KURANDA — The Wet Tropics Management Authority is considering an application from the Department of Main Roads to downgrade the zoning of a high-conservation Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to accommodate the proposed Kuranda Range four-lane highway. The project is designed to increase traffic capacity in and around Kuranda.
Local environment groups argue that changing the zoning to suit demands of the day makes a farce of the zoning process and its foundations in ecological and conservation values. They have major concerns about the impact of both the road construction and further urbanisation on certain local animal and plant species.
The deadline for submissions is March 3. Send submissions to Zoning Map Amendments, WTMA, PO Box 2050, Cairns 4870 or email them to
<margaret.woodland@epa.qld.gov.au>. For further information phone Pat on (07) 4093 8509 or email <patdaly_1@hotmail.com>, or phone Sarah on (07) 4085 0054 or email <sarahisaacs@qldnet.com.au>.
Sarah Isaacs
From Green Left Weekly, March 1, 2006.
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