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COW BAY HEALTH CLINIC TO RECEIVE $14.8M OVERHAUL
Main image caption: Mossman Hospital Director of Nursing, Peter LeGriffon, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) Chairman Clive Skarott, Cow Bay Primary Health Clinic Director of Nursing Michele Lamond, Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr and CHHHS representative Robyn Boundy.
BETWEEN pythons in the dunny and cassowaries charging at windows, being a clinician in the world’s oldest rainforest comes with its own unique challenges. ‘We’ve had snake skins in our rafters, and goannas and pythons in the toilet,’ said Michele Lamond, the Director of Nursing at Cow Bay Primary Health Centre, located in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. ‘We also had to install some lattice work against the windows of the clinic because we had a cassowary that kept wanting to hit its head against the glass, because it could see itself.’ To help make Michele’s job a bit easier, the Queensland Government has funded a $14.8 million upgrade of the Cow Bay Primary Health Centre. This will include a brand new, purpose-built building and helicopter landing pad. Michele, who has been providing healthcare to
people north of the Daintree River since 1998 (starting out of the back of a Holden car), said the whole community was excited about the new clinic, which is hoped to be completed within the next 2-3 years. ‘Everyone is talking about it, saying it’s the best thing to ever happen to this community,’ she said. The former timber council building will no longer house the health clinic with a newly constructed modern structure with all the conveniences planned to be constructed. Michele said the new clinic would be designed to – hopefully – be ‘rainforest proof’, to protect staff and patients from the elements and rainforest denizens that sometimes find their way onto the site. ‘It’s very entertaining working here – every day is different,’ she said. ‘It’s a lovely place to work, and the community is fabulous.’
Image Left - The Health Minister Yvette D’ath visited the Cow Bay Health Clinic last month. Image Right - Cow Bay Health Clinic
MOSSMAN SPLASH PARK COMING SOON The Mossman Pool is one step closer to getting a new splash park. Douglas Shire Council has awarded contracts to design and construct the new wet play area to Urban Play Pty Ltd and Aqua Project Solutions Pty Ltd. The splash pad and water play equipment will be installed on the grass area (see below photo) at the Mossman Pool. The project is funded by Council and the Queensland Government which has offered Council $1.5 million to build splash parks in Mossman and Port Douglas. Both projects need to be completed before 31 May 2024 to meet the State Government’s grant funding guidelines. The Grass area where the Mossman Splash Park will be built
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Cairns Local News, Friday, September 2, 2022 PAGE 13
YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
Oct 14, 2022
RESILIENCE TOUR DURING THIRD LA NINA DISASTERS impact all communities in Douglas Shire differently. That is why the Douglas Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is tapping into local knowledge through a series of workshops across the region. It comes after the Bureau of Meteorology declared a third La Nina in a row, meaning wetter than average conditions this summer and a higher chance of flooding. Douglas Shire Council’s Disaster Management Team and the LDMG visited areas around the Bloomfield River, north of the Daintree River and Daintree Village this week. Council is now inviting all members of the community, from Wonga Beach to Wangetti, to provide their insights into how natural hazards impact them. Information will be collected and used to develop a resilience scorecard for each community. The remaining community drop-in workshops will be held at the following dates and locations. RSVPs requested to gaye.scott@douglas.qld.gov.au
Wonga Beach and Newell Beach Monday, 17 October, 5pm to 8pm Wonga Beach Rural Fire 9-11 Oleander Drive, Wonga Beach. Mossman and Cooya Beach Tuesday, 18 October, 4pm to 7pm Mossman Shire Hall, 8-14 Mill Street, Mossman. Port Douglas and Craiglie Wednesday, 19 October, 9am to 12pm Port Douglas Community Hall, 13-29 Mowbray Street, Port Douglas. Port Douglas and Craiglie Wednesday, 19 October, 4pm to 7pm For businesses owners Port Douglas Community Hall, 13-29 Mowbray Street, Port Douglas. Mossman Monday, 31 October 4pm to 7pm || for businesses owners Mossman Shire Hall, 8-14 Mill Street, Mossman. Oak Beach and Wangetti Tuesday, 1 November 9am to 12pm Hartley’s Creek Adventures, Captain Cook Highway
LOCAL VOLUNTEER NETWORK LAUNCHED A grassroots initiative hopes to grow a local army of volunteers. The Douglas Grass + Roots Network, which was launched at the Sugar Wharf in Port Douglas last month, is an initiative of Douglas Shire Council, Volunteering Qld and Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre. The aim of the network is to connect volunteer organisations, to empower them to recruit, retain and manage volunteers and for the community to connect with the right volunteer organisation for their interests. One of the first events is a Volunteer Expo planned for Saturday 29 October 2022.
The purpose is to showcase the range of volunteer opportunities available in the Douglas Shire. This inaugural event will provide people an opportunity to learn more about the different organisations and to promote the benefits of volunteering. It will be held at George Davis Park, under the Raintrees. We are hoping to draw those attending the Mossman Markets so will have music and family entertainment and giveaways. Please contact tanya.morris@volunteeringqld.org.au for more information.
A family walk through flooodwater in Port Douglas
COUNCIL JOINS FORCES TO IMPROVE EVACUATIONS A new Douglas-led collaboration seeks to improve the way evacuation facilities are managed during disasters in Queensland. Douglas Shire Council has joined a group of 15 local government areas to work together to provide strategic direction and leadership on all activities relating to evacuation centres, cyclone shelters and places of refuge.
The North Queensland Recovery & Resilience Grant, administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), has made it possible for Douglas Shire to create a platform for collaboration – the Queensland Evacuation Facilities Working Group. Douglas hosted the group’s inaugural meeting in Port Douglas earlier this year.
GET READY FOR 2022/23 WET SEASON THINK about ways you can prepare your family and friends. The Bureau of Meteorology has declared ‘La Niña’ conditions until November which means above median rainfall in Douglas Shire is very likely. There is also an increased risk of flooding after above average rainfall for the past few months and above average soil moisture levels. Now is the time to think about your emergency plan and familiarize yourself with the Douglas Dashboard. Stock an emergency kit – include a battery-operated radio, food, clothing, impor-
tant documents and first aid. Plan ahead for rain and localized flooding by cleaning out roof gutters and downpipes, trimming tree branches close to your roof and inspecting your roof for potential leaks. To help people monitor road conditions during periods of heavy rainfall, flood cameras are available at the Douglas Dashboard to provide near real time images of key crossings in the region. Be prepared, stay connected at Douglas Dashboard: https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/
Check Road Conditions & Flood Cameras at Douglas Dashboard
PAGE 14 Cairns Local News, Friday, September 2, 2022
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YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
Oct 14, 2022
2023 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS NOW OPEN
NOW is the time to put a local legend up for a 2023 Australia Day Award. Nominations are now open across eight categories to celebrate Douglas locals who have gone above and beyond for the community in the past 12 months. Volunteers, sports stars, environmental advocates, artists, and every day high achievers will be in the running for civic recognition on January 26 next year. Anyone can complete an online nomination
form at Council’s website today. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said awards were the perfect opportunity to recognise the region’s quiet achievers. “Every year we get so many incredible, selfless and modest people who get nominated for giving back to the community,” he said. “We are asking everyone to take a moment to think about someone you know who has made a positive contribution to Douglas Shire in the past 12 months.
“Whether it’s a local community group, sporting club or your neighbour who is a dedicated volunteer, please think about nominating them for a 2023 Australia Day award.” Australia Day Awards are open to Douglas Shire residents and community groups that have made an outstanding achievement or contribution within the community. The award ceremony will be held at 10am on 26 January 2023 at the Port Douglas Community Hall. The eight award categories for
Locals Supporting Locals this Christmas A SHIRE-wide fundraiser will ensure no one is left behind this Christmas. The 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal was launched outside Mossman Support Services today to start raising money for the festive season. All money raised will go directly towards food hampers that will be provided for eligible residents of the Douglas Shire. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said every dollar raised would go towards buying essential items for people and families who are doing it tough this festive season. “Christmas is a really special time of the year, but it can also be a difficult period for some people in our community,” he said. “The annual Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is a chance for
locals to give a little to make sure no one in our community is left behind during the festive season. “Last year, the appeal supported more than 70 local families and individuals through Christmas hampers.” “We rely on donations to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the festive season and the many joyful moments Christmas can bring.” Council is working with Mossman Support Services, Mossman Elders Justice Group, Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Goobidi Home Care Services, Goobidi Bamanga Community Advancement Cooperative Society, Interdenominational Ministers Association and the Christian Mission Fellowship International to assist and
Council Cuppa & Chat
Monday 10 October, 9am-10am Country Women's Association, 8 Blake Street, Port Douglas
Thursday 13 October, 8.30am9.30am Temptations Café, 12 Front Street, Mossman Thursday 27 October, 10am-11am Heritage Lodge, 236 Turpentine Road, Diwan
Monday 17 October $35 per person Light morning tea
Book your seat at Mayor’s 2022 Fundraising Lunch
Council has teamed up with Salsa Bar n Grill to deliver the 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Lunch next month.
Douglas Shire Councillors and Mossman Support Services Staff launched the 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal
launch the appeal. How To Donate: An online donation portal is available for people to donate money to the appeal, with donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Donate at Council’s website.
Chatty Café at the Tin Shed
Douglas Shire Council will have collection points around the shire from mid-November and will be seeking unopened children’s presents and toys for kids of all ages, as well as food and adult luxury items.
The event will take place at : 12pm on Friday 18 November 2022. Get your ticket now at the booking page at Salsa’s website. This event will be communal tables of 10. A full payment of $90 per person is required.
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
Thursdays, 10am Tin Shed, Port Douglas
U3A Battle of the Brains TRIVIA Challenge
Thursday 27 October, 12pm - 3pm Palmer Sea Reef, Port Douglas
$35 per person Two Course Lunch Teams of 6 - 8 people Contact: ekendall56@gmail.com
Purchase Your Ticket Mossman Community Centre 4098 2836
Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre - 4099 5518
Activities at Douglas Libraries Blackout Poetry Board Game Mayhem Movie: Man on Wire Reef Rocks Painting Collage Confidence Boosters
New water main for Port Douglas street Contractors will start earthworks to install a new water main on Grant Street in Port Douglas later this month. FGF Developments will replace the pipeline to create a more robust system and reduce maintenance requirements over the next 50 years. Earlier in the year, Douglas Shire Council started talking to local businesses about project timing and ways to reduce the traffic and noise impacts during busy trading times. Contractors have been on site since last week with major works expected to start on Monday 24 October 2022.
Day Trip to Cairns Aquarium
Entry to the Aquarium Two Course (plate drop) Lunch at Dundee's on the Waterfront
2023 are: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Arts and Cultural Award, Environmental Achievement Award, Senior Sports Award, and Junior Sports Award . Nominations close Friday 18 November 2022 so spread the message and make sure someone doing great things in the Douglas Shire gets the credit they deserve. To nominate a local legend, please complete a nomination form at Council’s website.
Tuesday 18 October, 10:30am Thursday 20 October, 1pm Tuesday 25 October, 10:30am Wednesday 26 October, 1pm Thursday 27 October, 1pm Friday 28 October, 1pm
All activities held at Mossman Library. Light refreshments provided. Bookings - call 4099 9496 or email libraries@douglas.qld.gov.au.
November 2022 - Maintenance Stops: 10pm, Friday 18th Starts: 5am, Tuesday 22nd Daytime passenger ferry will be available* *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 Stops: 12:01am, Monday 6th Starts: 5am, Friday 10th For more information, please visit Council's website or call 4099 9444
Stay informed on Facebook: /douglasshirecouncil
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Cairns Local News, Friday, September 2, 2022 PAGE 15
YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS Council backs more housing at Newell Beach
Oct 14, 2022
Douglas Helps Wangetti Trail step ahead
MORE houses will be built which involves the construcat a beachside suburb north tion of a culvert crossing DOUGLAS Shire Council of Mossman. over a drainage line. has reinforced its support Councillors have apIn the 2021/22 financial proved a development year, private certifiers issued for the State Government’s application for 22 residen108 building approvals for plans to progress the worldtial house lots, a new road new dwellings in Douglas class Wangetti Trail. and drainage works at the Shire – an increase of 47.9% Council will provide southern end of Coulthard on the previous year. a trustee lease over the Close, Newell Beach. The Other local housing land that Council owns to land is located west of exist- developments progressing facilitate construction and ing houses fronting Andrews include 22 lots at Daintree delivery of Queensland’s Street. Horizons Estate in Mossfirst purpose-built walking Maintenance Access to theWater develop-& Wastewater man, Ocean Breeze EstateRoads and mountain biking track. ment will be via an exten-$17.90 in Cooya Beach and New$16.80 Once complete, the sion of Coulthard Close port Estate at Craiglie. 94-kilometre Wangetti Trail Road Repairs underway on Alexandra Range stretching from Palm Cove
HOW COUNCIL SPENDS EVERY $100:
to Port Douglas will be a signature tourist attraction that will showcase the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the trail has always been an exciting proposition. Other “Douglas was instrumental in developing the Operating Wangetti Trail concept and remains aRevenue strong advocate for the project,” $1.1Mhe said.
“We believe it has signifisections of the proposed cant potential to be one of trail within land controlled Australia’s leading wilderby the Cairns and Douglas ness and adventure tourism local government Interest experiences.” “Council is eager to enRevenue sure it is built that way and keenly $389K awaits further detail from the State Government to understand the ongoing management arrangements Net Rates for the trail.” Most of the trail will be & Utilities located within national park, $38.8M however, there are three
Revenue
HAVE YOUR SAY - GET HOOKED ON
COUNCIL’S construction the month. team is currently doing road While work is underway repairs on Cape Tribulation – 7am to 4pm Monday to Road. Friday, one lane of Cape There are eight different Tribulation Road will be Gardens, Parks Infrastructure, Machinery areas on the northern side closed. of Alexandra Range requirDelays will be five & Sports & Facilities ing the road edge to be minutes or less, and traffic $12.70 shored up with large blue$14.20 controllers will be on site LOCAL fishers will soon be asked stone. to respond to the changing where the best spots to wet a line in The work is expected to flow of vehicles in either Douglas Shire are. be completed by the end of direction. Douglas Shire Council has reeled in funding to create and install a recreational fishing trail in Douglas Shire and Grading on Bloomfield Track is hoping to hook feedback from the people who fish the waters most. WUJAL WUJAL Aboriginal since work started in SepThe project will feature interpretaShire is expected to finish tember. Governance and Waste Management grading the northern secAt this stage, grading will tive signage and interactive mapping identifying public boat launching faciliAdministration & Recycling tion of the Bloomfield Track be completed by 19 Octoties, jetties, and popular land-based by the end of the month. $12.00 ber 2022. fishing$9.60 locations. The grader has been Until then delays of beSignage will also provide fishing working 10 hours per day tween 15 and 20 minutes best practice, fish care tips, popular from Monday to Thursday are expected. fish species and educational material about environmental stewardship. Council has received funding from the Commonwealth Government which is being administered by the Queensland Fishing Infrastructure Grants Program. Community & Economic ITDouglas Services Shire Mayor Michael Kerr
RECREATION FISHING TRAIL
Development $6.20
Planning, Environment & Disaster Management $3.40
$5.10
Grants & Subsidies Fees & said the region offers a wide range Buchan Point in the south and includes $3.3M Charges of fishing experiences for locals and the towns of Daintree Village, Moss$7.3M tourists. man and Port Douglas together with
“There are not many places that can offer the diversity of fishing experiences and species that Douglas can,” he said. “The closeness of the reef means you can fish the blue water for gamefish, catch a barramundi in the estuary and wet a line in the rainforest for Finance jungle perch all in one day.” “Many people in our community Costs love fishing and we are very keen to get feedback for this project$171K which will help further position Douglas as a premier fishing destination.” The initiative is a project driven by the Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC) and Douglas Shire Council. Staff Douglas LMAC covers an area from to theDeliver Bloomfield River in the north to
Services $18M
Health & Local Laws $2.10
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Zamira Gulliver with Damon from Sublime Fishing
WHAT’S ON
Local fisher Jesse Slaughter holding Tarpon
$53.6M
Expenses
Wangetti and Ellis beaches. The Recreational Fishing Trail Working Group will be at the Mossman and Port Douglas Markets and hold community workshops in both towns. Mossman Markets Date: Saturday, 22 October 2022 Port Douglas Markets Date: Sunday, 23 October 2022 Port Douglas Community Hall Date: Tuesday 25 October 2022 Time: 5:30 -6:30pm Mossman Boating Fishing Club, Newell Beach Date: Thursday 27 October 2022 Time: 5:30 – 6:30pm If you are unable to make any of the above sessions, please send through Materials your ideas and views to: & Services environment@douglas.qld.gov.au
$21.2M
Depreciation $14.2M
Photo by Jordon Hack
TOTAL REVENUE
$50.8M
• Sunday 23rd – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm • Monday 24th – Tech Courses – Intro to Internet– Mossman Library, 1-3pm • Tuesday 25th – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am • Saturday 15th - Mossman Markets, 7am to 1pm • Tuesday 25th – SENIOR’s MONTH – Movie: Man on Wire, Mossman Library, • Sunday 16th– Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 10.30am • Monday 17th – Tech Courses – Intro to Computers – Mossman Library, 1-3pm • Monday 17th – Disaster Resilience Workshop – Wonga Beach Fire Brigade 5pm • Tuesday 25th - Recreational Fishing Trail Workshop – Port Douglas Community Hall 5:30pm – 6:30pm - 8pm • Thursday 27th– Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am • Tuesday 18th – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am • Thursday 27th– SENIOR’S MONTH - Collage, Mossman Library, 1pm • Tuesday 18th – SENIOR’S MONTH - Blackout Poetry, Mossman Library, • Thursday 27th – Recreational Fishing Trail Workshop – Mossman Boating and 10.30am Fishing Club, Newell Beach 5:30pm to 6:30pm • Tuesday 18th – Disaster Resilience Workshop – Mossman Shire Hall 4pm – 7pm • Friday 28th – SENIOR’S MONTH – Confidence Boosters, Mossman Library, • Wednesday 19th – Disaster Resilience Workshop – Port Douglas Community 1pm Hall 9am – 12pm • Saturday 29th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm • Wednesday 19th – Disaster Resilience Workshop for Business, Port Douglas • Saturday 29th – Volunteer Expo 9am to 12 noon, George Davis Park Community Hall 4pm – 12pm • Sunday 30th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm • Thursday 20th – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am • Monday 31st – Tech Courses – Making Peace With Your Smartphone– Moss• Thursday 20th – SENIOR’S MONTH – Board Game Mayhem, 1pm man Library, 1-3pm • Saturday 22nd – 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
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