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The Cape York Peninsula Development Association Inc. (CYPDA) was formed in 1987 with the prime function of advising the then Minister for Northern Development on pertinent issues affecting the future of this vast and sparsely populated region of Far North Queensland.
In 2007 the CYPDA provides an open forum for economic and community development through debate and direct involvement while influencing policy and decision making on matters relevant to Cape York Peninsula.
In 2006 CYPDA was appointed as interim service provider for Natural Heritage Trust funded projects administered through the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water; an arrangement that is in place until June 2008.
The Cape York Peninsula Development Association Inc. (CYPDA) exists to enhance the quality of life of the people of Cape York Peninsula through achieving environmental, economic and social development aspirations.
CYPDA is recognised as the largest membership based organisation on the peninsula with members drawn from small business, pastoral, agricultural and tourism industries along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and local, state and federal government departments and agencies. CYPDA is the only organisation on Cape York Peninsula to which all residents of the area can belong.
Becoming a member of CYPDA gives you a voice in determining Cape York Peninsula’s quality of life today and future development.
Membership Fees: Personal $25.00 Corporate $150.00
How to become a member
CYPDA's priorities are based on the expressed needs of Cape York communities, organisations and businesses and aim to enhance the quality of life of the people of Cape York Peninsula through economic and community development.
The key issues are identified as such:
Supporting the concept of reconciliation between all groups in Cape York Peninsula
CYPDA recognises that sustainable regional development is contingent upon:
In facilitating regional development in Cape York Peninsula, the association also recognises the inseparable link between economic and social/cultural [community] development on the one hand, and the sustainable use [and protection] of the region’s natural assets and resources.
Strategic Plan (pdf)
CYPDA is funded by the Queensland Department of Tourism, Regional Development & Industry and the Australian Government Department of Environment and Water Resources - Natural Heritage Trust funding, which is administered in Queensland by the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW).
The day to day operations of the CYPDA are supervised by a Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, a number of Project Coordinators are employed to manage the various State and Australian government programs; whilst a Business Manager is responsible for administrative support. To ensure the the CYPDA management operate in the best interests of its members and the communities it represents, an up-to-date Strategic Plan focuses on the organisation’s priorities and maintains its principle mission and objectives. To achieve its strategic goals the CYPDA has entered into a number of projects.
The CYPDA continues to promote the development of important infrastructure in Cape York Peninsula. It recognises the upgrade to full bitumen standard of the Peninsula Development Road as the single most important infrastructure project for the region. The CYPDA continuously raises the need, in every possible forum, for improved infrastructure for Cape York Peninsula including power, roads and communication. There is unanimous acceptance that regional development cannot occur without the necessary infrastructure being in place.
Cape York Peninsula is a peopled wilderness offering a diversity of culture, language, environment and lifestyles that make it a truly unique place to visit. The Cape holds international significance for its conservation and tourism values being biologically the richest and least disturbed of the few large sparsely peopled areas left on the Australian continent. It therefore provides both an important insight into the evolutionary history of Australia and is nationally a key area for wilderness, heath land, rainforest, riparian and wetland conservation. CYPDA supports the development of an action plan for tourism in Cape York Peninsula and is working with regional and state tourism bodies to ensure that visitors to Cape York Peninsula are well-informed about the range of services and attractions on offer.
The Association aims to support other economic development organisations (EDO's) or groups in attaining their goals within Cape York Peninsula. CYPDA officers have provided support in the formation and operation of other groups including the Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Peninsula Cattleman's Association and the Indigenous Tourism Network Bamanga Wawu-Wi Ghurrbi. Past undertakings have included facilitating the establishment of the Cape York Peninsula Live Export Group and assisting it through its incorporation process, coordinating the feasibility study for a meat processing facility in Weipa and a vehicle wash bay facility to prevent the spread of weeds from southern Australia.
CYPDA operates with a Management Committee of twelve members representing the major interest sectors - primary production, local government, tourism and community. Elections are held bi-annually and the positions of President, Vice-President and Treasurer are elected by the committee for two-year terms.