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Local News
SEPTEMBER 01, 2023
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Divers en masse to Reef
The $144 million Innisfail CBD revitalisation masterplan has a particular focus on the Johnstone River waterfront, as portrayed in this artist’s impression. Picture: Cassowary Coast Regional Council
l CORAL SEA | Nick Dalton
$144m blueprint
Council’s masterplan to turn neglected Innisfail into enticing destination l CASSOWARY COAST | Nick Dalton AN ambitious Innisfail CBD revitalisation masterplan costing $144 million has been revealed and endorsed by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. The plan has been divided into 14 stages, starting with the first on the Johnstone River waterfront and
Fitzgerald Esplanade worth $12m. It also includes the biggest project – the Chjowai Parklands South – estimated at $52m to create a vibrant community and tourist destination celebrating Indigenous Mamu culture through new amenities, water play facilities, and cultural experiences. The plan involves cheaper “quick wins” using council and other funding
streams for work such as the Edith Street urban rainforest and the Rankin Street riverside link. But a business plan, detailed planning, funding sources and a timeframe have not been included in the 115-page document. Senior project manager Richard Wilkes told last week’s ordinary council meeting that “it is acknowledged that there is significant cost to achieve the stated
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goals of the master plan and that the plan will need to be implemented over the long term, requiring both private sector investment, and grant funding from external government sources, including continuing community engagement to be successful.” He said it would include short term projects as well as longer term.
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VISITORS completing dive certifications for the Great Barrier Reef are returning to pre-pandemic levels. Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the Reef’s diverse marine life and safety record were strong drawcards for people wanting to learn to dive while on holiday. “International visitors are back to about 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and a Great Barrier Reef experience is still top of the list for our key markets,” he said. “North Americans, Europeans and the United Kingdom remain our largest learn-to-dive markets, numbers are returning from Japan and India is emerging. “Staffing was an issue six months ago, but we have been seeing more working holiday makers arriving and training to be dive masters who are employed across the reef fleet.” Pro Dive Cairns managing director Paul Lim said the dive market had returned to 80 per cent international travellers after slipping to 20 per cent last year. Diver’s Den training manager Charlotte Barbosa said about 50 people a week were completing the PADI open water course with Diver’s Den. PRO DIVE TURNS 40 - PAGE 4