Daintree training village opponents come together

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Byron Filmer

Junior Reporter

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Group spokesman Bruce Morwood at the site of the proposed training village. Picture: Byron Filmer

A section of the Daintree Village community has formed a group to raise formal objections to an application by Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to develop an at-risk youth “training village” in the region. 

Spokesman and long-term resident Bruce Morwood said the group was formed because some dissatisfied locals believed the project would have a negative impact on the small community.

“This project may be a good concept but this is the wrong area to do it,” Mr Morwood said.

“It is in a flood zone and is in sight of the Village.

“It will impede on the beauty of our area, which is one of the reasons we get so much business from tourism.”

The group has been working with an independent planning professional on a formal objection to be submitted to Douglas Shire Council based on issues surrounding safety, logistics and the location of the proposed development, he said.

The last day for submissions about the proposed development is this Friday, January 24.

“We are in contact with a senior town planner from an established firm who will help us form an official objection,” Mr Morwood said.

He said it was “alarming” how little Jabalbina had cooperated with locals up until yesterday (Tuesday, January 21), when the corporation hosted information sessions in Daintree Village for community members to learn more on the development and have their questions answered.

“We were given no prior indication of this project until the signs were put up at the last minute in a cow paddock that very few people drive by,” he said.

The Daintree River Station training village has been proposed for a 200ha parcel of land directly across the river from the town.

Plans for the project submitted to DSC show as many as 17 buildings, including 12 accommodation suites, an education centre, rooms for families to stay overnight, and a two-room “chillout refuge unit”.

One of the stated aims of the centre is to “address a range of issues, including mental health challenges, substance abuse, and behavioural concerns”.

“By providing vocational training, cultural programs, and therapeutic support, the village will offer participants the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” the plans state.

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