About 90 per cent of submissions oppose youth training village plans
Daintree development
More than 70 submissions have been made to the Douglas Shire Council about a proposed new “training village” for at-risk youth across the river from the Daintree Village, with the vast majority against the project.
Of the 71 submissions, more than 90 per cent spoke out against the development following weeks of vocal opposition from many Daintree Village residents.
Submissions were made by both Village locals and residents from the surrounding area such as Bamboo and Wonga Beach.
Names and addresses on the submissions, which are available for public viewing on the DSC website, have been redacted.
One Rural Fire Brigade and Daintree Village Disaster Response member was concerned about flooding.
“I have looked at the flood overlay which is included in this application and note that it is drawn up prior to the most recent floods,” the submission states.
“The January 2019 and December 2023 floods both exceeded the overlay by at least 2 to 3 metres.
“The 1 in 100 year flood data is no longer a reliable indicator, especially as we are effected by climate change.”
In contrast, a Julaywarra Traditional Owner from Bamboo backed the development.
“I strongly support the proposal to develop the property to provide training for young people through an intensive On Country program as well as creating employment for Kuku Yalanji Bama,” they stated.
“As a former Aboriginal Reserve it was home to several of our families, including my [REDACTED] family, and has great cultural significance to us.”
“The proposed development is critical social infrastructure that is much needed in the Douglas Shire Council.”
The submissions against the development follow a large group of Daintree Village residents employing an independent town planner to examine the plans and help form a joint response.
The submissions were made following a community meeting held by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, which chief executive Josh Paterson said had “alleviated many of the locals’ concerns”.
Mr Patterson also said: “The development will have nothing but positive impacts on the Daintree community.”
Plans for the Daintree River Station development submitted to the council show up to 17 buildings to house students and staff on a 200ha parcel of land on the Daintree River directly across from the Village.
Deadlines for submissions in regards to the development closed on January 24.
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