General News
14 October, 2026
Input invited into new look
LOCAL business owners and residents are being invited to take a direct seat at the table as Cassowary Coast Regional Council establishes a dedicated stakeholder reference group to guide the detailed design phase of the Innisfail CBD revitalisation.
At its September meeting, council formally endorsed the group’s creation and adopted its terms of reference.
The move marks a crucial shift in the project’s rollout, transitioning from broad concept master planning into practical design development for key town precincts, including ANZAC Memorial Park, Waterfront South and Fitzgerald Esplanade.
The newly-formed reference group is designed to build on the extensive public engagement undertaken during the preparation of the 2023 master plan.
But as chief executive officer Andrew Graffen explained in his report to council, the focus must now sharpen on the operational and physical realities of the town centre.
“Detailed design is the appropriate point to re-engage a focused stakeholder group,” Mr Graffen stated in the report.
“The design process will need to reconcile community aspirations with technical, environmental, heritage, marine, servicing, operational, maintenance, safety, accessibility, affordability and approval requirements.”
Rather than operating as a general discussion forum, the reference group will tackle project interfaces, heritage and cultural values, marine and recreational usage, servicing constraints, and potential impacts on local traders.
Mr Graffen noted that getting early input from affected user groups and statutory agencies is vital to “reduce redesign risk and improve the quality and community acceptance of the final design.”
To reflect the diverse interests across the township, membership will include Traditional Owners represented by Mamu RNTBC, key government agencies like Maritime Safety Queensland and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, alongside Ergon Energy, the Innisfail Historical Society, the RSL, Rotary, Lions, and youth, fishing and marine representatives.
To ensure grass-roots voices are fully represented, council is opening four seats directly to the public through an expression of interest (EOI) process, seeking two local business owners and two community representatives.
A council economic leadership committee member will chair the meetings, supported by council officers and project consultants.
While the panel will act in an advisory capacity and will not replace council’s statutory decision-making or financial responsibilities, its feedback will directly inform how Innisfail’s streetscapes and public spaces take shape.
Nominations for organisational delegates and the open EOI process for business and community representatives are expected to open shortly, with broader public consultation planned at future design stages.
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