AFL Cape York Academy
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Academy Proposal Approved by Council
Updated 23.10.09
AFL Cape York is pleased to announce that the AFL Cape York Sports Academy proposal was approved by Cairns Regional Council at a full Council meeting held 23 September 2009. Conditions attaching to the student accomodation component were subsequently approved at a meeting of the Planning and Environment committee held 14 October 2009.
Whilst Council planners had recommended a refusal of the accomodation component, the Council led by Cr Alan Blake and supported by Councillors Cochrane, Leu, Pyne, Gregory, Cooper, Bonneau and Mayor Val Schier voted in favour of the application, with Councillors Lanskey, Lesina and Forsyth voting against.
With the Council approval now secured, steps are being taken to obtain the next set of approvals required in order to begin operational works to convert the former rugby field to an AFL oval and to begin constuction of the academy buildings. The operational works are expected to commence as soon as the operational works permit is obtained, whilst building works will be likely to commence during 2010.
Academy Proposal Crosses First Hurdle
Updated 24.06.09
The Risk Assessment Report commissioned by AFL Cape York has confirmed our belief that there is little, if any, risk posed by the BOC Gas Facility next door to the Academy site. The report concludes that the only requirements arising from the proposed development is the erection of a solid wall along part of the boundary or the establishment of a 6 metre exclusion zone. The exclusion area is situated well away from the proposed academy buildings.
The requirements of an Information Request issued by Council have been addressed and it is expected that the Council will now proceed with the processing of the planning application.
Updated 03.04.09
The development application has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council and indicators are that the application should take 2-3 months to process.
The Council has issued an acknowledgement notice confirming receipt of the application and outlining additional matters which need to be addressed before it is presented to the Councillors for a decision. As part of the process a risk assessment will be carried out so as to satisfy the Council that the use of adjoining property will not pose a risk to users of the property once the academy is developed and operational.
AFL Cape York has commenced using the playing field for training purposes and has sought quotes for upgrading the irrigation system and top-Sdressing the playing surface. AFL goal posts will be installed as soon as Council approval is given.
The proposal continues to have the support of the Indigenous Coordination Centre in Cairns, for which AFL Cape York is extremely grateful.
Updated 18.8.08
The public consultation phase for the proposed use of the Buchan Street site has been carried out and Cairns Regional Council remains supportive of the proposed use. The public consultation report submitted to the Department of Natural Resources and Water by the Council has been accepted by the Department, which now clears the way for the town planning phase to commence.
AFL Cape York has engaged consultants to prepare and submit the development application to the Council.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin recently visited the site and met with representatives of AFL Cape York and pledged her support for the project which will, when fully operational, provide educational and vocational training support plus on-site accommodation for up to 50 indigenous youth from remote communities.
AFL Cape York Academy AFL Cape York proposes the establishment of an AFL Academy for children from remote and disadvantaged Communities of Cape York, Torres Strait Islands and Gulf Regions.
Kickstart participants will be offered scholarships to attend the Academy with the purpose of creating greater lifestyle opportunities, further educational benefits and a sense of belonging. AFL Cape York are presently in discussions with Cairns City Council and Dept of Natural Resources and Water in relation to a preferred site on Buchan Street Cairns. Further information will come through on outcomes of discussions with the above organizations.
State Government to Help Establish Cairns Football Hostel
The proposed AFL training hostel for indigenous students in Cairns has moved a step closer with the Bligh Government gazetting a 2.8 hectare site for sport and recreation purposes. Previously, the Buchan Street site had been gazetted as parkland.
Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the gazetting was a significant step in transforming the site into a specialist student hostel. "All parties are working together to make this happen. It will be a great facility for the students as well as a wonderful asset for Cairns city," Mr Wallace said.
"Not to mention the future AFL stars we discover from the Cape and Far North."
Mr Wallace said the change in purpose of the reserve meant the council could now develop a Land Management Plan which would include a formal proposal for the hostel as a secondary use for the site.
"After my department reviews this plan, council will then put the plan out to public consultation, giving the community the chance to have their say on the hostel proposal."
Mr Wallace said a timeframe was still to be determined, but all stakeholders were working to finalise the proposal as soon as possible.
The Queensland Government is working with AFL Cape York and Cairns City Council transform the former rugby union field in Buchan Street into the specialist AFL training hostel.
The old rugby field, which is currently under the control of Cairns City Council as trustee, will be transformed into an AFL ground complete with a student accommodation block on the site of the old clubhouse.
"The hostel is designed to help high-school aged indigenous youth from remote communities train in their sport, but also learn valuable life skills," Mr Wallace said.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said he was pleased to see the project progressing strongly towards becoming a reality.
"This project had my wholehearted support in my former role as Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships," Mr Pitt said.
"It's a great concept, and it's going to be a tremendous facility I'm sure. Minister Craig Wallace also has been a staunch supporter of this proposed AFL training hostel, and I know he is committed to bringing the project to fruition."
AFL Cape York development manager Rick Hanlon said the hostel would provide the opportunity for up to 20 high school-aged youth to receive an education in local schools.
"Football is the vehicle to attract youth to this hostel, however, we also aim to give them a good education, as well as teach them valuable community skills such as cooking, and maintaining the grounds," Mr Hanlon said.
"The site is handy to schools and local businesses, and we are keen to work with all stakeholders to provide work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for our youth.
"I'd like to thank Craig Wallace and the Department of Natural Resources for their support of our proposal. They have indicated they will offer us a 30-year lease on the site instead of the usual 20-year lease, which shows they are committed to the indigenous youth of North Queensland."