This six-week Plan, finalised in October 2014, was prepared for the Environmental Defenders Office of Northern Queensland (EDO NQ). It aims to communicate to EDO NQ and other interested parties the potential for a Communication Tool to reach the key decision-makers listed in the Plan. Its objective is to raise awareness of the important contribution the Cairns Central Business District (CBD) spectacled flying-fox (SFF) (Pteropus conspicillatus) camp makes towards Cairns’ ‘green’ image and the associated potential for bat eco-tourism/education (statement of purpose). As will be explained, the emphasis is on Cairns’ green image and eco-tourism/education rather than ecological factors.
Table of Contents
Targeted Audience and Statement of Purpose
Desired Outcome
Key Terms
Current Situation
Background to, and Rationale for, the Plan
Planning Process
Table of Strategies and Actions
Monitoring and Evaluation
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This communication plan aims to shift the discourse surrounding the Cairns Central Business District spectacled flying-fox camp from purely ecological concerns to economic opportunities, specifically focusing on the potential for eco-tourism and environmental education to persuade key decision-makers to retain the camp's habitat.
- Economic valorization of the flying-fox camp as a tourism asset.
- Strategic communication to influence key decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Protection of urban wildlife habitat against dispersal efforts.
- Leveraging public interest and green image for conservation.
- Proposal of a "Communication Tool" via a live presentation format.
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Background to, and Rationale for, the Plan
The Cairns CBD SFF camp has been used by this species for at least 35 years (Wild, 2012). However, in recent years the SFF population has allegedly increased, and concerns have been raised about noise, smell, bat faeces, and the spread of disease. The camp is located over two CRC Division 5 city blocks (see Fig. 4) bounded by Florence St (north-west), Abbott St (north-east) Lake St (south-west) and the Cairns City Library and adjacent buildings (red arrow). The Novotel Oasis Resort (orange arrow) is within the site. The block on which the resort is situated was once occupied by a primary school, and it is understood some of the (now large) trees were planted many years ago by school children on Arbor Day and when the Oasis was built these trees had to remain.
Land containing the temporary car park to the west of the orange arrow has recently been sold, and an aquarium is planned for this site. The aquarium owners have indicated they plan to retain the existing large trees (an outlying part of the flying-fox camp) and include bat tourism in the complex, with a window looking out to the vegetation and wildlife (Parsons, 2013).
Chapter Summary
Targeted Audience and Statement of Purpose: This chapter defines the scope of the communication plan, which intends to highlight the potential for eco-tourism and education provided by the spectacled flying-fox camp in Cairns.
Desired Outcome: This section outlines the long-term goal of preserving the flying-fox camp by maintaining existing large trees and capitalizing on the animals' tourism value.
Key Terms: This list provides definitions for essential acronyms and terminology used throughout the document, such as CBD, SFF, and various stakeholder organizations.
Current Situation: This chapter describes the existing state of affairs regarding the camp, noting the lack of targeted communication toward decision-makers and the nursery function of the site.
Background to, and Rationale for, the Plan: This section provides the historical context of the camp, details current threats from development, and explains why previous ecological messaging has been insufficient.
Planning Process: This chapter provides a visual representation and overview of the strategic steps taken to design the communication plan.
Table of Strategies and Actions: This table lays out the specific objectives, key messages, and a timeline for implementing the proposed communication strategy.
Monitoring and Evaluation: This section details how the success of the plan will be measured, emphasizing the use of key decision-maker engagement as a metric.
Conclusion: This final section summarizes the intent of the plan as a stepping stone toward a broader, long-term conservation strategy involving public-private partnerships.
Keywords
Cairns, spectacled flying-fox, SFF, eco-tourism, environmental education, conservation, communication plan, urban wildlife, habitat retention, Cairns Regional Council, Pteropus conspicillatus, biodiversity, tourism development, economic strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of this communication plan?
The plan aims to persuade key decision-makers to stop efforts to disperse the Cairns CBD spectacled flying-fox camp and instead preserve it for its potential in eco-tourism and education.
Why is the author shifting from an ecological to an economic argument?
The author argues that previous ecological messaging has failed to influence decision-makers, suggesting that framing the camp as an economic asset for tourism is a more effective strategy.
Who are the key decision-makers targeted by this plan?
The plan targets local, state, and federal representatives, as well as the Cairns Regional Council (CRC) and leaders of major business and tourism organizations.
What scientific method or strategy is being proposed?
The plan utilizes a "Communication Tool," which is a 20-minute live presentation using PowerPoint to directly engage stakeholders and decision-makers in a single forum.
What is the significance of the "Novotel Land"?
The Novotel Land is a critical part of the camp's habitat, and the plan suggests using this site for a proposed spectacled flying-fox Interpretative Centre.
How does the plan handle the negative public perception of bats?
The plan incorporates key messages to address misconceptions, highlighting that flying-foxes are intelligent, essential pollinators, and generally not dangerous unless handled.
What is the "half-year window of opportunity" mentioned?
This refers to the time until May 2015, when tree felling is permitted, providing a window to legally or strategically challenge the decision to remove the trees.
How is the success of this communication plan evaluated?
Success is monitored by tracking the number of positive responses from decision-makers, their attendance at the proposed presentation, and their engagement during the event.
- Citation du texte
- Frank Pagram (Auteur), 2014, A Plan for the Cairns CBD Spectacled Flying-Fox Camp. Its Potential for Eco-Tourism and Education, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/301740
