Proposal to build industrial park in Redlynch Valley, Currunda Creek
A proposal to build an industrial park in a rainforest-rich Cairns suburb has divided residents. Have your say.
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A bid to build an industrial park in Redlynch Valley has divided the community, with concerns the development would detract from nature-rich residential area.
Landowner and applicant Bengali Land Pty Ltd is pushing to transform part of the Redlynch Intake Road property, which is currently home to the Crystal Cascades Horse Park and zoned rural, into a “low impact” industrial precinct.
Owner Pat Flanagan told the Cairns Post a preliminary application was with council for a material change of use to divide the property into four lots, but did not rule out a long-term vision to further subdivide that area.
The application seeks to pave the way for the precinct to be built on eight hectares of land beside the existing quarry and Currunda Creek, which the developer says is already cleared, former cane farming land.
The land is also not suitable for agricultural or residential use, according to development application materials, which said the industrial park could generate hundreds of jobs.
Suggested “low impact” industry uses at the site include mini storage facilities, contractors/builders yards, storage for boats, caravans or vehicles, and bulk landscaping supplies.
“There is a current unmet need within the Redlynch community and to the north of Cairns for employment in place and near home, additional services including storage and other light industry may generate more than 120 permanent jobs,” developer materials said.
“Overall, 230 jobs directly and indirectly ongoing jobs (not considering construction jobs).
“Proposed uses have been selected to ensure that they support the Redlynch community, but do not create impacts such as noise, smell or significant additional traffic.
“There is no land available in Redlynch Valley to cater to the low-impact trades and services, which are necessary for the community of over 10,000 people residing there.”
Horse agistment and private riding coaching would be relocated to the western side of the property if the DA is successful.
The proposal – and in particular one design pulled from the 720-page application featuring a 22-lot industrial precinct – has caused a stir among residents who fear the area will lose its natural charm to urban encroachment.
Redlynch Valley resident Chris Mason said he had concerns the development would threaten endangered frogs including the Waterfall Frog, Mist Frog and Australian Lace-Lid Frog as well as cassowaries, all of which have been sighted on or near the property.
“It is habitat to at least three or four endangered or near endangered species, you’ve got three frogs that have been sighted in the waterway or within 500m of the site,” Mr Mason said.
“I love this area for its natural beauty and the fact there’s so much untouched rainforest around … we commonly see wildlife coming and going from properties which is something that’s hard to see these days.”
Mr Mason said although the proposal was mainly set on already cleared land, the risk of water run-off from industrial operations into Currunda Creek would be devastating for native wildlife.
“There are ample industrial spaces nearby, you’ve got Smithfield just 15 minutes up the road … established industrial areas with access to major arterial roads that are not near residential areas or impacting ecological sites,” Mr Mason said.
The public has until July 3 to make a submission to council regarding the development.
A second information session will also be held at the property on 626 Redlynch Valley Rd on June 15, 10am to 3pm.
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Originally published as Proposal to build industrial park in Redlynch Valley, Currunda Creek
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