Mission Beach CBD revitalisation construction woes reach state minister’s office

A state MP forced to intervene on a local government construction project impacting the ability for businesses to operate says he’s “over” the growing number of council issues he’s dealing with.

A view of Village Green Precinct at Mission Beach during construction at November, 2024.

A Far North mayor is urging struggling businesses impacted by her council’s town revitalisation project to look at the bigger picture.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council mayor Teresa Millwood advised Mission Beach business owners to go back and look at the masterplan for the town centre revitalisation project in a bid to return enthusiasm among operators.

Hill MP Shane Knuth attended a closed-door meeting organised by the Mission Beach CBD traders on March 19 where operators discussed their concerns and frustrations linked to the $18m revitalisations project.

After hearing complaints from businesses about the impacts of construction, unforeseen outages of services and what they perceived as poor communication from Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Mr Knuth shared with the meeting advice he had received from Local Government Minister Ann Leahy’s office.

Artist impression of the Mission Beach CBD revitalisation project.

“The minister’s chief of staff told my office that all businesses should write their issues to their office, and based on the conversation we had, they (minister’s office) told us that rates relief sounded pretty reasonable,” Mr Knuth said.

“We know the council has a $30,000 marketing campaign as well, we also asked why not just give that directly to the businesses and the minister’s office agreed.”

In a statement following the meeting, the council defended its decision not to offer compensation, as well as its $30,000 Shop Mission Beach campaign.

“While council does not provide direct financial compensation, we have focused on initiatives that promote the area and assist businesses in maintaining visibility,” a CCRC spokesman said.

“The ‘Shop Local’ campaign, launched in September last year, has provided positive outcomes for those businesses who have engaged.

Artist impression of the Mission Beach CBD revitalisation project.

“However, as participation declined over time, we responded by launching the ‘Mission Beach Dollars’ campaign, which has proven highly successful with approximately $2000 going back to businesses. The first round received positive feedback from both businesses and customers, who appreciated the simplified participation process.”

Ms Leahy did not confirm whether she would intervene and instruct the council to offer compensation following the advice provided to Mr Knuth’s office, but urged the local government to find a solution.

“We know local businesses are vital to ensuring regional communities not just survive but thrive,” she said.

“I encourage the mayor and council to engage with the local community on how they can lessen the project impacts on local businesses.”

Katter Australia Party MP Shane Knuth. Picture: NewsWire / Glen Campbell

Mr Knuth has been a state member for 20 years and said he was “over” the growing number of local government complaints his office was receiving.

“Twenty years ago, it was hardly anything, now it’s really disrupting our workflow,” he said.

The electorate of Hill encompasses the CCRC, Tablelands Regional Council, Mareeba Shire Council and Cairns Regional Council.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood. Picture: Arun Singh Mann

Mayor Teresa Millwod hit back stating she had printed letters confirming the state and federal governments’ support and funding for the project.

“My advice is the community can come to us with their issues anytime, they don’t have to go to their state member, but I’m happy to work with Shane any time,” she said.

Originally published as Mission Beach CBD revitalisation construction woes reach state minister’s office