A proposal to build a “training village” for at-risk youth across the river from Daintree Village has divided Newsport readers about whether the development will be positive or negative for the region.

The Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation wants to build a 17-building centre on a 200ha parcel of land north of the Daintree River to help “address a range of issues, including mental health challenges, substance abuse, and behavioural concerns” among youth in the area.

Reader Simon Brewer asks: “Isn't there already enough inappropriate development in this fragile area?”

Yvonne Ruth: “Aside from older houses and a few farms … there is ZERO development in that immediate area.”

Mr Brewer: “I believe development should largely be south of the river where possible.”

Some expressed concern that the centre may attract more crime to the area, while others refuted those claims.

“A much needed, professional service for young First Nations people and families who are in desperate need for intensive supports, on Country,” Josie Muller said.

As part of the project, a carpark is planned on Upper Daintree Road on the southern side of the Daintree River, with a barge to access the site on the other side.

The land will likely have to be rezoned from its “rural” status to allow the development.

Some readers have raised concerns that the area is prone to flooding - the plans state the barge may not be operational at times due to river water surges.

The Corporation has already been awarded State Government funding to build the centre through its “Intensive on Country” program, which is envisaged to occur by May 31, the planning application states. 

The plan is to build the centre in four stages, with stage one including three one-bedroom accommodation units, the education centre and a meeting and training room.

The large cleared land parcel, which has mainly been used for grazing and cropping until now, is bound by the river on three fronts.

The Jabalbina Corporation is a community-led organisation that works to improve the lives of Aboriginal people through cultural revitalisation, economic development, and social empowerment.

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Sixty fresh-faced medical graduates are starting their first day at work at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

All of the new interns will participate in a week-long orientation program to familiarise themselves with the Health Service, its clinical practice and procedures.

They’ll then begin the first of five rotations through a variety of units that may include general medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, and additional terms in other specialised areas, to ensure they get diverse experience across areas such as acute and critical care, chronic condition health care and perioperative care.