Friends of the Earth FNQ is concerned about plans to construct a commercial cattery for up to 30 cats in the Kuranda region.

This is planned for Top of the Range, a densely rainforested area to the east of Kuranda on a small block in a rural residential area. This area is rich in wildlife with cassowaries often being seen!

ACT NOW! The time left to act is short.

Please send in a submission objecting to this application by Wednesday 2nd February 2022.

Feel free to copy and paste any or all of the sample submission below. If you have time to write your concerns in your own words, that will be even more powerful.

If you would like to write a more detailed submission, you can see Friends of the Earth FNQ's group submission here

A full copy of the cattery development application to council can be found here.

You will need to:

• Put the development permit application details at the top of your submission and in the subject line of your email ( MCU/21/0022 Application for a Development Permit for Material Change of Use).

•  Address it to the assessment manager.

• Include the date plus your name & residential address (no postal box details will be accepted). 

• If sent by email, no signature is needed. If posted or handed in, it will need to be signed.

• Email to [email protected]

You may like to copy it to:

• The Mayor and councillors

• The local Queensland member Craig Crawford email: [email protected]

• Dr Steven Miles Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure: 7 Oct 2021 email: [email protected]

Sample submission:

To the assessment manager:

Submission: MCU/21/0022 Application for a Development Permit for Material Change of Use

Animal Keeping (Cattery) 7 Victor Place/ Kuranda Lot 11 on RP861072 Mareeba Shire Council Planning Scheme 2016

I oppose this application for a development permit for a cattery for up to 30 cats and ask for it to refused on the grounds:

• The application is incomplete and fails to address the environmental significance overlay in the Mareeba Shire Council's planning scheme with no required ecological assessment report being submitted.

• It would pose an unacceptable disease risk to both humans and wildlife through potential contamination of soil and water with cat diseases such as toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis parasites can persist in moist soil and water for up to a year and can be dispersed in the air.

• It would impact on the amenity of the area due to increased traffic noise plus the smell and noise of 30 cats, many of whom might be complaining vocally about being separated from their owners.

• It is an unacceptable use of a small rural residential block in a quiet cul de sac in a wildlife habitat area.

Name:

Address: ( not postal box)

Date:

Here is a copy of the group submission recently sent in by Friends of the Earth Far North Queensland to Mareeba Shire Council about the proposed cattery in the rainforest. Feel free to use any of the points and text below in your own submission.

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