Cairns Institute Seminar Series…

Development in the Tropics: Supporting Regional Planning

Presented by Mitchell Sheppard

05 May 2022 | 12.00 – 1.00pm | Cairns D3-054 & Townsville 17-101

Zoom: jcu.zoom.us/j/89316118413?pwd=NFcxZk9WUnZlS1NTYko2azdUVXM3UT09 |PW: 286724

^{Policies for developing northern Australia are high profile and receive significant funding. However, research conducted by the CRCNA has shown that developers, landholders and communities are frustrated with the current development assessment and approval process. Yet, Australia’s biodiversity continues to decline and cumulative impacts are not adequately managed as highlighted by the Samuels Review of the EPBC Act. Moreover, the north’s Traditional Owners are concerned that current approaches to development does not positively protect cultural heritage, nor enable Indigenous participation in diverse economic development interests in the landscape. The National Environmental Science Program’s Marine and Coastal Hub has provided funding to the Cairns Institute to undertake a scoping study into ‘Supporting Regional Planning in Northern Australia’. This project aims to make a positive contribution to easing the contested landscape by exploring the potential of new approaches and improved practices for regional planning across the north. Our seminar presentation will explore our approach to achieving better environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes for the north through the impact and engagement of our research.}