Deficiencies in Existing Data

The demographic data in this chapter is drawn from the 1996 census, and is thus 4-5 years old. This data should be updated as soon as the latest census information is available.

Recommendations

•   That an investigation commence into the quantity of crisis housing, supported accommodation and safe housing within three years of the publication of this report.
•   That an increase in medical specialist care be provided in the Shire. In particular, surgeons, psychiatrists, gynaecology and obstetrics, orthopaedics, and most importantly, an ear, nose and throat specialist.

•   That investigations be conducted into solutions to the management of specialised student and school support resources and services.
•   That investigations continue into alternative education pathways
•   That remedial action be implemented to alleviate the pressure on school organisational structures
•   Further promotion of social and support services available in the Shire and that this promotion needs to be responsive to the different multicultural groups in the Shire.
•   That the resources for services offered in the Shire be increased to cope with the current demand on these services.
•   That the services offered in the Shire are culturally sensitive and that training be provided to each service in the next three years.
•   That non-education based public transport be resourced and improved in the Shire.
•   That an annual cultural forum be held in the Shire to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects and establish a cultural register.
•   That a joint facility planning committee be established to address recreation in the Mission Beach area.
•   That unstructured youth recreational facilities be provided in the Shire. The construction of the skatepark be the first priority.
•   That awareness of training programs, services and facilities be increased to inform the community of available services
•   That industries in the Shire contact their Industries Training Advisory Board (ITAB) so that their needs are identified for future training programs.