The Council-owned block of land in the Daintree is back in discussions this week after Council voted to rescind a previously approved motion from February 2020, regarding a concept plan for the 374-hectare parcel of land.

Lot 83, Cape Tribulation Rd, located about 1km north of the northern banks of the Daintree Ferry crossing, was purchased for $725,000 in October last year to expand Council’s environmental initiatives.

At the time, community opinion was divided about the purchase of the block with many saying they felt there had not been enough community consultation. 

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In moving the motion to rescind the previous motion, Mayor Michael Kerr said: “This will be the last step in reversing what I believe was some of the most community dividing decisions that were made by the previous council.”

Council will now take the decision about the best way to manage Council’s carbon footprint back to the public as well as address ratepayer confusion about carbon offsetting during comprehensive consultation later this year.

Mayor Kerr said the time for a frank and open discussion about Council’s role in mitigating the impacts of climate change was now.

“Council is elected to be the voice for local ratepayers and must establish a climate emissions policy based on the needs, concerns and opinions of all,” he said.