Community workshop launches the Mission Beach Planning & Mapping Project
| The first community workshop for the Mission Beach Planning & Mapping Project was held on Saturday 8 November at Ninney Rise, bringing together landholders, conservation groups, farmers, business owners and residents to discuss the future of habitat protection and sustainable development across the Mission Beach region. The all-day workshop attracted strong attendance and covered three key themes central to the project: mapping, planning and incentives. |  |
Participants contributed local knowledge, identified gaps in existing systems, and explored practical ways to strengthen environmental resilience while supporting the community’s long-term aspirations.
  | Speakers from James Cook University, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Terrain NRM and Heaps Smart provided an overview of current planning frameworks, local habitat mapping, and opportunities for improvement. These presentations set the scene for in-depth World Café style discussions, where community members worked through challenges and potential solutions..
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Across all sessions, several consistent themes emerged:
● Improved environmental mapping to reflect what community members observe on the ground
● Clearer, more consistent planning rules to protect cassowary corridors and high-value habitat
● Recognition and support for landholders who protect and restore native vegetation
● Better communication and transparency so residents can stay informed about planning and development
● A strong desire to protect Mission Beach’s unique natural character for future generations
● Improved environmental mapping to reflect what community members observe on the ground
● Clearer, more consistent planning rules to protect cassowary corridors and high-value habitat
● Recognition and support for landholders who protect and restore native vegetation
● Better communication and transparency so residents can stay informed about planning and development
● A strong desire to protect Mission Beach’s unique natural character for future generations
“It was inspiring to see the passion within our community,” said Friend of Ninney Rise spokesperson Liz Gallie. “People came ready to explore practical, resourceful and innovative ways to safeguard what makes Mission Beach unique, while planning responsibly for the future.”
Funded by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) and supported by James Cook University (JCU), Terrain NRM, Friends of Ninney Rise and Marine Ecosystems Policy Advisors, the Mission Beach Planning & Mapping Project aims to deliver fine-scale mapping of local habitat (MLES), updated planning guidance, and a framework for practical incentives that support voluntary conservation and community priorities.
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Further community engagement activities will take place in March 2026 as the project continues to develop.
For more information about the project or upcoming opportunities to participate please stay tuned by visiting www.ninneyrise.com
.
Further community engagement activities will take place in March 2026 as the project continues to develop.
For more information about the project or upcoming opportunities to participate please stay tuned by visiting www.ninneyrise.com
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