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ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Mission: To represent the people of the Douglas Shire in preserving and conserving the
world heritage values of the Douglas Shire, while supporting ecologically sustainable
development in the region.
Douglas Shire Sustainability Group
PO Box 762 Mossman Qld 4873
www.dssg.org.au
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
President’s Report ___________________________________________________________ 1
Financial Statements ________________________________________________________ 11
Contact Information ________________________________________________________ 13
Association Information _____________________________________________________ 13
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 1
President’s report
Thanks to all members and our Committee for 2017. This year’s report covers the period 1 December 2017 to 1 November 2018, noting that the financial reports cover the financial year which ends on 30 September 2018 per the Constitution.
STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS
Our significant projects in 2018 were:
Pursuing implementation of election commitments by elected members of Douglas
Shire Council.
Establishing the Daintree Campaign, in the face of several threats.
Organising a project to deal with growing numbers of Myna Birds in the Shire.
We also made the following submissions to Douglas Shire Council:
Local Laws review
Proposals to upgrade Macrossan and Warner Streets
Proposal for Waterfront South Precinct
Daintree Ferry contract
We wrote to Douglas Shire Council on several other issues, including:
Requesting greater enforcement of dogs roaming in Daintree Coast area.
Opposing the inclusion of ‘investigation areas’ in the final Planning Scheme.
Diggers Bridge, urging greater community consultation.
We also wrote to the Minister for Natural Resources, Mining and Environment regarding
logging in Daintree, and regarding renewable power solutions for Daintree.
We wrote several letters to the editors of the Port Douglas Mossman Gazette and Cairns Post
re Daintree issues including proposals to build a bridge and re power options.
DSSG Strategic Areas 2018
DSSG adopted three strategies for the 2018 calendar year. Below is a summary of activity in
advance of those strategies.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 2
“Daintree Environment Protection”
The DSSG obtained commitment from candidates during the Douglas Shire Council election
campaign in March 2016, to provide increased support for conservation on the Daintree
Coast, specifically:
a. renewing and managing the Daintree Landholder Information Kit,
b. development (with input from community, National Parks, Wet Tropics
Management Authority and Traditional Owners) and publication of an
environmental priority plan, and
c. effective weed and pest control (including pigs)
DSSG will continue to work with and support other groups working in the Daintree.
Progress for 2018:
DSSG has been represented by Mike Berwick on the Daintree Joint Management Group
(DJMG), which includes representatives from all relevant government agencies, Douglas Shire
Council, Terrain and Jabalbinna Aboriginal Corporation. The DJMG has agreed to progress two
of our initiatives – the Daintree Landholders Kit and the management and conservation plan.
In the face of threats to build a bridge across the Daintree River, pave the road north of Cape
Tribulation and build a power grid on Daintree Coast, DSSG has devised its Daintree
campaign, lobbied State and Federal parliamentarians, created a media presence, increased
our social media activity and created campaign partnerships. The campaign will continue into
2019.
The Douglas Shire Council Review of Local Laws released in September 2018, includes
mandatory de-sexing of dogs and cats, and the need for Council approval to breed dogs and
cats in the Douglas Shire. DSSG hopes this will assist with animal control, particularly in the
Daintree Coast where dogs and cats pose a significant threat to wildlife.
The Douglas Shire Council’s Operational Plan for 2018-19 includes a strategy to undertake a
concept, scoping and prefeasibility study, including potential partners, for a Cassowary
Research, Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre in the Daintree. DSSG supports this strategy and
will monitor the study.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 3
In November 2017 Council launched its Douglas Shire Biosecurity Management Plan and the
Douglas Shire Invasive Plants and Animals Surveillance Program.
DSSG continues to monitor the implementation and impact of these initiatives.
“Dickson Inlet and Port Douglas Waterfront Development”
DSSG will work through LMAC and DSC to improve water quality in Dickson Inlet and identify
and mitigate sources of pollution. DSSG will also contribute to ensuring that public access is
maintained in any Waterfront development plans, including for fishing fleet and the public.
Progress for 2018:
Douglas Shire Council committed to participate in regular water sampling at Dickson Inlet and
other sites. We look forward to the 2019 Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Report Card which
will include water quality scores for Dickson Inlet. We will look particularly at pesticides and
turbidity.
Douglas Shire Council has continued the action to remove wrecks from Dickson Inlet in its
2018/19 Operational Plan. DSSG attended a meeting of the War on Wrecks Taskforce, of
which Mayor Leu is the Deputy Chair, which was held in Port Douglas in September.
DSSG attended information sessions and made submission to Douglas Shire Council on its
Port Douglas Waterfront South Precinct Plan. Our concerns included removal of mangroves
and increase in hard stand parking.
DSSG will continue to monitor the development of the Waterfront at Port Douglas with a view
to influencing maximum public access.
“Protecting the Reef”
DSSG will encourage DSC to take a lead role in protecting the Reef, and will undertake projects
to assist with community awareness.
DSSG obtained commitment from candidates during the Douglas Shire Council election
campaign in March 2016, to developing a program to work with all stakeholders (including
farmers, the urban community and developers) to minimise pollutant and litter export to the
GBR lagoon.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 4
We also obtained a commitment to pursue a zero Green House Gas (GHG) emissions target for
Douglas Shire, through development of a policy including audits of Council activities.
Progress for 2018:
DSSG has had some success influencing climate change strategies for Douglas Shire Council.
In 2017, Douglas Shire Council committed to calculating a carbon footprint baseline for
Council’s operations. This is the first step in setting an emissions target.
In 2017 Council released its sustainability strategy. Sustainability actions undertaken in
accordance with the strategy including the calculation of Council’s 2017/18 carbon footprint,
the investigation into potential carbon reduction opportunities and the development of a
framework for a State of the Environment report
Council completed The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy stages 1-5 and stages 6-8 have
commenced. The Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy address coastal climate change
projections up until 2100.
DSSG reviewed Council’s new Local Laws, and noted that approval for a ‘prescribed activity’
requires compliance with Council’s Sustainability Principles, however this does not apply to
markets or entertainment events. We continue to lobby for a sustainable events strategy for
events and markets held in the Douglas Shire.
Douglas Shire Council has partnered with community organisations to conduct six drain
stenciling events in conjunction with an awareness raising campaign about the impact of litter
and land run-off on waterways and the Great Barrier Reef. DSSG has lobbied for drain
stenciling in the Shire and commends this action.
Other activities
In 2017, DSSG has maintained relationships with Terrain NRM, Rainforest Rescue, Queensland
Conservation Council, Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee, Cairns and Far North
Environment Centre, Environmental Defenders Office, Douglas Shire Council, Plastic Free
Douglas, Tangaroa Blue, Whyanbeel community group, Stop Adani Douglas Shire, Rainforest
Trust, GBR Legacy and Boomerang Bags Douglas Shire. We have recently developed links with
Kuranda environment group and Daintree Life. We support the Douglas Eco Centre.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 5
This year, DSSG has worked with Whyanbeel community group on Whyanbeel Creek
Remediation project, completing the project which was supported by a grant from Terrain
which DSSG auspiced.
DSSG was represented on the Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee by Didge McDonald.
Didge attended three meetings in 2018, discussing issues such as water quality at Dickson
Inlet, Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority Long Term Sustainability Plan, and Wonga Beach
wetland rehabilitation project.
DSSG is represented by Roisin Allen in implementation of the Douglas Shire Economic
Development Strategy.
DSSG Strategic Areas 2019
DSSG will continue to work on the existing three strategic areas, and will canvas members for
further areas of focus.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Committee has reconciled and organized all finances and established separate operating
accounts for grants it has auspiced. The organization has obtained income from
administration of auspiced projects and membership dues.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
The Committee elected in December 2017, comprised the following:
President: Didge McDonald, Secretary: Laurene Hull, Treasurer: Carolyn Toohey, Members:
Roisin Allen and Mike Berwick. Bill Wilkie was subsequently seconded to the Committee but
has since resigned. The committee has met ten times in 2018, including three meetings via
electronic means. We have reviewed our web site and continued a strong social media
presence. We have maintained our membership base.
It was not necessary to engage an external auditor this year as our income levels did not
require external audit.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 6
LOOKING AHEAD
In 2019, DSSG aims to increase membership across the Shire area, and develop community
relationships further.
DSSG will advance our three strategic areas and continue to lobby governments in advance of
our mission. We will continue our participation in consultative groups such as Local Marine
Advisory Committee and Douglas Shire Economic Development Strategy.
We will seek to consult with members and encourage their involvement in all activities.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 7
In 2016 DSSG surveyed all candidates for election to Douglas Shire Council. Below is the responses made by
those candidates who were elected. During 2016, 2017 and 2018 DSSG has lobbied Council members to fulfill
their election commitments. Although we can say that progress is being made on many of these areas, we have
focused this year on the Council’s contribution to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree – areas 1, 3
and 4a), 4b) and 4c) above. While recognizing the constraints faced by Council, DSSG is of the view more can and
should be done to meet the commitments made by individuals during the election campaign.
DSSG will continue to lobby Douglas Shire Council to keep its commitments.
The relevant survey questions were:
1. Will you commit to a zero Green House Gas (GHG) emissions target for Douglas Shire? (The Paris agreement would
require the world to achieve zero net GHG emissions by 2050)
3. Will you support Douglas Shire Council developing a program to work with all stakeholders (including farmers,
the urban community and developers) to minimise pollutant and litter export to the GBR lagoon? (The
Australian/state government’s long term plan for the GBR commits to an 80% reduction in Nitrogen and farm chemicals and a 50%
reduction in sediment discharge to the reef, the targets considered necessary to reverse the current decline).
4. Will you support increased support for conservation on the Daintree Coast; specifically:
a. renewing and managing the Daintree Landholder Information Kit,
b. development (with input from community, National Parks, Wet Tropics Management Authority and
Traditional Owners) and publication of an environmental priority plan,
c. effective weed and pest control (including pigs)
candidate Q1- zero green house gas
Q2 – maintain existing urban footprint
Q3 – minimise pollution of the Reef
Q4 a –Daintree Landholder Kit
Q4 b – Daintree environmental plan
Q4 c – weed and pest control in Daintree
Q5 – Plastic Bag Free Shire by 2020
Q6 – sustainable events policy
Julia Leu
Michael Kerr
Abigail Noli
Roy Zammataro
David Carey
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 8
Mayor Julia Lue presents Roisin Allen with 2018 Douglas Shire Council Environmental Achievement
Award, Australia Day 2018.
Roisin Allen wins Australia Day Environmental Achievement Award 2018
We are very proud of our founding member and current Committee member Roisin Allen, who
won the Douglas Shire Council Australia Day Award this year. Roisin has a long commitment to
environmental protection and sustainability in Douglas Shire. Aside from her contribution to
DSSG management, Roisin has personally driven specific projects, including in 2015 (and
previous years) the DSSG Great Northern Clean Up, in 2016 - fundraising for Rainforest Rescue
(the Chris Bennet memorial), in 2017- organising the Coral not Coal beach day; and in 2018 -
establishing the Myna Bird trapping project.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 9
Drain Stencilling in Douglas Shire
2018. DSSG was a founding member
of Keep Paradise Plastic Free and an
advocate of drain stencilling.
DSSG President Didge McDonald and Secretary Laurene Hull presented on current
environmental issues to the “Call of the Running Tide” environmental art project, Port
Douglas October 2018.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 10
Myna Bird trapping project 2018 – 30 people registered to participate and 10 traps built to date.
Thanks to Mossman Men’s Shed for assistance.
Chris Kurth purchasing a trap from Mal Graham (Mossman
Men’s Shed)
Members attending “Coral not Coal’ event, Mossman Markets April 2018
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 11
Written Statement re Financial Report
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 12
DOUGLAS SHIRE SUSTAINABILITY GROUP INC.
DETAILED PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
NOTE 2018 2017
GENERAL ACCOUNT - SALES & RECEIPTS
Interest 19.72 7.21
Membership 510 370
Donations & Fundraising 571.8 50
Income 0 5280
Total 1101.52 5707.21
GENERAL ACCOUNT - EXPENSES
Accounting & Audit 200 931.7
Advertising 80.94 231.92
Bank Charges 24.75 26.7
Beverages 0 0
General Expenses 1301.39 2027
Subscriptions / Memberships 0 33
Total 1607.08 3250.32
NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) -505.56 2456.89
DAINTREE LANDHOLDERS - SALES & RECEIPTS
Grants earned 0
Donation 0
DAINTREE LANDHOLDERS - EXPENSES 0 0
Landholder Kit
NET FUNDS GAINED (EXPENDED) 0 0
GRANT PROJECT - WHYANBEEL CREEK REMEDIATION
SALES & RECEIPTS
Grants earned 11128 30273
Total 11128 30273
EXPENSES
Remediation 23961.3 18280
Total 23961.3 18280
NET FUNDS GAINED (EXPENDED) -12833.3 11993
TOTAL OPERATING SURPLUS (DEFICIT) AFTER TAX 23455.74 20736.89
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 13
Contact Information
DIDGE MCDONALD PRESIDENT
LAURENE HULL SECRETARY
CAROLYN TOOHEY
TREASURER
Tel: 0418852545
Tel: 0401119778
Tel: 0401 562 344
Association Information
Douglas Shire Sustainability Group
PO Box 762 Mossman 4873
www.dssg.org.au