Extension rejected

We have been through the processes to get an extension on the EIS public review time. 

This application was rejected.

As mark highlights - 6 weeks is not enough time! So we have to get to  work now and do what we can.

AQUIS AWARE: Mark Buttrose has concerns about Aquis

The Aquis Aware Coalition of Concerned Citizens’ spokesman Mark Buttrose said the group condemned the State Government’s community engagement process.

He said the six-week period­ was “impossibly short” and made “a sham of the consultation process as far as the wider community was concerned”.

“The Cairns community has just six weeks to respond to the EIS which has taken 42 consultants more than 12 months to complete and which comprises 27 chapters and 23 appendices totalling 3723 pages,’’ Mr Buttrose said.

“It is patently absurd that the Government expects individuals or citizen organisations like ours, with no financial resources to provide a comprehensive documented response to this EIS in a professional manner in a mere six weeks,’’ he said.

“The Aquis proposal is the largest single tourism development ever proposed in Australia with the capacity to change the character of Cairns forever and its impact must be taken very seriously.

“However, it seems that the Government has already made up its mind to approve Aquis and it just going through this sham process of community engagement­ because it is required­ by the Coordinator General.”

Mr Buttrose said Aquis Aware formally requested the Coordinator General extend the period for submissions to 12 weeks.

“If the Government and the Coordinator General are serious and responsible about making the best possible­ decision about the EIS and Aquis then they should immediately agree to an extension of time for submissions.”

Aquis Aware also questions the impartiality of the community engagement process.

Mr Buttrose said Aquis Aware wanted an independent respected organisation such as James Cook University to be commissioned to review the EIS.

Footnote: I have just texted a message to the Attorney General and asked him to pass on a request for an 8 week period.

Hopefully I will hear something tomorrow.