Machans Beach residents ordered to take down signs by council
Flood victims have been ordered to take down signs erected in their front yards opposing future development in enforcement action they claim is heavy-handed and an infringement on free speech.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Machans Beach flood victims have been ordered to take down signs erected in their front yards opposing future development in an enforcement of local laws they claim is heavy handed and an infringement on free speech.
Signs on Machans St making a link between development within the Barron River delta and flooding were erected in response to the December 17 flood event, and a perception that calls for an investigation into the impact of building had been sidelined.
An email sent to residents stated Cairns Regional Council had “received concerns” about the signs that required a permit outlined under Local Laws No. 4 (advertising devices).
“These fence signs are not permitted and must be immediately removed from this location,” the email read.
Thomas Herridge has a sign in front of his home on Machans Beach Road, which went under during the flood.
Forced out of his unlivable house, he is now in a rental and wrestling with his insurance company over a claim that is yet to be paid.
The defiant construction industry worker said he was taken aback by the council correspondence and would not be taking down the sign.
“I was surprised, I was worried for about three seconds and then realised it was a trivial matter, and was not going to get prosecuted,” he said.
“So I thought f*** it.
“I’m very supportive of the people advocating for a moratorium on development and asking questions about effects of flood water but they are being ignored by the current council.
“There have been lots of legitimate efforts to get this issue on the agenda and we feel like we are being completely ignored.”
Made up of locals from Holloways Beach, Machans Beach and Yorkeys Knob, the Combined Residents Working Group presented a submission to the state government calling for an update of the 1980 Barron River Delta Investigation, rebuilding of access roads and an immediate moratorium on new development approvals within the delta.
Group member and Machans Beach resident Deryck Thompson said people had a right to express their concerns and their wish that any future flooding be reduced if possible.
“It’s a bit disappointing that council has interoperated the local laws to the enth degree and this (order) has added to extreme stress and anxiety,” he said.
“I can understand why council wants to reduce visual litter but this is about freedom of speech.
“(Future flooding) is a very big issue that council and the state government have to be very honest and transparent and we residents have to keep reminding them that they have to do the right thing by us.”
Of the three signs ordered to be removed, two residents have complied with the council email.
Cairns Regional Council stated a complaint from members of the public had been recieved and officers were obligated to investigate the matter.
“The signs are not a type of sign able to be erected without approval under Council’s Local Laws,” a spokesman said.
“Whereas, election signs are a type of signage that is permitted under Local Laws No.4 (Advertising Devices) 2019; noting that these signs have specific requirements stipulated under this Local Law.”
Originally published as Machans Beach residents ordered to take down signs by council
School issues alert after man chases, lures students
A school in Far North Queensland is on high alert following reports a man chased students and attempting to lure them into his car.
‘Grabbed his dogs and ran’: Airbnb guest lucky to escape house fire
A Cairns Airbnb guest was lucky to escape a blaze with his two dogs unscathed after a home was completely gutted by fire, believed be caused by a phone charger. Watch the video.