View the 2005 State of the Shire Report
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The Web version of the State of the Shire Report is at low resolution to enable reasonable download times. Fine detail in some images and graphs may be difficult to make out. Contact Council to obtain a CD with a higher resolution version, or to order a printed copy. The State of the Shire Report is also available to loan from the Johnstone Council Library.
To download the Web version, simply right click on the chapter links above, and choose 'save target as'.
To download print resolution versions click here. These files are large, and this is not recommended unless there is time available.
State of the Environment Reporting
State of the environment reporting examines issues in the natural, built, social and economic environments through a Pressure-State-Response-Implications model and makes recommendations to improve sustainability of community assets. Council facilitates public and technical working groups to guide Council on triple bottom line reporting and striving to achieve a sustainable community.
Go to Previous State of the Shire Reports and Updates 
Summary of the Conclusions of the 2005 Report
Biodiversity
The Johnstone Shire is part of the Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland. It is home to a large but unknown number of flora and fauna species, a significant proportion of which are rare or threatened. Some key species are under significant conservation effort. The biodiversity of the area is subject to number of different types of threats, with protected areas sustaining large areas of ecosystems, but not including all ecosystem types equally.
Recommendations include further studies and description of the Shire’s biodiversity, restoration of strategic areas and ecosystem types, improved management of natural areas, continued species conservation efforts, control of introduced plants and animals, and reducing human impacts to natural ecosystems.
Land Management
Shire planning has determined appropriate locations for future development of land use in the Shire. Outside of natural areas, most of the Shire’s land use is for agriculture. Land management practices determine the sustainability of future production from soils, determine the costs of production, and determine the impact of agriculture to the Shire’s waterways and atmosphere. Nutrients, sediments, and pesticides are currently affecting the Shire’s waterways. Work to resolve this issue has progressed in recent years, with improved land management practices available, and being adopted over time by landholders. Economic pressures have had some impact upon the rate of adoption. Pest animals and plants are another issue affecting the productivity of land.
Recommendations include updating information to describe the various land uses in the Shire, controlling pests, and that landholders continue to adopt improved land management practices as they become available.
Water and Atmosphere
Ground, fresh, tidal, estuarine and coastal waters are valuable assets, contributing to the maintenance of many industries and natural resources. The Shire’s water bodies are shown to be affected by various types of pollution. Whilst overall water quality is reasonable, evidence suggests that our aquatic ecosystems are under pressure, and likely to be surviving at a suboptimal level. Water quantity can also be an issue in the dry season, with water extraction affecting some of the Shire’s smaller waterways.
Waste disposal and landfills are managed to best possible practice. The Innisfail sewage plant and sewage system presently release significant nutrients to the river and coastal waters. Energy usage and atmospheric pollution in the Shire contribute to widespread global effects.
Recommendations include establishing water monitoring to detect improvement or changes, managing water utilisation, improving sewage treatment, and reducing energy usage.
Community and Heritage
Significant factors affect the Shire’s community, including an aging population, migration of young adults, and a high level of socio-economic disadvantage. A lack of rental housing has become a recent issue. The Shire’s crime rates vary in comparison to Queensland averages. The community services offer support and have shifted to a proactive approach towards caring for the community.
The Shire is highly multicultural and also comprises a strong traditional owner community—some issues affect various cultural groups, disproportionate to their occurrence across the rest of the Shire’s population.
Awareness of heritage values in the Shire has grown. Cultural events have also flowered. Economic pressures still affect the prevalence of other cultural activity in the Shire. Recommendations include planning for an aging population, working to retain youth through training and providing improved entertainment and recreation, further supporting culture and heritage, and continuing support and improving access to help disadvantaged persons bridge the gap.
Economic Development
Economic and urban development in the shire is built upon agriculture, tourism and business industries. Agriculture has faced recent downturns, but there is some expansion in new directions and hope for the future. Tourism is the Shire’s best option to attract development, but this must be balanced with maintaining the integrity of the Shire’s attraction as filled with pristine natural wonders. It is expected that tourism will grow over ensuing years as a result of significant development currently in progress. Opportunity exists to expand the Shire’s manufacturing capabilities. Business in the Shire will benefit from information currently being collated. Economic development plans have been created to coordinate future directions.
Recommendations include streamlining and diversifying the agricultural industries, encouraging sustainable tourism development, seeking manufacturing opportunities, and collating improved business information.
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Download Print Quality Version State of the Shire 2005 (large files)
To download right click, and choose 'save target as'. You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files.
Previous State of the Shire Updates and 2000 Benchmark Report plus Web pages
State of the Shire Update 2003
State of the Shire Update 2002
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You will require Acrobat Reader to view the Update documents
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Preamble and Executive Summary
Message from the Mayor
A General Manager's Perspective
Executive Summary
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction
How the Report was Prepared
The Johnstone Shire - A Perspective
Chapter 2 - Biodiversity - Flora and Fauna
Flora and Fauna
Threats to Biodiversity Maintenance
Recommendations
Chapter 3 - Land Management
Land Management
River Catchments
Land Use
Cane and Banana Production
Urban Lands
Recommendations
Chapter 4 - Water and Atmospheric Management
Water Management
Water Composition
Coastal Water Quality
Recommendations
Chapter 5 - Solid Waste Management
Waste Initiatives
Wheelie Bin Survey
Waste Management Strategies
Recommendations
Chapter 6 - The Shire Community
The Shire Community
Health
Education
Higher Education
Family Support
Key Issues
Culture and Recreation
Recommendations
Chapter 7 - Economic Development
Sugar Production
Beef and Banana Production
Fruits and Forestry
Tourism and Events
Attractions and Events
Services, Employment and Transport
Recommendations
Chapter 8 - Council Activities
Council Activities
Sewerage
Waste, Roads and Drainage
Recommendations
Chapter 9 - Summary of Recommendations
Biodiversity and Land Management
Water and Atmospheric Management, Solid Waste Management and the Shire Community
Economic Development and Council Activities
Acknowledgements
Glossary
Download PDF's
This web site is only one component of the whole reporting process. Other information/documentation includes:
• Summary Paper
• Technical Papers
• Forum Abstracts
Or contact Johnstone Shire Council customer service on 07 4030 2222
Disclaimer for S o S report
Johnstone Shire Council has compiled this report in good faith using supplied information from its own and other sources. It does not accept responsibility for any inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by third parties and included in the report. No representation is made as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any particular purpose of the source material included. Readers should consult sources referred to and, where necessary, seek appropriate advice as to the suitability of the material for their needs.
Johnstone Shire Council is not bound by the recommendations which are included in the report, some of which come from the third party papers and community members. Johnstone Shire Council undertakes to seriously consider all recommendations for action or forwarding to relevant Government Agencies as appropriate.
