YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
MARCH 2022 In this issue: - 2022 Australia Day Award Winners - New CEO Starts - 2021 Street Christmas Photos - Meet our new Douglas Aussies - Weed warriors attack hiptage Get more information at Council’s website! www.douglas.qld.gov.au/
Deborah Kachel was recognised as Douglas Shire’s 2022 Citizen of the Year at an Australia Day Awards ceremony in January this year.
DEDICATED VOLUNTEER IN A CLASS OF HER OWN A FORMER local high school principal who volunteers to care for palliative care patients and provides support for people diagnosed with cancer is Douglas Shire’s Citizen of the Year. Deborah Kachel (pictured above) has contributed more than 50 years’ service to various charities such as the Leukaemia Foundation, Pink in the Tropics breast cancer support group, and Friends of Mossman Hospital Foundation. As the first local female deacon, she travels weekly between Cairns and Mossman hospitals to support vulnerable patients. Deborah was one of eight award recipients at the 2022 Australia Day Awards, which was broadcast via Council’s website and Facebook page earlier this year. Ms Kachel said she was humbled to receive the award and thanked everyone who helped her over the years. “Without the community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do as individuals and groups,” she said. SEE INSIDE FOR FULL LIST OF WINNERS-->
07 4099 9444 | douglas.qld.gov.au
DAINTREE FERRY TEMPORARY CLOSURE AFTER examining the tides and long weekend dates, Council can advise the Daintree Ferry service will cease at 10pm on Friday 6 May 2022 for repairs, and resume at 5am on Monday 9 May 2022. A 50-person passenger ferry will operate in daylight hours – between 6am and 6pm for the Saturday and Sunday (May 7 & 8). There will not be a vehicle ferry service for the 48-hour closure period. If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances, please contact Council’s Community Liaison Officer Gaye Scott on 0418 793 009.
REVIVAL OF ZIPLINING IN THE DAINTREE CAPE TRIBULATION - Treetops Adventure has lodged an application for Building Works to construct 27 new tree platforms at the site of the once popular Jungle Surfing operation at Cape Tribulation. The company says the new course will comprise a series of nets, ladders and zip lines starting and finishing in the same locations as the previous tours. The platforms will be designed to fit around trees without damaging their trunks. All materials will be carried on site and installed by hand, without the use of machinery, this way there will be negligible impact to any vegetation with minimal lopping of trees required to accommodate the new tree platforms. Treetops Adventure operates 14 aerial adventure parks around Australia with over 400,000 customers per year.
PROGRAM TO PRESERVE WARRI PARK A MAINTENANCE program for Warri Park in Port Douglas will seek to preserve the serenity and sustainability of the public space. More than 60
WORKS CONTINUE IN PORT DOUGLAS PORT DOUGLAS - Council crews continue to beautify the town’s parks and gardens. Coconut palms were replaced at Sugar Wharf and the Port Douglas Skate Park saw new shade sails installed. In addition, the Macrossan-Owen Street upgrade has been completed, providing major traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. The works were complemented by a fresh palette of tropical landscaping.
customer requests have been lodged directly relating to the two-hectare park in the past five years, mostly from residents living on Ulysses Avenue or Lake Close.
POWER SAVINGS AT WASTEWATER PLANT A NEW Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) at the Port Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant will reduce power consumptions by up to 25% and reduce the need for maintenance.
SEEKING FEDERAL FUNDING COUNCIL has lodged grant applications for an upgrade of the Rex Smeal Park playground and the Cooya Beach Reservoir Connection. The Green Ant-themed Rex Smeal adventure playground is symbolic and seeks to encourage interest, exploration and connection with the environment.
NEW CLASSES FOR MOSSMAN LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM FROGS, turtles, and dolphins will be splashing around Mossman Pool when a revamped Learn-to-Swim program returned this year. The 10-week program ends at the end of March 2022. The classes, which will be held every Tuesday and Thursday, are available for children aged five months and older. Call the Mossman Pool and Caravan Park on 0417 768 266 for further information about the Learn To Swim program.
07 4099 9444 | douglas.qld.gov.au
NEWELL BEACH BOAT RAMP NIGHT WORKS NEWELL BEACH - A new boat ramp being built by Department of Transport is taking shape. Much of the work has been done at night to work in with the tides. Night works planned for March and April are: *Monday 14 March to Sunday 20 March – rock armour and shoulders installation on the sides of the boat ramp.
since September 2021 while the new ramp is installed which is due for completion mid-way through this year. The design features a new, two-lane, boat ramp with a central fixed walkway. A fishing platform will also be included in the project. Funding is being provided by Maritime Safety Queensland’s Boating Infrastructure Program.
*Tuesday 29 March to Saturday 2 April – additional dates if required. The boat ramp and jetty has been closed .
NEW CEO STARTS AT DOUGLAS
MOSSMAN TO COOYA CYCLEWAY ROLLS AHEAD MOSSMAN - Construction has started on Stage Two of the Mossman to Cooya Beach cycleway. Council recently completed the Junction Bridge upgrade, which was stage one of the $2.5 million cycleway, and will construct approximately 2.6kms of shared cycleway along Bonnie Doon Road to the Melaleuca Drive intersection at Cooya Beach. A $841,005 contract was awarded to Wonga Beach-based company, Colpo Constructions Pty Ltd, to complete earthworks, roadworks and drainage works for the project. The construction completion date is anticipated to be mid-2022.
The Mossman to Cooya Beach Cycleway project is made possible under the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.
07 4099 9444 | douglas.qld.gov.au
A LEADING local government Chief Executive Officer has started in the top job at Douglas Shire Council. Highly qualified executive, Ms Rachel Brophy (nee Cooper), has hit the ground running after arriving at the Mossman Administration Building on February 14 this year. With over 15 years’ experience as a CEO and Corporate Executive in both State and Local Government, Ms Brophy has been instrumental in leading complex organisations through change and achieving measurable results in growth and efficiency. “I am delighted to be collaborating with Mayor Kerr, Councillors and staff to continue to deliver positive outcomes for the Douglas community”, she said.
IN BRIEF
BEFORE
AFTER
REEF RAIDERS TO GET NEW SEATING THE Port Douglas Rugby Club has been successfully applied for $41,000 for steps, seating, balustrading, and an undercover area. Meanwhile, the Mossman Shark Juniors Rugby League Club will upgrade their field at Mossman Showgounds.
WATER METERS GET SMART CONTRACTORS will be installing a smart water meter system initially in the Port Douglas area early this year, with the remainder of the Shire being upgraded as funding becomes available. Eight receivers will collect data from smart water meters.
BEACH MONITORING A LOCAL fabricator designed and then installed five monitoring phone cradles and posts at Cow Bay Beach, Wonga Beach, Newell Beach, Cooya Beach and Four Mile Beach. The signage gives the community instructions on how to take a photo and upload the photo to the CoastSnap App. CoastSnap is a global citizen science project to capture our changing coastlines. It relies on repeat photos at the same location to track how the coast is changing over time.
TC TIFFANY DISASTER ASSISTANCE DOUGLAS Shire Council is eligible for financial assistance to help repair roads which suffered damage during the heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Tiffany earlier this year.
NEW FOOTPATHS FOR TOWNS TWO sections of footpaths in Port Street, Port Douglas and along Hart Street, Mossman have been renewed.
$10M NORTHERN ROADS COMPLETED BLOOMFIELD TRACK - A multi-million road improvement package has fixed problem wet weather spots and built more resilient roads in northern parts of the Douglas Shire. Council was successful in securing $10.3 million for improvement works on the Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road and Zig Zag Road. The 2019 Betterment program is a joint Australian Government and Queensland Government fund to repair and provide more resilient essential public infrastructure damaged by monsoons early last year. The three projects included upgrades to Donovan Range, Zig Zag Road and Cape TribulationBoomfield Road. Council crews and contractors conducted earthworks, drainage upgrades and pavement construction to build resilience on the roads. The improvement works will reduce the need for continual maintenance, saving ratepayers in the long run, and allow the roads to re-open quicker after floodwaters have subsided.
DIGITAL LIBRARY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS DOUGLAS LIBRARIES - A DIGITAL catalogue of online resources such as e-books, music and online learning are helping Douglas residents overcome isolation. With the wet season in full swing and COVID-19 spreading across the region, Douglas Libraries is promoting the suite of activities available at its online library. Douglas Libraries Team Leader Amy Inglis (right) said her team was primed to help people enjoy the online resources. “We have a strong user base at Douglas Libraries, but a large proportion of our community is unaware of the amazing online resources we have available, or are unable to get started by themselves,” she said.
07 4099 9444 | douglas.qld.gov.au
“If you have a neighbour, parent or grandparent who loves the library but isn’t quite comfortable going online, give us a call and we will be happy to help.” Books, music, online learning, there’s something in our online offerings for everyone. People can join the library for FREE and get going straight away. You can also contact us at 4099 9496 , or via libraries@douglas.qld.gov.au.
PORT DOUGLAS TO WELCOME GRAN FONDO 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 on September 9-11, 2022. Founded by Cairns event company Connect Sport Australia, the major 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. 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
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FAST FACTS
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, Connect Sport Managing Director Bade Stapleton, Ambassador Annette Edmondson, Cairns MP Michael Healy and TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen.
three-day event. “The Gran Fondo field will be capped at 3000 riders to allow the Great Barrier Reef Drive to be closed for half a day on Sunday September 11, but we expect to see more than 5000 cyclists and their families arrive in Port Douglas to enjoy a holiday in conjunction with the event,” he said. “The Festival kicks off on Saturday with
SWIM SAFE AT FOUR MILE BEACH
IRUKANDJI JELLYFISH
The Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club would like to remind everyone that the stinger net is in place from November through to May to protect you from Box Jellyfish. During these months, please do not swim outside the net. Before enjoying a swim inside the net, read the warning sign with the daily risk assessment. This sign can be found right in the middle of the two red and yellow flags.
The Irukandji jellyfish is a small jellyfish about two centimetres in diameter, making it difficult for swimmers to notice in the water. The symptoms of an Irukandji jellyfish sting are not immediate and may appear 5 to 45 minutes after the initial sting.
15 crocodiles sightings reported
in Douglas Shire between November 2021 and February 2022.
Mossman Nursery:
1149 hours on weed control
(Oct to December 2021)
24,900 m3 of weeds treated
8,006 trees potted up. 9,430 trees for river stabilisation 1684 supplied to community 12,149 supplied in total 3656 planted for beach
revegetation at Wonga, Newell, Oak, Cooya & Port Douglas.
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.
555 new dog registrations 70 development applications lodged 1230 tonnes of waste 252 tonnes of recycling *Figures from Oct to Dec 2021*
07 4099 9444 | douglas.qld.gov.au
Signs and symptoms can include: severe backache or headache, shooting pains in their muscles, chest and abdomen, nausea, anxiety, restlessness, vomiting and breathing difficulties. Management of Irukandji jellyfish stings: - carefully remove the casualty from the water, avoid rubbing the sting area, immediately douse the sting area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds, if vinegar is not available, carefully remove tentacles off skin and rinse well with seawater, call 000 for an ambulance immediately, regularly monitor and record the casualty’s pulse, breathing and conscious level and begin resuscitation if necessary. For further information on the Irukandju jellyfish, visit www.marinestingers.com.au
Source: Queensland Ambulance Service
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 2022
Deborah Kachel Citizen of the Year Deborah has contributed more than 50 years’ service to various charities such as the Leukaemia Foundation, Pink in the Tropics breast cancer support group, and Friends of Mossman Hospital Foundation. As the first local female deacon, she travels weekly between Cairns and Mossman hospitals to support vulnerable patients. Ms Kachel said she was humbled to receive the award and thanked everyone who helped her over the years. “Without the community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do as individuals and groups,” she said.
Ellie Zillfleisch Young Citizen Of The Year Ellie was the 2021 School Captain at Mossman State High School, where she was a member of the school’s Concert and Jazz Bands since 2016. She completed her bronze and silver levels in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Ellie was awarded the Caltex Best Allrounder, ADF Long Tan Leadership Award, Music Award, School Service Award, Academic Excellence, Distinction Award and four subject awards at our 2021 Presentation of Awards. She is heavily involved in STEM and is passionate about encouraging young females from rural areas to pursue careers in these fields.
Danny Buzza Senior Sports Award Danny is a former Australian boxing champion. He continues to give back to the community and the sport that has given him so much. Over the many years, Danny has been coaching children and adults from humble beginnings in his shed, to his Boxing gym in Cooya Beach. To Danny, boxing is more than a sport. He believes boxing teaches young kids to be respectful and disciplined, it’s fantastic for their physical and mental health and is great for their self-esteem, skills that they can use in every aspect of their lives. He recently put on a boxing tournament in the shire to share his love for the sport as well to give his boxers the chance to showcase their skill in front of family, friends, co-workers, and their community.
You can re-watch the 2022 Australia Day Award Ceremony ceremony at Council’s website or YouTube Channel.
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 2022
Stephen Oldham Volunteer of the Year Award Local funeral director Stephen Oldham is well-known for his compassion and understanding. He is always assisting someone who needs a helping hand. He also co-ordinates a group of volunteers to sew items. Also being a nurse and midwife before his life in Douglas, he truly is licenced for Births, Deaths and Marriages or hatches, matches and despatches as he is often heard say. Stephen is a true community member and often silent and humbled in the various voluntary work he does with animal organisations, friends of the foundation, white ribbon day and has even been seen doing guided tours of the cemeteries. In the past 12 months, his volunteers have completed projects such as face masks, scrubs for Mossman Hospital staff and fidget blankets for dementia patients.
Lynette Johnson Environmental Achievement Award Aunty Lyn Johnson is a proud Yalanji woman and current Chairperson of Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation. Aunty Lyn is a strong advocate for the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bama and she works tirelessly in her community to ensure that their Bubu (lands) are protected and cared for by the traditional owners. More importantly, the historic handover of 160,000 hectares of land in the Daintree Rainforest was returned to the Eastern Kuku-Yalanji people and this was advocated with many meetings held by Aunty Lyn and traditional owners of each community.
Alteouise DeVaughn Arts & Culture Award Since arriving in the Douglas Shire over 10 years ago, Alteouise has volunteered many hours teaching people of all ages how to sing in a choir, read music and sing individually. Her expertise, energy and talent has been generously shared with several community groups. As Musical Director for the Clink Theatre, Alteouise has motivated, instructed and coached many local performers to achieve an outstanding level of performance. Alteouise also volunteers for OzCare, providing senior citizens with music therapy and entertainment.
OTHER NOMINEES • Jill Chism • Chrissie McLaughlin • Hayley Bender
• Sandy Davies
• Jillian Bellero
• Sue and Bill Entwistle
• Banjo Jenkins
• Josephine Matthews
• Nanami Anderson
• Lyn Percic
• Lily Schmidt
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 2022
Bev Gwynne Civic Recognition Award Bev is a founding member of many sporting organisations in the Douglas Shire during the past 50 years. She has been instrumental in our local soccer, squash, tennis and gymnastics clubs. Her passion for community sport, hard work and determination has ensured these clubs are still alive and thriving to this day. Bev has now turned her attention to sport and recreation for seniors, establishing two senior fitness programs at the Mossman Gymnastics Club.
Tyson Crees Junior Sports Award Tyson is a talented sportsperson, excelling in many sports including Basketball, AFL and Athletics. He was the Age Champion in Athletics, breaking several long-standing school records, going on to represent the school at the district sports carnival. Unfortunately, the Peninsula Athletics were cancelled due to COVID-19. Tyson also represented the school in the Senior AFL Schools cup competition before being selected in the TCN 13-15 years AFL team.
Thanks to our local legends for your contribution to Douglas Shire!
Each year, Australia Day Award ceremonies across our Country, give local communities the opportunity to recognise those who contribute to our wonderful way of life. This year Douglas Shire Council recognised Australia Day Awards across eight categories. We would like to acknowledge all nominees in recognition of their
nominations and they will all receive a certificate to acknowledge the amazing contribution they have made.
or preserving our environment and culture, every award winner has demonstrated a real passion for Douglas Shire,” he said.
For someone to take the time to complete a nomination form means you have made a difference in our community, and just to be nominated is a great honour in itself.
I would like to congratulate everyone who was nominated for an award which in itself is a fantastic achievement.
It really is wonderful to have so many people in our shire contributing to the community and inspiring others in so many ways and I encourage those of you watching this now to acknowledge these great Australians for what they have achieved and what they stand for. Whether they are representing Douglas on the sporting stage, enriching our region through art,
Unfortunatey, due to health advice around COVID-19, we could not recognise our award winners in person. However, our pre-recorded presentation which was broadcast via our website on Australia Day has been viewed more than 500 times! I very much look forward to resuming our normal award ceremony next year.
Cr Michael Kerr Douglas Shire Mayor
MEET OUR 11 NEWEST AUSSIE CITIZENS! Hannah Todd
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr and new citizen Charlotte Richardson
Maria Banga
Melina Capogreco
Jonathan Lovett
Judy Forrest
Mila Bushell
Louisa Payne
Natthaphim Khammui
Nichola Staples
DOUGLAS Shire officially welcomed another diverse group of new Aussies at a Citizenship Ceremony in Port Douglas on Australia Day this year. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr conducted the ceremony before presenting each new Aussie with their certificate. Everyone was fittingly gifted a native plant from the Mossman Nursery.
Paweena Kladjumpee
LOOKING BACK AT NEWELL BEACH Newell Beach, 1930s
Erosion of North Mossman River after abnormal flooding,1969.
Mossman Sailing Club at Newell Beach, 1938
END OF AN ERA AT KILLALOE WASTE TRANSFER STATION
PLANNING CORNER
KILALLOE - After 32 years, Killaloe Landfill has reached capacity and was closed on 22 November 2021. A two-year contract with an alternative landfill has been procured and incoming landfill waste to Council’s transfer stations will be transported 2-4 times per week to Springmount Landfill for disposal.
Below is a list of recent development application highlights: Ocean Breeze Estate - Cooya Beach – Stage 5C & 5D - Construction has started on the next two stages of the estate at Cooya Beach.
Council’s transfer stations will continue to operate largely as normal.
GAINING GROUND ON A MAJOR THREAT TO WORLD-HERITAGE RAINFOREST MOSSMAN - Weed warriors are gaining ground on a major threat to the Mossman Gorge area’s world-heritage rainforest. Hiptage is an invasive weed that’s smothering rainforest – and this vine from eastern India and south-east Asia grows so well in the Wet Tropics region that its sheer weight can bring down trees. Work crews from Douglas Shire Council and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have been targeting the species for almost two decades, with council crews recently extending into new territory for this project thanks to funding from natural resource management organisation Terrain NRM. Douglas Shire’s Biosecurity Team Leader Brad Everett said crews were hiking up rainforest gullies on a hill known as ‘ground zero’. They take chainsaws, hand saws, secateurs and knapsack sprayers. “It’s hard work. The whole north side of Butcher’s Hill is infested,’’ he said. “But it’s rewarding work
IN BRIEF
too. We had spots we’d take people,
Stage 5E - Application for Operational Works was submitted to Council comprising 8 lots ------------------------------------------------------Wave Park - Mowbray - A Resort Complex comprising a Wave Park and a range of ancillary and associated uses. Public consultation concluded on 13 December 2021. Council report due soon. ---------------------------------------------------------
to show them just how bad hiptage gets, where the vine was almost impenetrable. “Now we go back in there for follow-up work on a biannual basis and there are a few vines and seedlings. The native forest is getting a chance to regenerate and self-seed.” Hiptage exists in a 60-hectare section of the Mossman River catchment, with Tara Hills identified as the core infestation area and the gateway for Mossman Gorge National Park infestations. Crews have recently tackled a six-hectare area on the east side of Butcher’s Hill (see above).
Residential Estate - Craiglie - Construction nearing completion on Stage 1. Assessment of Stage 2 comprising 32 lots is continuing. --------------------------------------------------------Minor change to tourist attraction - Cape Tribulation - Lot 25 Camelot Close. Trees Adventure Holdings Pty Ltd. ---------------------------------------------------------
Council decisions: Three new shops were approved at the former Mango Jam Restaurant site located on the main street of Port Douglas.
--------------------------------------------------------Council approved a development application for a helicopter pad and pilot’s accommodation next to the Captain Cook Highway at Yule Point. For more information, please visit: https:// douglas.qld.gov.au/development-
07 4099 9444 | douglas.qld.gov.au
DOUGLAS STREET CHRISTMAS PARTY BRINGS BUZZ INTO MOSSMAN MOSSMAN- Hundreds of people attended the Douglas Christmas Street Party in Mossman in December last year. The biggest street party of the year was the ultimate festive celebration with plenty of community spirit on show. (Photos by Rick Moyer).
COMING UP
29 MARCH 2022 An Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at Mossman Administration Building at 10am. WATCH LIVE at Council’s website.
8 APRIL 2022 Tangaroa Blue Four Mile Beach Clean-up. 9AM at Bruno Reidwig Park on Solander Boulevard, Port Douglas.
26 APRIL 2022
13 MARCH 2022 The Port Douglas Markets is a celebrated Cotter’s Market where all goods are created and sold by local and Australian artisans. Every Sunday 8am - 1.30pm
An Ordinary Council meeting will be held at Mossman Administration Building from 10am. WATCH LIVE at Council’s website.
20-22 MAY 2022 Port Douglas Carnivale - Spiegeltent, Street Parade, Family Beach Day, Tropic Rock.
07 4099 9444 | PO Box 723, Mossman Q 4873 enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au | douglas.qld.gov.au Every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct at time of printing.
31 MAY 2022 An Ordinary Council meeting will be held at Mossman Administration Building from 10am. WATCH LIVE at Council’s website.
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