The Future of Babinda

Monday, 28 February 2011 07:51

The announcement of the closure of Babinda sugar mill and the loss of 50 jobs was a shock to Babinda residents still overcoming the fear created by the looming Cyclone Yasi, and with memories of the Cyclone Larry destruction still clear in many people's minds, Council moved quickly to consider how we might help this unique community to move into the future and to explore other opportunities. Our small economic development unit will take a lead in working with community and business leaders and staff from the Planning and Environment Department will work on a local area plan which will move to "re-zone" the mill land and look at both commercial and public use opportunities. Back in the 1990's a visit and a community workshop with small-town economic development guru, Peter Kenyon, inspired people to look at how they could work towards a desired future and initiatives like the establishment of the Babinda Taskforce - still going strong - commenced. I give my commitment to the people of the Babinda area to do all Council can to ensure that your town survives and thrives.