing rare Livistona drudei palms, melaleucas and grass trees
- effects from development site effluent overflow.
Further information
The proposed plan and an aerial view of the site can be viewed at the federal government's DEH EPBC Referrals website.
For more information, contact ASH Inc. by email, or phone/fax 61 (7) 4772 4052 or 0427 724 052, or PO Box 2457 Townsville Q 4810, Australia.
For more information about the poultry shed grant scheme and other activities, contact Wildlife Queensland by email or call +61 7 3221 0194. |
