‘Like an industrial estate in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef’: Redlynch residents react to Cairns Regional Council’s approval of major development
A campaign to stop a commercial industrial site from being established in Redlynch Valley has failed, with councillors narrowly voting in favour of the controversial development.
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A campaign to stop a commercial industrial site from being established in Redlynch Valley has failed, with Cairns councillors narrowly voting in favour of the controversial development at an ordinary meeting.
Councillors voted 5-4 for Bengali Land’s development application to transform the Crystal Cascades Horse Park into a trades and services area, featuring storage facilities, builders’ yards and other light industry uses.
Around two dozen concerned residents packed the gallery to hear councillors deliberate on the Redlynch Intake Rd proposal, with Deputy Mayor Brett Olds voicing his objection.
“This is not what you expect if you live there,” Mr Olds said.
“It’s a rural zone. They don’t expect to have shopping centres and have footpaths everywhere.
“We’re elected to be the voice of the community and we should listen to them when they stand up. It’s not a NIMBY thing – not in my backyard.
“People have chosen to live in these areas and the decisions we make in this room, there are consequences to them.”
Division 1 councillor Brett Moller said the development would help Redlynch become a self-contained community while Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger highlighted the need for more low-impact industry sites.
“Cities grow,” Mr Moller said.
“We are responsible for making decisions not just for today but future generations and that’s important.
“The conditions addressed in the report will help maintain (Redlynch’s) serenity.”
But an industrial site didn’t align with the community’s values, Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely said.
“Redlynch Valley is a peaceful estate defined by rolling mountains, open spaces and a unique rural charm,” Ms Vallely said.
“Transforming this land into an industrial estate would fundamentally change the character of our community.”
Redlynch mum Tiffany Brand, who attended the meeting on Wednesday, said the site would have a detrimental impact on the liveability of the area.
“It’s like an industrial estate in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
“I can’t even believe they voted for it. It’s insane and devastating for our community.”
Increased traffic and run-off from the site into the nearby Currunda Creek could potentially contaminate waterways, Ms Brand said.
“We all know that there’s going to be pollution and it all affects downstream which the community uses for recreational activities,” she said.
“Can you imagine 11-metre buildings in a subdivision in a residential rural area?
“I’m worried about the devaluation of our homes. People move here for a reason. This is where we live and we don’t want an industrial site next door to us.”
Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne agreed that the development would likely have a detrimental impact on the rural character, lead to increased traffic and pose environmental risks.
Planning director Ed Johnson acknowledged that the proposal sits outside of the council’s Priority Infrastructure Area for such a development, but added that strict guidelines would be placed on it.
Division 2 councillor Matthew Tickner did not vote after declaring a conflict of interest prior to the agenda item being heard.
311 submissions regarding the development application were made during the public notification period with 279 objecting and 32 supporting the changes.
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Originally published as ‘Like an industrial estate in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef’: Redlynch residents react to Cairns Regional Council’s approval of major development
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