YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS S E P
0 2
|
2 0 2 2
EVENTS DRAW CROWDS TO DOUGLAS An exciting period of events in Douglas Shire continues when the Ultra Marathon and Gran Fondo Cycling Festival come to Port Douglas this month. About 500 competitors will race in the Cairns to Port Douglas Ultra Marathon this weekend, running through World Heritage rainforest down the Bump Track and along Four Mile Beach on Saturday and Sunday. It comes just weeks after Taste Port Douglas Food and Drink Festival, and the Reef-to-Reef Mountain bike event, which returned to the region for the first time since 2019 due to COVID-19 cancellations. The spotlight will again be on Douglas Shire when hundreds of cyclists arrive for the inaugural Port Douglas Gran Fondo Cycle Festival on September 10 to 11. This event will showcase some of the incredible scenery in the region as riders travel on the Great Barrier Reef Drive between Port Douglas and Palm Cove. READ MORE INSIDE.
THE CALL TO DO IT IN DOUGLAS INVESTORS will see Douglas Shire as the land of opportunity and prosperity under a new economic development initiative. Douglas Shire Council has released the first Douglas Shire Investment Prospectus to help take the region’s unique liveability, innovation, and sustainability credentials to the world. The 28-page document and webpage help Council pitch the region to forward-thinking investors, businesses, and high-skilled entrepreneurs. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said beyond the world’s best natural beauty, Douglas Shire is home to an exciting portfolio of innovative and game-changing projects. “There’s no better time to be a part of the dynamic business scene in the Douglas Shire,” he said. “As a region we are uniquely positioned between the world’s oldest living rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. “With a dedicated and talented pool of people as
the driving force, Douglas Shire is poised to become a leader in innovative regeneration projects on one hand, and the world’s leading sustainable tourism destination on the other.” “For example, in an Australian first, and with a dream-big vision, local cane growers bought back the Mossman Mill in 2019, and the Daintree Bio Precinct was born. “The precinct brings a unique opportunity for innovators to work closely with farmers to access an abundant supply of sugarcane to create sustainable food products and energy.” CocoNutZ Australia has set up a food processing facility next to the Mossman Mill to produce Kecap Manis, a sweet soy sauce commonly used in Asian dishes, from local sugarcane. CocoNutZ Australia Managing Director Lucas Van Der Walt said the company has an opportunity to play a part in disrupting the food industry. “Our breakthrough was developing a product based
on an abundantly available regenerative crop, sugar cane,” he said. “We have worked collaboratively with Douglas Shire Council – the team helped guide us through aspects of our planning application and provided important local insights, allowing us to better understand the region and environment.” As production scales up on the value-add offering, which uses juice from sugar cane, CocoNutZ will introduce renewable energy through sustainable waste management to create a circular economy within the precinct. Douglas Shire was the first Eco Certified Destination in Australia and recorded the best tourism sentiment score in the top 100 most popular destinations for holiday makers on the planet in 2019 (Destination Think). The Investment Prospectus celebrates the Shire’s dream-big projects and highlights opportunities for new businesses and investors to contribute to the
Shire’s vision. Other dream-big projects showcased in the Investment Prospectus include: • Mossman Botanic Garden – a game-changer in rainforest conservation, • Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s Living Coral Biobank – the world’s first coral conservation facility. • North Break Port Douglas – a tropical surf park setting the tone for adventure tourism • Daintree Renewable Microgrid – a transformative renewable energy solution for powering the remote Daintree region. With contributions from local business leaders, the Douglas Shire Investment Prospectus provides an irresistible pitch for anyone looking to invest. The Douglas Shire Investment Prospectus is available to view and download on Council’s website and Do It in Douglas. www.doitindouglas | www.douglas.qld.gov.au
IMAGE: CocoNutZ Australia Managing Director Lucas Van Der Walt says the company has an opportunity to play a part in disrupting the food industry.
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au
Cairns Local News, Friday, September 2, 2022 PAGE 13
YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS UPGRADE STARTS ON CROSSING TO MOSSMAN CBD CONSTRUCTION of a new crossing at the southern entrance to the Mossman CBD is underway by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The culvert upgrade at Parker Creek Crossing includes a new footpath to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity to the Mossman CBD. This $1.7 million project forms part of the $400 million Queensland Government’s COVID-19 stimulus package. The project will also involve replacing the culvert under the road and carrying out resurfacing works.
The works will be carried out as a combination of day and night works to minimise the impact on nearby businesses, residents and road users. Crews will be onsite between 6 am and 6 pm for day works and between 6 pm and 6 am for night works. For the safety of road users and maintenance crews, changed traffic conditions will be in place, including reduced speed limits and single lane operation under coordination of traffic controllers at times during the works. Road users should expect minor delays and plan their journeys accord-
ingly. Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be in place on the approaches to the work site to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions. Changes in dates due to poor weather will be posted on the VMS. The project is expected to be completed in early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting. If you require further information on these works, please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 07 30667060.
MOSSMAN GORGE CULTURAL CENTRE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Member for Cairns Michael Healy, Douglas Shire Council Cr Peter McKeown, Mayor Michael Kerr, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui, Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Cr Abigail Noli
Sep 02, 2022
COUNCIL ENDORSES DAINTREE FERRY REPLACEMENT PROJECT A NEW ferry and upgrades to approach roads will address the long-standing issue of lengthy waiting times at the Daintree Ferry in the peak tourism season. These measures will also improve the level of service for regular ferry users. Douglas Shire Council Mayor Michael Kerr confirmed Council had resolved to replace the existing Daintree Ferry with a new ferry with increased loading capability. “Over the past 12 months, we have conducted extensive research to re-evaluate all reasonable initiatives to improve ferry services,” he said. “This will deliver an increase in the number of vehicles carried across the river every hour, so much so, that when it comes into service, we can offer a better tourism experience for
visitors and reduced travel time for locals.” Moving forward, Council staff will also provide quarterly updates about the Daintree Ferry replacement project to Councillors and the public at future Ordinary Council Meetings. Mayor Kerr said the first step is to prepare a design scope for the new vessel to confirm what Council wants to achieve, such as number of vehicles and increased loading and unloading capability. As to road infrastructure, preliminary concept plans for the approach road improvements have been prepared but would need to be updated to accommodate increased loading and unloading of vehicles. “We expect concept plans showing the new road alignments will be released for public comment in the
new year,” he said. Funds have been allocated in the 2022/23 budget for approach roads on the northern and southern side which will need to be approved by various Government agencies. All going to plan, the aim is to complete the road improvements in time for the 2025 tourism season. Council cannot at this point, provide a timeframe for a new vessel. It can take at least 12 months before the detailed design is finalised by a naval architect. This then needs to be checked and potentially amended before being approved by the relevant authorities. All this needs to occur before tenders can be sought from ship builders and the first steel plate welded into place.
ry r e F ee r t n i Da s g e n i r u m s o Clo Upc y r a or p m e T November 2022 - Maintenance Stops: 10pm, Friday 18th Starts: 5am, Tuesday 22nd Daytime passenger ferry will be available*
Traditional dancers at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
*There will be changed traffic conditions on Wednesday 16 November to Friday 18 November at the northern side of the river while contractors set up the work site. These will remain until the work site is cleared on the northern side of the river after works are complete.
March 2023 - Mandatory inspection Dates: TBA For more information, please visit Council's website or call 4099 9444
Smoking Ceremony at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
PAGE 14 Cairns Local News, Friday, September 2, 2022
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au
YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
Sep 02, 2022
NEW CYCLING EVENT SHOWCASES ICONIC PORT DOUGLAS RIDE
The iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive between two World Heritage areas will open exclusively to cyclists participating in the inaugural Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival next weekend. The cycling festival features timed 136km and 100km return Gran Fondo rides from Port Douglas to Palm Cove and a 48km one-way leisurely Medio Fondo ride from Palm Cove to Port Douglas. It will deliver close to $5M into the local economy and bring new tourists to the region. Connect Sport Australia Managing Director Bade Stapleton said the opportunity to safely ride the spectacular Great
Barrier Reef Drive while it was closed would be a highlight of the three-day event. “The Festival kicks off on Saturday with The Cairns Post Criterium, a 2.2km lap circuit starting and finishing outside the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, which will be followed by the Choo Choos Free Family Ride before the road reopens,” he said. “Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta will MC the Hemingway’s Brewery sprint race under lights along the 250m Wharf Street straight while local bands play on Saturday night. A sponsors’ expo and official launch also will be among the festivities.”
CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Changed traffic conditions will be in place on Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September 2022. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival has the potential to become the town’s annual showpiece sports event injecting more than $21 million into the region’s economy within the first three years. “Major events like this can ensure the long-term sustainability of our local tourism industry and bring a festival atmosphere to the village for locals to enjoy,” he said. For more detail about road closure and event information, visit https://portdouglasgranfondo.com.au/
REEF TO REEF MOUNTAIN BIKE STAGE RACE RETURNS TO DOUGLAS
Great Barrier Reef Drive (Captain Cook Highway) will be closed in both directions from Port Douglas Rd to Veivers Rd, Palm Cove for the duration of the Gran Fondo event on Sunday 11 September. The details of which streets and roads and their closure times are listed below. Emergency services vehicles maintain full access on all roads, including Great Barrier Reef Drive throughout the event .
SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2022 - PORT DOUGLAS ONLY STREET
FROM
TO
CLOSED
OPEN
Wharf St
Port St
Grant St
10:30
20:00
Grant St
Wharf St
Mowbray St
10:30
18:00
Mowbray St
Grant St
Mudlow St
10:30
18:00
Mudlow St
Mowbray St
Port St
10:30
18:00
NOTES Access to Port Douglas Yacht Club under direction from Traffic Management
Resident access maintained via Mowbray Street
SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2022 - PORT DOUGLAS & PALM COVE STREET
FROM
TO
CLOSED
OPEN
NOTES
Wharf St
Spinnaker Cl
Inlet St
5:00
14:30
Wharf St
Inlet St
Macrosson St
6:15
6:45
Old Port Rd
Port Douglas Rd
Capt Cook Hwy
6:15
7:15
Southbound lanes only
Capt Cook Hwy
Port Douglas Rd
Palm Cove Blvd
6:00
13:30
- Local access from Downing St Craiglie to Port Douglas via Old Port Rd from 8:00AM
Capt Cook Hwy
Palm Cove Blvd
Wangetti Beach Rd
5:30
11:30
- Access to Palm Cove via Palm Cove Boulevard & Triton St (Expect delays) - Access to Foley Rd under direction from Traffic Management
Capt Cook Hwy
Wangetti Beach Rd
Port Douglas Rd
6:00
13:30
Mowbray River Rd
Capt Cook Hwy
Spring Creek Rd
6:00
13:30
Trezise Rd
Capt Cook Hwy
Spring Creek Rd
6:00
13:30
Williams Esp
Cedar Rd
Veivers Rd
6:00
10:30
Resident access maintained via Veivers Rd
Thank you for your patience, understanding and support of this new locally owned event Maps are available on our website - www.portdouglasgranfondo.com.au
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au
Douglas Shire Councillor Peter McKeown presenting awards for Reef to Reef at the Four Mile Beach finish line on Sunday 21 August 2022.
COUNCIL GRANTS PROGRAM CLOSES SEPTEMBER 2022 Eligible organisations, groups and individuals in the Douglas Shire have until Friday 30 September 2022 to apply for funding under the 2022 Council
Grants Program. Council’s grants program consists of micro grants worth up to $1000 and major grants of up to $10,000.
For more information about the Council Grants Program or to discuss your application, please contact 07 4099 9444 or email: enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au
Cairns Local News, Friday, September 2, 2022 PAGE 15
YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
Sep 02, 2022
HOW INCOUNCIL BRIEFSPENDS EVERY $100:
FROM FLUSH TO FARMS:
WET OUTLOOK FOR DOUGLAS SHIRE
PEOPLE living in Dougspring increasing to around soil moisture levels. potential leaks las Shire are urged to think three times the normal risk. Now is the time to preTo help people monitor road conditions during about their emergency plan This means above medipare Interest your home for the wet now due to an increased an rainfall from September season. periods of heavy rainfall, Revenue to November in Douglas Plan for rain and localflood cameras are available risk of flooding for the next $389K three months. Shire is very likely. There ised flooding by cleanat the Douglas Dashboard The Bureau of Meteorolis also an increased risk of ing out roof gutters and to provide near real time so it can be safely reused A NEW three-year images of key crossings in ogy has moved to ‘La Niña flooding after above averdownpipes, trimming tree or returned to the environcontract will help Douglas Other Water & Wastewater Roads Maintenance ment. Shire Council re-use organic ALERT’ with the likelihood age rainfall for the past few branches close to your roof the region. Net sludge to fertilize farms $17.90The biosolids are re-used of La$16.80 Operating Niña returning this months and above average and inspecting your roof for Rates at several farms across the across Far North Queens& Utilities Revenue region including in Cairns, land. Mareeba, Warrami and InCouncillors resolved to $38.8M Be prepared, stay $1.1Mconnected at Douglas Dashboard: not Hot Springs. enter into a contract with https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/ In the 2021/22 financial Arkwood (Gloucester) Pty year, 1753 wet tonnes of deLtd for the removal and rewatered sludge were taken use of biosolids. by contractors to be used Council employs a range organic fertiliser andInfrastructure, soil of wastewater treatment Gardens,asParks Machinery Grants conditioner across farms. processes to remove solid & Sports & Facilities waste from the wastewater & Subsidies Fees &
Contract to re-use sewage on FNQ agricultural properties
Revenue
Whyanbeel$14.20 contractor to complete landfill capping
NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR RESORT TOWN $12.70
HOSPITALITY and tourism workers will have a new place to stay in Port Douglas when a local hostel and involves placing a cover is upgraded. A LOCAL contractor over landfill waste. was awarded a tender to Douglas Shire Council The project requires complete the final layer of approved a development experience to handle cartcapping of the landfill site application to replace a age logistics at Killaloe Waste Transfer Governance and and earthworks Waste hostelManagement with a new double activities. Station. storey building featuring Administration & Recycling The submission was Douglas Shire Council more individual rooms and detailed and provides an voted to $601,344.73 con$12.00 $9.60 privacy to guests. opportunity for a local tract to Whyanbeel-based The land is located on contractor to expand their business, Marrin Pty Ltd. Port Street and is within an project experience with the Landfill capping requires easy walking and cycling strict environmental controls Douglas Shire Council.
ater
ve W ey, Sa
on Community & Economic Save M Development $6.20
IT Services $5.10
o t p u Sign y! a d o t ter a W i M Planning, Environment & Disaster Management $3.40
$3.3M distance to the town centre. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said once built, the development would be a much-needed boost for local workers in years to come. “More developments like this will help our tourism and hospitality sector find a place for staff to stay in future peak tourist seasons,” he said. “Council is aware, that like most of regional Aus-
Staff to Deliver Services $18M
Health & Local Laws $2.10
miwater.douglas.qld.gov.au TOTAL OPERATING
EXPENDITURE
$53.6M
tralia, housing availability Charges and staff shortages are an $7.3M issue right now for our community. “Fortunately, we are seeing some movement through further progress on housing estates such as Daintree Horizons in Mossman,Finance Ocean Breeze Estate in Cooya Beach and NewCosts port Estate at Craiglie.” Councillors also ap$171K proved two other developments on Murphy Street,
Expenses
including a new high-end unit development. A three-storey house featuring an extensive landscaping plan was also approved, with both developments representing satisfactory outcomes. A residential housing needs analysis is also underway to assess the current and future housing need. Please visit Council’s website to view the Council reports.
Materials & Services $21.2M
Depreciation $14.2M
TOTAL REVENUE
$50.8M
WHAT’S ON
• Sunday 11 September – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm • Tuesday 13 September – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am • Thursday 1 September – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am • Thursday 15 September – Citizenship Ceremony • Friday 2 September – Behind the Mask – DAB Gallery – 10am to 2pm • Thursday 15 September – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am • Saturday 3 September - Behind the Mask – DAB Gallery – 10am to 2pm • Saturday 17 September – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm • Saturday 3 September to Sunday 4 September - Race from Cairns to Port • Sunday 18 September – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm Douglas via the Bump Track. Finish at the Iconic Port Douglas Four Mile Beach • Tuesday 20 September – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am • Saturday 3 September – Mossman Markets • Thursday 22 September – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am • Sunday 4 September – Port Douglas Sunday Markets • Tuesday 6 September – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am • Saturday 24 September – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm • Wednesday 7 September – Dickson Inlet Clean Up. 2:00pm To 4pm. Meet At • Sunday 25 September – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm • Tuesday 27 September – Ordinary Council Meeting, Mossman Administration The Corner Of Port Street And Wharf Street Building 10am • Thursday 8 September – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am • Friday 9 to Sunday 11 September – Port Douglas Gran Fondo Cycling Festival • Tuesday 27 September – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am • Thursday 29 September – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am • Saturday 10 September – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm
07 4099 9444 | PO Box 723, Mossman Q 4873 enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au | douglas.qld.gov.au
PAGE 16 Cairns Local News, Friday, September 2, 2022
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au