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go douglas! celebrating 2016

Douglas, we love working for you Douglas Shire Council has successfully completed its third full year of operations and risen to the myriad challenges faced as a result of de-amalgamation. It has been a year of collaboration and our officers have faced the many hurdles inherent in the complicated business of local government in their stride. Across Council there is a high level of enthusiasm and a desire for Douglas to “do well” because our 160 staff are deeply committed to the community in which they live and work. Following the initiative established in 2014, this third Go Douglas! is again a different and celebratory way of reporting to Council and the community. The Local Government elections held in March saw the four-year term appointment of a new Council providing the Shire and Council’s administration with a continued firm strategic vision. Our strong financial position continues to exceed all expectations, confirming we are well on track to achieve Council’s goal of financial sustainability. State funding was secured to progress the Aged Care Facility in Mossman after more than 20 years of effort from the committee and earlier Councils. More than $11 million in State and Commonwealth funding was also secured for the Port Douglas Reservoir with construction due to commence in early 2017. The Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail has progressed through various stages and construction has now commenced. In line with its determination to be a Council that embraces innovation, our Public Areas team have introduced 2

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

steam weeding as part of our weed management practices – the first Council in Queensland to do so. The disaster management team continues to work on improving our response to natural disasters including the introduction of a flood camera near Foxton bridge. The Council Business Development Fund was introduced as a key economic development opportunity for our business community. Council staff have delivered numerous library and community programs, and community organisations across all sectors have been supported with Council funding and in-kind assistance. We have strengthened our partnerships across government, business and community. There have been many highlights including hosting the Local Government Managers Association (LGMA) annual conference in Port Douglas, resulting in over $500,000 being injected into the local economy. I was also honoured to be appointed as North Queensland Director on the LGMA Board of Directors at the conference. We received the 2016 WTMA Cassowary Award in the Local Government category for the Planning Scheme Return to Country initiative and thank Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation for its nomination of Council. Together we thank our Mayor and Councillors again for their vision and guidance, the clarity of their direction and their support for staff. The partnership between Council and its administration is critical to the success of any Council, and we appreciate the intelligent and considered approach adopted by Councillors in addressing the many and diverse issues that we deal with from day to day. I sincerely thank the teams that work behind the scenes as the backbone of Council – the quiet achievers who ensure the ongoing community sustainability of Douglas by delivering our water and sewerage services, maintaining our roads, bridges and buildings, our public spaces, property, fleet, assets and amenities; our corporate officers for providing frontline, development and regulatory services, and those who provide communication, finance, information technology, business and procurement services.

Linda Cardew Chief Executive Officer

January Nursery team plant community seeds Council’s nursery team has recently provided native trees for restoration works conducted by land care groups, including: • 3000 plants sold to Night Wings and recently planted at Lower Daintree; • 86 plants and assistance provided to the Wonga School Wetlands Project; and • 200 plants sold, and assistance provided to the Whyanbeel Action Group (WAGS) for creek bank stabilisation works funded by Terrain. The nursery has produced 10,487 trees and provided 6334 plants for the community, schools, council gardens and natural areas in the past six months.

Mossman Library the place to be during school holidays Mossman Library has entertained plenty of kids during the school holidays. Activities have included an iPad songwriting workshop teaching kids how to compose music and write lyrics and the Ozbots Challenge introducing our future scientists to the world of robotics. Kids were also kept busy making Christmas cards, colouring in and joining the Summer Reading Club.

AT A GLANCE Council has welcomed six new faces in the last two months in the roles of Labourer Mossman Amenities, Local Laws Officer, Grants Officer, Senior Procurement Officer, Labourer Water Reticulation and Frontline Services Officer.

“I visited with my children recently and we used the tourist card at both libraries ... we found staff very helpful and the facility of a high quality congratulations.” Since January 2014, Records Officers have processed in excess of 24,000 documents into Council’s Electronic Document & Records Management System (EDRMS). GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Locals enthusiastic for nursing home

AT A GLANCE

More than 150 enthusiastic local residents packed into the Mossman Shire Hall to hear about the designs and program planned by Salvation Army Aged Care Plus for the long-awaited Mossman nursing home.

The last constructed stage of Port Pacific Estate has been released with titles to be issued in the very near future. This is a milestone given the history of this development and the planning challenges.

Following Council’s decision to transfer 15,000 square metres of land valued at $675,000 at no charge to the Salvation Army, the State Government announced in December that Council’s application for grant funding of $544,150 towards the delivery of enabling infrastructure and operational works was successful.

“... Thanks for having us at the Port Douglas Markets - you have the nicest market coordinator we’ve ever worked with.”

These works will include the development of Council’s adjacent road network, sewerage and drainage, headworks and a substation. The nursing home is expected to deliver an estimated 41 construction jobs annually over two years, with an estimated 27 full-time employees once it is operational.

Feedback invited on recycle plan Did you know more than 8500 tonnes of waste was generated in the Douglas Shire last financial year? Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2016-2019 to assist in reducing waste and encourage recycling. Initiatives proposed include a community education campaign, a greater focus within Council on reducing waste and increasing recycling, providing 4

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

more public recycle bins, implementing an illegal dumping strategy and investigating opportunities for waste with a resource value. The draft plan also proposes installing waste monitoring systems at remote facilities to more accurately measure and report on waste types and volumes and improving the recovery of recyclable items at transfer stations.

Recyclable items recovered in December: • Cardboard - 7.1 tonnes; • Bottles, cans and tins 5.6 tonnes; • Tyres - 4.28 tonnes; • DrumMuster Drums - 0.86 tonnes; and • Scrap metal from Killaloe and Newell Beach - 276.20 tonnes.

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Great Australian Bites rocks Douglas There were even more reasons to celebrate Australia Day in the Douglas Shire with Port Douglas chosen as one of only three locations throughout Queensland to feature a free Great Australian Bites concert. Great Australian Bites is an initiative of the State Government showcasing local musicians and regional cuisine to celebrate Australia Day. The Port Douglas Great Australian Bites was held at Rex Smeal Park, delivering a great atmosphere with a number of excellent local bands and musicians performing on stage as well as pop-up food stalls showcasing our fantastic local cuisine and Aussie games for kids of all ages.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Plenty to celebrate on Australia Day Douglas Shire celebrated the community achievements of residents at the 2016 Civic Recognition and Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.

Women of Douglas Get Out, Get Active!

DIRECTORY

Founding and executive members of the Mossman District Nursing Home Committee Marj Norris, Shirley Vico and Joan Gray were announced as 2016 Citizens of the Year for their dedication to aged care services in Mossman over the past 20 years. Former Daintree State School student and 2015 Mossman State High School captain Ben Wilde was recognised as the Young Citizen of the Year. The Kids In Need of Donations committee (KIND) was the worthy recipient of the 2016 Volunteer of the Year. Mayor Julia Leu also presented a Civic Recognition Award toJennifer Ryan for her commitment to the rights and quality of life for Indigenous People. The Citizenship Ceremony welcomed 14 new citizens from as far away as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Poland, Germany, the Philippines, Thailand and Argentina.

Active Games in the Park provide spark Council’s popular Active Games in the Park resumed as the kids returned from holidays. Active Games in the Park provides free physical activities for kids of all ages from 3.30-5.30pm on Tuesdays in Mossman and Thursdays in Port Douglas during school terms. 6

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Women of Douglas Get Out, Get Active! The Women of Douglas – Get Out, Get Active! Directory is now available online or as a printed booklet. The free Get Out, Get Active! Directory promotes the range of sport and recreational clubs, businesses and activities in the Shire which offer “female-friendly” programs, venues and activities, as well as promoting child-minding services. Printed booklets are available from Douglas Libraries, Council’s Mossman Administration Building or the Port Douglas Community Hub.

February Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail draws a crowd More than 80 people attended an information session hosted by Council on the proposed Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail. The design for the proposed walking trail links Four Mile Beach and Dickson’s Inlet and features spectacular sea and mountain views. Hugging natural terrain overlooking the Coral Sea, the proposed 1.5km trail follows the contours of Flagstaff Hill and boasts lookouts to Double Island, Four Mile Beach, Low Isles, Snapper Island and the Daintree Rainforest.

Daintree Horizons Estate given green light A major residential development in Mossman has been given the go-ahead with Douglas Shire Council granting approval for Stage 4 of the Daintree Horizons estate. The approval to reconfigure one lot into 68 lots and parklands paves the way for developers to progress construction of Stage 4 of the estate. Council has approved more than 200 new residential lots as part of six new subdivisions in Port Douglas, Wonga Beach and Craiglie in the past 12 months.

AT A GLANCE

“We wish to thank DSC, in particular Brett Kilpatrick, for the prompt assistance in removing a tree that was overhanging our property and a potential danger..” Training topics offered in the first two months included First Aid and CPR, Work Safety, Erosion and Sediment Control, Microsoft Excel, Confined Space Safety: Entry and Breathing Apparatus, and Certificate III in Water Operations. In addition awareness training was also held on drug use and risks associated with drug use, such as ice and amphetamines.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Six fabulous creative projects receive Regional Arts Development Fund support

DID YOU KNOW ...

Six fabulous local arts projects in the Douglas Shire have been funded as part of Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund for 2015-2016. Douglas Theatre Arts Group Inc – Grease is the Word Helen Ramoutsaki – Creative Development of spoken word and multimedia performance Port Douglas Artists Inc – Gondwana’s Garden Visnja Prtenjaca – Harp Therapy Ozcare Port Douglas – Music for Listening in Aged Care Douglas Shire Historical Society Inc – 1879 Port Douglas Court House The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Douglas Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Port Douglas fitness station activated Fitness enthusiasts can now get physical while enjoying spectacular views of the Coral Sea with the installation of three outdoor fitness stations on the Port Douglas Esplanade. The fitness stations feature a sit-up board, pull-up bars, a leg lift and chin-up bars. The fitness stations on the Port Douglas Esplanade are free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Council provides a number of traineeships, in both the administration and operation areas, aimed to develop the skills of school leavers and young professionals. In addition to traineeships, work experience Is provided for people on Court Ordered Community Service. This provides additional labour to undertake maintenance and cleaning of public spaces and to provide people on Community Service Work Orders with meaningful work to build community responsibility and increase work-readiness skills.

Library team teaching Seniors to be Tech Savvy Illegal dumping strategy aims to make an impact

Exciting new tourism projects add to adventure in Douglas Shire

Council adopted an Illegal Dumping Strategy as part of a commitment to environmental stewardship and community leadership and a zero tolerance approach to litter and illegal dumping.

Council has demonstrated its support for two exciting new tourism projects in the Douglas Shire.

The strategy details the impacts of illegal dumping, a need for local situational awareness, and an overview of best practice direction for Council’s campaign to reduce both the incidence and impact of illegal dumping in our region. It places emphasis on a combination of education and enforcement as well as greater public participation in prevention and reporting illegal dumping.

A development permit was approved to facilitate electric bike tours in Cape Tribulation traversing a loop course through the Daintree Rainforest. Council also provided in-principle support for a proposed adventure park. The Mowbray Adventure Park is proposed to become an education, sport and entertainment park divided into themed activity precincts based on adventure and an appreciation of nature.

Douglas Libraries were successful in obtaining $6,680 “Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland” grant. The grant is a partnership between the State Library of Queensland and Telstra. To date all of the free technology training sessions have been fully booked. Training is provided in email, social media, internet banking, smartphones and tablets, online shopping and cyber safety.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

March Hot food hits Port Douglas Markets Council has officially notified the five hot food vendors invited to operate at the Port Douglas Markets for the first time. Council invited applications for hot food vendors that could deliver multicultural cuisine dishes for visitors to the Port Douglas Markets after an extensive community engagement process which showed 80 per cent of 144 respondents supported the concept.

Exercise Turbine helps Douglas Shire ‘Get Ready’ for cyclone Almost 200 primary school students experienced what to expect during a cyclone at the Port Douglas Storm Tide Cyclone Shelter as part of Exercise Turbine. The key objectives of Exercise Turbine were to practice the registration process of evacuees and setting up of the shelter, test communications, provide experience to staff with various roles and responsibilities in the event of a cyclone, identify any needs or shortfalls within the shelter and familiarise the community with the shelter and its operations. The Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Queensland Ambulance Service were also involved.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

FEEDBACK I would like to thank you for the Town Hall in kind for Mossman Youth Services Licensing. The journey with supporting some youths with selfdoubt, and low selfesteem was an interesting process. Persistence and encouragement to make our youths believe they can, if they really want their Learners, finally paid off.

“... Our youths gained computer skills, confidence and better comprehension skills.” The positive outcome on the day of testing was, 10 of Mossman Youth Centre youths, accomplished their Learners, with fantastic scores. Thank You.

Comparison with other deamalgamated Councils

Council kept busy during first term During the first term of the new Douglas Shire Council there were 52 Council meetings, of which 38 were Ordinary meetings and 14 were Special meetings. In total, Council considered 17 Mayoral Minutes, 382 Officer Reports and 51 Notices of Motion submitted by Councillors. Of the 450 matters considered by Council 82 per cent were carried unanimously, 12.44 per cent were adopted by majority vote and 5.56 per cent were not adopted.

Local Laws team to the pet rescue Local Laws officers work hard to actively ensure all neglected and abandoned animals are resettled to new homes where they are well cared for. Of the 416 animals impounded over the first two years of Council, 130 were returned to their owner, 117 rehomed and 169 euthanased.

DID YOU KNOW ... Over 200 suppliers of goods and services were registered as pre-qualified suppliers with Council, covering wide ranging activities. This process was necessary to ensure transparency and good governance over Councilâ€™s procurement practices and to provide further opportunities for local suppliers to work with Council.

Library members have 24/7 access to approximately 300,000 items including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines and free downloadable music. Land Values in the Douglas Shire increased an average of 8 per cent compared to the previous 12 months, according to the ValuerGeneral. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Douglas Card a valuable incentive to explore Daintree Rainforest

ILLEGAL CAMPING

The Douglas Card continues to be an effective marketing and economic incentive to encourage bona fide residents from neighbouring local government areas to take a trip to the Daintree during the low season. Residents from the Douglas Shire, Mareeba Shire, the Tablelands, Cairns, the Cassowary Coast and Cook Shire are invited to obtain a “Douglas Card” for free travel on the Daintree ferry from 1 November to the last day of February. Since January 2014, approximately 2330 Douglas Cards have been issued, with over 2580 return trips being registered for free travel on the Daintree Ferry.

Active Library members

4528

6915 per month Average loans 7747 per month PROGRAMS Public computer bookings 678 per month & EVENTS wi-fi access 185 users 631 sessions per month Average visits

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302

Council’s illegal camping strategy included a review of regulatory signage, identifying hot spot areas, partnering with the local police and employing a new Local Laws officer. Illegal camping patrols since January 2014 have resulted in: • 1122 illegal camping patrols and responses. • At least 790 campers information flyers about camping options in the Douglas Shire handed out. • 15 repeat offenders. The regular patrols at Port Douglas have also resulted in cleaner and more accessible park and reserve amenities.

271 abandoned vehicles reported since deamalgamation 152 vehicles towed by Council 9 vehicles sold at auction 89 vehicles crushed for scrap metal Innovative Bloomfield Track Experience Guide promotes wilderness drive An innovative collaboration coordinated by Council and supported by the Wet Tropics Management Authority has significantly enhanced the Bloomfield Track visitor experience. Tapping into the resources and knowledge of Council, WTMA, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, the Douglas Shire Historical Society and local tourism operators, the project produced an interactive e-book and associated road markers to promote the Bloomfield Track as a wilderness drive experience. The free Bloomfield Track Experience Guide provides visitors with a greater understanding of the Indigenous values and cultural history of the area as well as the natural assets along the 33km track, including an introduction to the areaâ€™s plants and animals. Along with audio of wildlife calls that accompany text and images of the area, the e-book is narrated to make it accessible for the visually-impaired and enable Traditional Owners to share their stories.

Click on the image to access the Bloomfield Track Experience Guide

NDRRA repairs pour millions into economy Expenditure to date on road repairs carried out with National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements funding in the Douglas Shire as a result of Cyclone Ita in April 2014 totals $21.6 million to date, with more than $10 million of expenditure directly benefiting the local and regional economy. The total number of roads repaired equals 156 out of the 435 under Council control, totalling 94km using 97,000 tonnes of gravel in just six months.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Dozens of roads upgraded throughout Douglas Shire

RECYCLING SNAPSHOT Council has recovered over five tonnes of DrumMuster drums and also takes part in the Farm Waste Recovery trial for sugar cane fertiliser bags, recovering over 850 bags for processing and recycling.

Over the past two years, 139km of local roads have been resealed. In addition, Council has spent over $1 million on various road upgrade and widening projects across the network, extending the sealed road network by an additional 2.5km including the sealing of Borzi, Old Forestry and Rykers Road. Pavement rehabilitation work has renewed gravel pavements across the network with Council completing approximately 2.6km of road rehabilitation. Some of the rehabilitation works includes the reconstruction of Bow Street, Junction Road and Bonnie Doon Road. Drainage renewal and the upgrade of stormwater pipes and Kerb and Channel totalling $300,000 has been completed. The maintenance crews have completed inspections and routine maintenance on 50km of paved footpaths/bikeways, inspected and patched approximately 208km of sealed roads and graded approximately 172km of gravel roads. Over 300km of kerb and channel and 1000km of stormwater pipes have been inspected and are maintained using mobile tablet technology linked to customer requests.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & REGULATORY SERVICES APPROVALS SINCE DEAMALGAMATION 14

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260 footpath permits processed 650 licensed premises inspections 26 new food businesses approved 60 temporary food permits granted 450 health permits approved

“Dear Kursty, thanks very much for your friendly, professional, efficient and speedy resolution to my rates matter.” Other items recycled at local waste transfer stations include: • Used lead-acid batteries - 41.5 tonnes; • Scrap metal - 1963 tonnes; • Tyres - 27 tonnes; and • Recyclables from transfer stations - 195 tonnes.

Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan outlines path to greener future A recycle shop is just one initiative to be implemented as part of a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan for the Douglas Shire. The Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan for Douglas Shire includes waste reduction and recycling targets and strategies for achieving them. Targets in the plan include the identification of baseline waste characteristics, reduction in waste generation throughout the Shire, an increase in recycling rates throughout the Shire and improved resource recovery at transfer stations. Mayor Julia Leu said Council would implement a range of strategies to achieve these outcomes. The strategies Council will be implementing include the establishment of a recycle shop at Killaloe Transfer Station and investigating market opportunities for waste, particularly concrete and other construction and demolition waste. Council will also develop and implement an illegal dumping strategy, introduce tailored recycling programs for commercial premises and multi-unit dwellings, encourage public place recycling and promote residential and commercial composting. Other measures to be adopted include undertaking waste characterisation audits on household, commercial and public place waste, installing waste monitoring systems at remote facilities to more accurately measure and report on volumes of waste and adopting fees and charges which encourage the separation of items from the waste stream.

â€œHousehold waste in the Douglas Shire in 2015 totalled 8518 tonnes, with 5668 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste and 1480 tonnes of construction and demolition waste recorded.â€?

Wastewater plants give special treatment At Mossman Wastewater Treatment Plant, 780ML of wastewater was treated to effluent licence standards and discharged to the Mossman River in 2014-15. In the same period, Port Douglas treated 2,346ML of wastewater and provided two resorts with 1134.9ML of recycled water. During 2014-15, 73.2 dry tonnes and 268 dry tonnes of bio-solids were produced at the Mossman and Port Douglas plants respectively. The biosolids were transported to farms for beneficial use as soil conditioner. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

April New Douglas Shire Council sworn in The new Douglas Shire Council led by Mayor Julia Leu was sworn in promising to deliver an innovative, responsible and progressive agenda for the first full four-year term of the new Council.

Providing Pathways for school students

Mayor Julia Leu and Councillors Abigail Noli, David Carey, Roy Zammataro and Michael Kerr were sworn in for their four-year term at Councilâ€™s Mossman Administration Chambers on 12 April. The immediate priority for the new Council is to get to work on the 2016/17 Budget.erate at the Port

10,012 customer requests in since

Council has received deamalgamation including: General maintenance plumbing -

940

Dog - barking

286

270 Trees - street/park 721 Waste - residential - repair 253 Dog - stray/roaming/walk off lead 446 Local Laws - miscellaneous 252 Waste - Council facilities 421 Waste - missed collection 251 Illegal Camping 300 leaking/broken service/pipe

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Abandoned vehicles

Council participated in the Mossman State High School Pathways Evening that provided Year 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents the opportunity to gain an insight to different pathways into the workforce. A short presentation on Local Government, pathways and vocations for young people was presented during the evening with two of our younger employees, a graduate Planning Officer and former Trainee Administration Officer, answering student questions.

Plenty of locals take advantage of free green waste

LOCAL LAWS SNAPSHOT Since January 2014, 173 complaints were received in relation to Overgrown Allotments, and Officers have issued 232 Compliance/Information Notices to property owners requiring their allotments be mowed.

Over 30 tonnes of green waste was received at Killaloe Transfer Station during Council’s free green waste period in April 2016. Recyclables exported from Transfer Stations in April 2016 totalled over 17.5 tonnes made up of batteries, cardboard, tyres, bottles and cans. Volumes of waste collected in the kerbside collection service from residential and commercial properties totalled 310 and 112 tonnes respectively for the month.

23 new contractual arrangements were made with Council suppliers from 1 January 2016 to 30 April 2016.

Resource Management also responded to 54 recycling and 109 waste requests between midMarch and April 2016.

Sewer network relining strengthens pipes, seals leaks Improvement works involving relining of Council’s sewer network are progressing well. The project for relining works commenced in December 2015 to extend the life of the existing pipework by reinforcing and strengthening the pipework in situ, and to seal any potential leaks in the network. To date, 457.3 metres of pipe in Mossman have been relined, and 1430.6 metres in Port Douglas. Approximately $404,000 has been spent on the project this year.

Click on the images to see what a difference relining makes

A total of 271 customer requests were received in relation to abandoned vehicles since 2014. During this time, approximately 152 abandoned vehicles were towed by Council, 9 were sold at auction and 89 crushed for scrap metal.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Newell Beach residents raise a glass to pipe upgrade The Newell Beach Esplanade pipeline upgrade has replaced the ageing 100mm asbestos cement pipeline with new 150mm Blue Brute water main. The upgrade will reduce breakages and improve the water quality in this water supply area.

Pest Management Crew declare war on destructive weeds Council’s Pest Management Crew has conducted 1279 person hours treating 63 hectares of declared weeds throughout the Shire. The majority of time was spent treating council road reserve north of the Daintree River for Sicklepod, Singapore Daisy and Tobacco Weed. Works have also commenced on priority weed Hiptage. Local contractors have been engaged to treat high risk areas infesting very steep terrain on Butchers Hill - Mossman. The site requires experienced climbers and the use of anchor ropes to access and treat the infested cliff sides. This project was funded by Terrain NRM.

Click on the images to see how our Open Spaces team tackle Hiptage

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

OPEN SPACES SNAPSHOT Our pest animal control program has captured and destroyed a total of 86 feral pigs consisting of 50 boars (1849kg) and 36 sows (1270kg) so far this year. Four wild dogs have also been captured and destroyed.

Council’s Nursery has produced 7085 native tree species and supplied 3133 native trees to the community so far this year. The Open Spaces team has Installed a new swing set at the Cooya Beach play area, bollards along the northern end of Cooya Beach to restrict vehicle traffic around the children’s playground;Installation of and a new playground and shadesail at Bells Park in Wonga Beach.

Flagstaff Hill lookout to get facelift Port Douglasâ€™ famed Flagstaff Hill lookout will receive a deserved facelift following an agreement between Douglas Shire Council and the State Government. Council was successful in the latest funding round of the Department of Transport and Main Roadsâ€™ Scenic Lookout Upgrade program to share the cost of revitalising the Flagstaff Hill lookout. The $75,000 project will increase the safety and accessibility of the Flagstaff Hill Lookout by providing safe off-road parking for cars and buses, a Class 1 pedestrian pathway from the parking area to the lookout and new balustrading. The new pathway and replacing the current pavers with concrete paving at the lookout will increase accessibility for those with reduced mobility, with the amenity of the area to be improved by the addition of a drinking fountain, new benches and interpretive signage.

8261visits to local libraries during April 7989 items borrowed 444 people attended library programs, events & outreach 741 computer bookings 277 people used free wifi

Bubs benefit from first5forever The first5forever program aims to support stronger language and literacy environments for young children 0-5 years. Baby Rhyme Time and Storytime sessions have been modified to encourage parents to have fun sharing stories, singing, talking and playing with their children and partnerships have been developed with the Mossman MultiPurpose Health Service Baby Clinic. Library staff are also engaging in outreach activities at playgroups, A free first5forever toolkit is available to every family with children aged 0-5.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Steam weeding technology showing positive results

GOVERNANCE SNAPSHOT

Douglas Shire Council’s trial of steam-weeding technology is showing positive results. Council’s trial of the steam-weeding technology is targeted around playgrounds, local schools, sporting organisations and kerb and channel.

Click on the image to see our weeds team in action

Douglas Shire Council is the first local government in Far North Queensland to trial steam-weeding to redice herbicides and the amount of chemicals that enter our waterways as run-off. The steam-weeding technology is specially designed to create super-heated water and wet steam which destroy weeds on contact, with the targeted weeds decomposing as soil humus.

Soldiers’ sacrifices honoured at Anzac Day services More than 3000 people attended Anzac Day services held across the Douglas Shire in Mossman, Port Douglas and Cow Bay. Dawn Services were held in Mossman and Cow Bay followed by free community breakfasts, with the Anzac Parade and Ceremony observed in Port Douglas. The Anzac Parade along Macrossan Street marked the first time Mossman’s 101-year-old World War 2 veteran John “Cop” Hingley had marched with his war medals on Anzac Day after they were presented to him only last year due to administrative errors.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Click on the image to see our tribute to some of the Diggers of Douglas who served during World War 1

As part of Council’s Contractor Induction, letters were issued to Contractors and Suppliers informing them of Council’s new Corporate WH&S Induction Process. The Induction Manual can be accessed on Council’s website.

Online Developer Application software can now facilitate the lodgement of online DAs. Council will spend almost $300,000 on urgent improvements to community facilities including floodlights at the Mossman Pool, street lights at the Mossman Caravan Park, street light poles at the Mossman Showgrounds and engineering design and documentation of sportsfield lighting at the Douglas Football Club.

May Inaugural Business Development Fund helps launch exciting new projects Two exciting new projects have been successful under Douglas Shire Councilâ€™s inaugural Business Development Fund. The Business Development Fund was announced as a new economic development initiative by Council at the inaugural Douglas Business Forum in November 2015. Freeride Electric Adventure Tours was awarded $4000 for assistance to establish a new electric bike start-up tour business in the Daintree â€“ Cape Tribulation area. Daintree Marketing Cooperative was granted $3500 to develop 30-second, 60-second and threeminute digital videos to promote the businesses and attractions in the Daintree region.

Crocs, Council get behind innovative Pink In The Tropics fundraiser Pink In The Tropics, a local breast cancer support group, hosted the Combined Pink Sports Day which featured the Port Douglas Crocs AFL team wearing a colourful new strip. Council provided almost $2300 under the Events Funding Program for the innovative promotion which included a Zumba exhibition at halftime and a charity fundraising auction.

Council hosts info sessions for suppliers Businesses that want to secure work with Douglas Shire Council are urged to attend an information session. More than 200 suppliers of goods and services have registered as pre-qualified suppliers with Council, with 68 businesses from Douglas Shire approved and positioned to benefit directly from this initiative. The Register of Pre-Qualified Suppliers (RoPS) for Goods and Services covers 58 business categories, ranging from mowing and building services to cleaning, irrigation and office equipment supplies.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Newest Aussie citizens celebrate

FEEDBACK

Council welcomed seven new Australians at a Citizenship Ceremony held at the Mossman Shire Hall during May. Our newest citizens, originally from New Zealand, the USA, Pakistan, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom and South Africa, celebrated afterwards with a morning tea along with friends and family.

Junk Weavers get crafty with workshop to raise awareness of marine debris Council was successful in gaining a $4000 grant from The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to fund public art related to marine debris awareness. Council has secured The Junk Weavers to run three public workshops on turning disposable plastic into wearable/sellable art as part of ECO Week. The Junk Weavers Inc travel throughout Australia and to PNG running workshops teaching marginalised people how to weave discarded plastic into bags, bangles etc. to develop a sustainable handicraft business. Workshops were held in partnership with community organisations: Mossman Community Centre, Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Mossman Gorge Wellbeing Centre.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

“This photo was taken at Active Games in the Park in PD recently. It’s such a great Thurs Arvo with the kids and Drew does a great job keeping the kids interested and enthusiastic! Thanks so much DSC.”

Bama Working Group strengthens relationships The establishment of the Bama Working Group (BWG) in 2015 has resulted in the strengthening of working relationships with various organisations throughout the Shire and Far North Queensland. The BWG is made up of stakeholder organisations including Council and meets on a six-weekly basis. Items being addressed by the BWG include a review of the Blue Pools Land Management Plan, inclusion of the ‘Bush Living’ code in the Draft Douglas Planning Scheme, challenges faced with anti-social behavior at Foxton Bridge, opportunities for increased ranger employment opportunities, Indigenous Land Use Agreements, camping at Cow Bay, Indigenous Language on Council Signage, the Yalanji Cemetery Causeway and unauthorised access to Mossman Gorge.

Vegetation Management Fact Sheet helps preserve pristine environment Council produced a Vegetation Management Fact Sheet to help local residents and businesses understand their obligations to help preserve our pristine natural environment. The fact sheet includes valuable information on the value of trees, tree removal, planting on public land, Heritage-Listed trees, removing trees, frequently asked questions and useful contacts.

Groups prioritise litter reduction targets Council, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Tangaroa Blue Foundation held a Source Reduction Plan workshop with key stakeholders to identify and prioritise litter problems in the region. Representatives from Council’s Public Spaces and Resource Management teams, Tangaroa Blue and Douglas Shire Sustainability Group identified two source reduction plans for high priority targets - cigarette butts in Macrossan Street and litter in waterways associated with drinking/ picnics.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Libraries team reaches out to encourage early literacy activities

SORRY DAY 2016

The Douglas Libraries team celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime in May, joining children from around Australia in reading the same book at the same time to encourage early literacy. Library staff were very active with outreach activities during May, including a visit to Wonga Beach State School and participating in Under-8s Day activities at Port Douglas State School.

Civil Works crews spread far and wide Civil Works crews have been busy conducting slasher operations in the Lower Daintree over the past month. The road maintenance crews were patching potholes and were busy completing tree maintenance before the cane season begins. The Solander Boulevard roadwork and drainage upgrade project and the Kingfisher lane concrete extension were completed and inspectors completed an assessment of all roads from Wangetti to Daintree Village which will help inform future capital works programs.

Mossman water treatment plant given upgrade to improve quality Installation of new turbidity meters has been completed at all Ultra Filtration (UF) racks at the Mossman water treatment plant. The SCADA and telemetry upgrades are almost completed at all water and wastewater plants. 24

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

On 26 May every year ceremonies, marches, speeches and presentations are held around the country to commemorate Sorry Day, the day on which Australians express regret for the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal people. Douglas Shire Council hosted a special Sorry Day Ceremony at the Mossman Administration Building to bring together our communities in the spirit of reconciliation, including special guest speakers and musical performances followed by a morning tea for our communities.

Rain fails to dampen revamped Carnivale Not even record rainfall could dampen the enthusiasm for the new format and events that attracted thousands of visitors to Port Douglas for its annual Carnivale festivities over the weekend. New Carnivale organiser Knockout Events produced a world-class line-up of events over a shortened three-day format compared to 10 days previously and despite the record rainfall which affected some activities, the results and feedback have been extremely impressive. The shortened format proved very successful from a marketing and promotional perspective, especially considering the weather, with hundreds of people laughing and dancing in the torrential downpour at the Port on a Fork Music, Food and Wine event on Saturday night. For the first time Carnivale 2016 featured worldclass performers inside this decadent Wonderland Spiegeltent which proved hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

June

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT

Plastic Free Douglas launches campaign A group of businesses and community organisations is leading the charge to “Keep Paradise Plastic Free” with the launch of a campaign to reduce the usage of disposal plastic bags in the Douglas Shire. Plastic Free Douglas is made up of stakeholders from Douglas Shire Council, the Douglas Shire Sustainability Group, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Low Isles Preservation Society, Tangaroa Blue and Bendigo Bank. The aim of the Keep Paradise Plastic Free campaign is to encourage individuals and local businesses to lead by example and reduce the number of disposable plastic bags in our community.

Much ado about new Cow Bay loo It is not every day that a toilet is afforded an official opening, but then again there is nothing ordinary about the new Cow Bay facilities. Douglas Shire Council, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation and local residents and businesses welcomed the official opening of the new toilet facilities at Cow Bay Beach. The previous long-standing toilet at Cow Bay Beach was removed by QPWS due to safety concerns just before Easter in 2015. 26

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

An attempt by a salvage operator to raise a sunken boat at the Council moorings in Dickson Inlet revealed the boat was too heavy and another salvage attempt will be organised.

“Thank you for your actions in getting rid of the vehicles unreg and dumped for a long period. After your notices they were all gone quickly ... only to be replaced by more bombs.”

Scrap Shack gives back at no cost Records, furniture, an old payphone, fishing gear, lighting, wheelbarrows, outdoor living equipment, you name it, you just might find it at the new Scrap Shack at the Killaloe Transfer Station. And the best part about it is, as a “give-back” shop, it’s all free. The Scrap Shack is a new Council initiative to reduce landfill and is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

Multi-million-dollar prawn farm approved for expansion at Killaloe Council has approved a multi-million-dollar expansion of a Port Douglas prawn farm. Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture has been granted planning approval to begin construction of 21 new aquaculture ponds, the expansion of existing onsite processing and administration facilities and a caretaker’s residence on the site off Captain Cook Highway.

Coastal Hazard Adaptation group formed Council has formed a Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy Working Group (CHWG). The working group will be tasked with scoping possible hazards and the development of a strategy to mitigate the effects of climactic events such as storm surges or rises in sea levels due to climate change. The next step for the working group will be to list coastal hazard issues within Douglas.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT A cardboard baler has been installed at Killaloe Transfer Station. The baling process is expected to not only reduce transport costs for Council but also increase volumes of cardboard which can be exported off-site.

“Just wanted to compliment Sara on how she handled a dog complaint. I was reluctant to call but glad I did. Her follow up phone call was much appreciated.” Anti-barking collars were donated by Council to Paws & Claws to help with managing barking dogs on the premises.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Council to formulate RV-friendly strategy Council will formulate a Douglas Recreational Vehicle Friendly Strategy following the endorsement of a discussion paper. Council Officers have analysed RV strategies developed by other local governments throughout Australia and New Zealand to gain a greater understanding of some of the best practice models that may be suited to the Douglas region. These guidelines relating to developing camping options and rest stop design will be further explored in the RV Strategy to provide Council with guidance and direction to accommodate and cater to the needs and expectations of the RV traveller market.

Funding guaranteed for new reservoir Federal Government funding of $6.7 million for the new Port Douglas reservoir has been guaranteed regardless of who wins the upcoming federal election.

Ironman, Adventure Festival pedal tourists

The commitment from both major parties on the election trail ensures that funding will be provided for the new 20-megalitre Port Douglas reservoir, the Douglas Shireâ€™s highest priority major infrastructure project to meet current demands and enable future growth.

Thousands of athletes from around the world converged on the Douglas Shire in June for the Cairns Ironman and Cairns Adventure Festival, which featured the RRR Mountain Bike Challenge, the Heikili Great Ocean Challenge and the Coral Coast Triathlon. Council is a major sponsor of both events.

The State Government has already contributed $5 million towards the $14.4 million construction of the new reservoir, to be located above Ferrero Rd. There are a number of developments in the pipeline for Port Douglas and Craiglie which include a caravan park, 37 additional marina berths, 229 residential lots and 17 industrial lots. 28

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Artists transform Rotary Park facilities Renowned local Aboriginal artist Lenice Schonenberger led an artistic team which created spectacular murals on the amenities building at Rotary Park in Mossman. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) initiative saw Lenice team up with aerosol artist Daniel “Wally” Wallwork and emerging local artist Loretta Lenoy on the Rotary Park mural featuring rainforest and riverbeds and the fauna of our local river system. Lenice is one of the artists responsible for the spectacular new artwork on the Daintree ferry and Wally conducted our hugely successful aerosol art workshops at skate parks in Wonga Beach, Mossman and Port Douglas in 2015.

Daintree footpath network given a blast All footpaths north of the Daintree Ferry - measuring over 7km in length - were pressure washed as part of routine maintenance. These paths are difficult to maintain with 90 per cent of them under canopy meandering through rainforest. A constant supply of leaf matter and moisture create the perfect environment for mould and algae, with the project taking two weeks to complete. Construction crews have recently completed the Meelele Bridge relieving slab on the Bloomfield Track, maintenance crews have been busy operating the slasher north of the Daintree River and road maintenance Crews are patching potholes on the sealed and unsealed road network,

Monster pig and his mates no match for Jeff May and June is the peak period for feral pigs and Council’s pest animal control program captured and destroyed a total of 103 feral pigs during this time. Our Pest Animal Controller Jeff White captured his largest ever feral pig in the Daintree Lowlands weighing over 130kg. On another occasion, Council trapped 12 feral pigs in the one trap. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE OUR PIG TRAPPER IN ACTION GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Council on track to achieve Budget surplus by 2019/20 Douglas Shire Council remains on track to achieve a budget surplus by 2019/20. Council is continuing on the path of financial sustainability with a focus on reducing costs, encouraging innovation and delivering better forecasts with the benefit of more accurate baseline data. Important initiatives for the financial sustainability of the Douglas Shire outlined in the 2016/17 Annual Budget include identifying land management plans to determine freehold land assets surplus to requirements and undertaking an assessment of all stormwater assets to develop a rectification plan. Council will also adopt a Local Government Infrastructure Plan that can be effectively applied to developments in the Douglas Shire.

Record capital works investment for Shire Record capital works investment on vital infrastructure assets and innovative new projects highlight the 2016/17 Annual Budget. Almost $15 million will be spent on capital works in the Douglas Shire over the next 12 months, representing Council’s biggest annual investment in capital works excluding National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding. Council’s continued focus on financial sustainability ensured more than three quarters of properties in the Douglas Shire have been limited to the average 3.9 per cent rates increase. 30

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Tourism promotion & events well supported More than $800,000 has been allocated by Council to support tourism promotion and events over the next 12 months. Council funding for Tourism Port Douglas Daintree has been increased by 5 per cent to $474,045, the most significant support per capita for a local tourism organisation from a council in Australia. More than $180,000 in cash and in-kind will be provided by Council in 2016/17 for events including Carnivale, New Year’s Eve in Port Douglas, Mossman Community Xmas, the GBR Marathon, the Port Shorts Film Festival and the Crocodile Trophy.

July Four Mile Beach to be revegetated with more than 2000 native plants More than 2000 native plants will be established on the Four Mile Beach dunal foreshore as an initiative of the 2016/17 Coconut Action Plan. The joint initiative between Council and the Sheraton Mirage Resort will remove coconut debris including fronds, nuts and seedlings, with the revegetation to provide screening of the resort from the beach as it establishes. No mature coconuts or native species were removed as part of the revegetation project.

Self-drive market helps stimulate strong visitation on both sides of Daintree River Tourism operators throughout the Douglas Shire reported the highest visitation and spend in more than five years, according to the latest quarterly report from Tourism Port Douglas Daintree. International visitation from our key western markets of the UK, the USA and Europe continue to perform well, with overall visitation up on the previous year in all key markets. There was also strong growth in the drive market across international and domestic, with a number of Daintree operators reporting record trading periods.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Council’s Coordinator Open Spaces conducted a presentation on invasive weeds to Miallo State School students followed by a demonstration of the steam weed machine killing Singapore Daisy. The site has now been revegetated with over 100 native trees by the students and our team. This project will be complemented by signage provided by the Local Marine Advisory Committee.

“We recently stayed at your Wonga Beach Caravan Park ... the facilities are clean, the park is beautiful and the onsite manager Bob went way above what was expected of him.” GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Staff recognised for more than 260 years service to communities More than 260 years of service was celebrated at the Douglas Shire Council Staff Recognition Awards barbecue breakfast held at the Mossman Depot. Staff recognised for their services included Graham Busby (35 years service); Annette Watson (30 years); Craig Barton (25 years); Paul Hoye (20 years); “Poppy” Dan McAuliffe, Natalie Crimmins, Pete Logan, Jeffery Caldera and Peter Burtterss (15 years); and Marie Lawson, Gary Aylett, Matthew Govorko, Bill Wilkie, Susanna Andrews and Adam Johnston (10 years).

Cultural smorgasbord of events to celebrate NAIDOC Week The Douglas Shire community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a cultural smorgasbord of events. NAIDOC Week activities celebrated the theme of “Songlines: The living narrative of our nation”, kicking off with a church service at Mossman Gorge and the official flag-raising ceremony held at Council’s Mossman Administration Building. Other NAIDOC Week activities in the Douglas Shire included the Healing Expression Art Show, the NAIDOC Baby Show, the Foxton Mural Plaque unveiling, Goobidi HACC Elders Lunch, the Mossman Gorge Family Fun Day & Rainforest Markets, Mossman State High School Elders Lunch, Yalanji Resting Place Visit and culminating with the Mossman Community Street March & NAIDOC Family Fun Day which was attended by more than 700 people.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Click on the image to see our staff recognised for their service to our communities

Gondwana’s Garden blooms in Council foyer Gondwana’s Garden was initiated by Port Douglas Artists Inc to celebrate our tropical environment while raising public awareness and understanding of the value of the proposed Mossman Botanic Gardens, through the display of over 60 individual art works from approximately 20 professional artists from the region. The display, which benefited from Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund, featured in Council’s Mossman Administration Building foyer and was also showcased at the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns.

Eco-warriors relish Plastic Bag Free July Shopper Challenge Almost 100 eco-warriors in the Douglas Shire signed up for the Plastic Bag Free July Shopper Challenge. A further 45 businesses in the Douglas Shire have joined the Keep Paradise Plastic Free campaign, committing to becoming disposable plastic bag free.

Students lead the way with Eco Challenge

Everyone who registered with Plastic Free Douglas were regularly emailed ideas and tips during the month to help them achieve their goal of committing to a disposable Plastic Bag Free July. A survey of Plastic Free July Shopper Challenge participants revealed that 93 per cent of them own reusable bags but 80 per cent use disposable plastic because they forget to take them shopping, 40 per cent reuse bags as bin liners and 30 per cent use single-use plastic bags because shops donâ€™t provide alternatives. Every respondent said they would use fewer plastic bags if they had to pay for them.

WATER RETICULATION SERVICES QUARTERLY REPORT

75 settlement meter reads 7 new services water connections 71 service repairs 5 water mains repairs 5 water quality complaints

Council participated in the Reef Guardian Schoolsâ€™ Future Leaders Eco Challenge with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. More than 30 students from five primary schools spent the day at Wonga Beach State School and participated in activities exploring how they can improve the health of local environments and learning skills they can utilise at school to help improve environmental sustainability. Officers conducted a session on litter source reduction plans where they analysed the results of litter audits conducted in their schools. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Daintree Gateway Stage 3 to reinvigorate western precinct

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Council has granted conditional approval to the Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks Senior Rugby League Football Club to relocate the playing field at the Mossman Showgrounds. The club requested the field’s relocation to assist in reducing the impacts of illegal drinking on the eastern side of the existing playing field, improving visibility for spectators, extending the field’s “ingoal” area, encouraging greater usage of the club’s canteen and reducing setup time for games.

Stage 3 of the Daintree Gateway will reinvigorate the western precinct with further improvements to increase and seal car parking and improve access for boat ramp users. Council endorsed the revised Daintree Gateway Stage 3 Concept Plan to incorporate feedback provided during community consultation on the project. As a result of this feedback, Council revised the configuration of the western precinct car park to increase the number of parking spaces including the creation of an overflow parking area and will also provide additional lighting. The concept design layout also provides for a pedestrian pathway linking the car park, interpretive centre, boat ramp pontoons and commercial operations and intersection upgrades.

Council gets behind Mossman Show Council provided $15,000 in-kind support for the 2016 Mossman Show. These services included litter pick-up, fencing, lighting, grounds maintenance and cleaning. A feature of the Council stall at the 2016 Mossman Show was the Douglas Libraries first5forever Storytime Sessions, which kept dozens of youngsters entertained and provided them with free reading kits.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Click on the image to see all the fun of the Mossman Show

42 per cent of treated effluent in Port Douglas is recycled for use on two resort golf courses.

August Foxton Bridge Flood Cam keeps communities informed during disasters Local residents and visitors can now check on the flood status of Mossman’s Foxton Bridge without getting off the couch. Council has just installed a “Flood Cam” near Foxton Bridge which feeds images every 15 minutes direct to Council’s website so our communities can see if the northern connection is open or closed due to flooding. The Flood Cam provides real-time visual feedback for Council, SES, Emergency Management Queensland officers and the public during flooding events.

‘Turning of the sod’ historic moment for Mossman nursing home supporters The official “turning of the sod” ceremony at the new Salvation Aged Care Plus Centre in Mossman was a celebration of more than 20 years of blood, sweat and tears on behalf of our communities to build a nursing home in the Douglas Shire. Council was integral to achieving this milestone, providing the freehold land, helping establish the business case, successfully applying for State Government Building Our Regions funding and waiving infrastructure charges. The new 42-bed centre will generate more than 40 local construction jobs and over 25 full time jobs once completed.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Capping the completed cells of Killaloe Landfill have commenced, with approximately 12,000 square metres of the landfill covered with low permeability clay material. This is expected to reduce storm water infiltration and reduce leachate generation by 30 per cent.

The ‘Tech Savvy Seniors’ free computer classes are hugely popular, with Douglas Libraries staff running 42 classes with 201 participants so far in 2016. Staff have recently completed training in First Aid and CPR, Microsoft Project & Excel, ACDC Chemical Accreditation, and economy id training. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Proposed Douglas Shire Planning Scheme delivers plenty of positive outcomes Douglas Shire Council has released a new Proposed Planning Scheme for public comment that achieves a reduction in red tape, delivers increased economic development opportunities and represents responsible environmental stewardship. The Proposed Planning Scheme included a number of innovative planning initiatives that provided some amazing opportunities for our communities including the Return to Country Local Plan Code, a Live Entertainment Precinct in Port Douglas, the ability for rural landholders to host RV campers on their property and some fantastic small scale economic opportunities north of the Daintree River. For businesses, thereâ€™s a number of initiatives to reduce red tape such as changes to the Advertising Devices Code to make it easier and cheaper to approve advertising signs. Council has produced an easy-to-follow summary of the Proposed Planning Scheme, Key Challenges and Major Changes in Proposed Planning Scheme. Mayor Julia Leu, Councillors, CEO Linda Cardew and senior managers and planners enjoyed an historic meeting with Burungu Aboriginal Corporation at China Camp to discuss the Return To Country Code. The Return to Country Local Plan Code provides for a range of residential and economic land uses to reflect the aspirations of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji People which may include setting up ranger camps, facilitate food production and encourage communal living options currently not available to them. 36

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Economic Development Strategy process begins Council has started meeting with key stakeholders to develop an Economic Development Strategy (EDS) for the Douglas Shire. The purpose of the EDS is to identify the key strengths, assets and opportunities for the Douglas Shire and focus on five key challenges to stimulate economic growth. Key priorities identified so far by stakeholders include maintaining a balanced workforce and a sustainable population, planning for sustainability, supporting and sustaining tourism, agriculture, fishing and small business, encouraging collaboration and preserving our natural environmental assets.

Seniors’ Week celebrations a success Morning teas and a bus trip were just some of the Seniors’ Week activities on offer for Douglas Shire residents in August. The various morning and afternoon teas and activities provided residents of all ages with opportunities to reminisce and socialise. Council Officers also recorded conversations about severe weather experiences with local seniors throughout the shire during Seniors’ Week which will be developed into a series of video clips as part of the ‘If Only’ Disaster Resilience campaign.

Council keen to improve crocodile management in Douglas Shire Douglas Shire Council has called on the State Government to undertake a signage audit and improved education campaign as part of a review into crocodile management in Far North Queensland. Council staff had met preivously with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to discuss ways to improve crocodile management practices, and the Douglas Shire in particular, as part of the review process. Council requested that local popular freshwater creeks be included in any crocodile survey including the Mossman River from Foxton Bridge to Anich’s Bridge and from South Mossman Bridge to Shannonvale Causeway as well as Spring Creek in Mowbray - and allow authorised local officers to conduct “hazing” activities in identified areas.

Click on the image to learn how to be ‘CrocWise’

New GM Operations boasts top credentials New General Manager Operations Nick Wellwood brings more than 30 years of experience in the private and public sectors to his new role. The respected engineer has extensive experience in the private sector including heading the Department of Municipal Affairs in Abu Dhabi for four years as well as major companies Stockland, Macquarie Bank, Lend Lease and the Ray Group. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Pizza, Pyjama Storytime fun at library Mossman Library held its first ever first5forever “Pizza, Pyjama Storytime” to celebrate “Children’s Book Week” in August with over 90 people attending. Parents were invited to bring along their two to sixyear-olds and join the Library team for an evening of bedtime pizza, bedtime stories and lullabies. The event proved such a success that the Douglas Libraries team intend to make Pizza, Pyjama Storytime an annual activity. First5forever aims to create stronger language and literacy environments for 0-5-year-olds and support primary caregivers, as their child’s first teacher, to be confident.

Tropical delights deliver Taste of Port Douglas to culinary crowd Taste Port Douglas celebrated local produce over three huge days of festivities in Rex Smeal Park. A number of high profile chefs including Colin Fassnidge from My Kitchen Rules came to the area deliver a culinary experience. Attendees were treated to cooking demonstrations, pop up food stalls and local entertainment. Council provided funding and in-kind support as part of the Event Funding Program for the event.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

DID YOU KNOW ... Electronic waste (e-waste) is stockpiled at Killaloe Transfer Station for recycling. Council Officers are investigating transport options for e-waste, however television and computer products can be recycled for free under the National Television & Computer Recycling Scheme. Diversion of this and other e-waste will increase Landfill Diversion rates in accordance with Council’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan. The first stage of the footpath upgrade along Mossman – Daintree Road (north Mossman) was completed recently.

The upgraded footpath has a concrete section to allow for cane farming machinery to traverse it.

September Council adopts annual Coconut Management Plan for Douglas Shire Council has adopted the 2016/17 Coconut Action Plan that details the coconut palm de-nutting program, removal of high-risk specimens for public safety, environmental control and restoration projects and landholder maintenance agreements. The Douglas Shire is regarded as the “Coconut Capital of Australia” with more than 11,000 coconut palms growing on Council-controlled land. A total of 1445 coconut palms have been identified for maintenance with an additional five palms added and 12 palms removed from the de-nutting program. There are 70 high-risk specimens earmarked for removal in 2016-17 for public safety and environmental outcomes including Wonga Beach (five), Miallo (three), Mossman (nine), Cooya Beach (three), Killaloe (40), Port Douglas (nine) and Oak Beach (one). Three separate environmental control and restoration projects will be carried out in the next 12 months at Four Mile Beach Esplanade, the Sheraton resort foreshore and the Daintree Lowlands. Council has also entered into five separate landholder agreements with landholders at Newell Beach and a Port Douglas-based business.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT As part of a review of Council’s IT systems and processes the SCADA virtual private network was configured to provide additional security and network separation for Council’s water control systems and administration networks. Upgrades also were made to Council’s core document management system to keep the system current and to provide minor improvements in functionality and fixes to reported issues.

“We would like to sincerely thank Council for the use of the foreshore and waiving fees for our recent surf life saving carnival in Port Douglas.”

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Local government movers and shakers converge on Port Douglas for conference The movers and shakers of local government converged on Port Douglas for the Local Government Managers Australia Queensland annual conference. More than 200 local government managers from throughout Queensland attended the annual conference, injecting an estimated $500,000 into the local economy as many delegates extended their stay in the Douglas Shire and brought their partners so they can explore the region for themselves afterwards. Douglas Shire Council CEO Linda Cardew was also elected to the Board of the Local Government Managers Association Queensland as the Director representing North Queensland.

Local clubs and businesses invited to participate in free Sport & Rec Expo Local clubs and businesses involved in sport, exercise, active recreation, health and nutrition are invited to nominate a free stall at Douglas Shire Council’s inaugural Sport & Rec Expo. Queensland State of Origin legend Shane Webcke will be special guest speaker at the expo, to be held in February 2017. There will be information stalls, demonstrations, promotions, speakers and come and try sessions to promote club sign-on days, upcoming seasons, membership and volunteering opportunities. 40

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Council is inviting applications for funding of local projects under Council’s 2016-2017 various funding programs comprising the Community Support Program, Event Funding Program and Business Development Fund.

Funding of up to $10,000 is available for applicants.

Port Kids Inc hosted the Community Fun Day in Reynolds Park. Supported by Council’s Event Funding Program, the many family activities available on the day included jumping castles, toad races, kids entertainer, music and a car boot sale.

Council launches survey to help protect and enhance cassowary habitats Council has launched a survey to collect information from Daintree residents on cassowaries and dogs to help inform strategies to preserve the habitat of the threatened species. Council Officers surveyed attendees at World Cassowary Day 2016 held at Cape Tribulation in September and will visit all businesses and residents living north of the Daintree River with the survey. The survey is essential in raising awareness and gaining community viewpoints which Council and other agencies can consider when formulating policies and guidelines designed to preserve and enhance cassowary habitats.

Citizenship Ceremony streamed live

Click on the image to complete the survey

Research team arrives to Eliminate Dengue in Douglas Shire International researchers have arrived in the Douglas Shire in an effort to reduce the risk of dengue and Zika outbreaks in the region. The Monash University-led Eliminate Dengue Program is carrying out the controlled release of mosquitoes across suburban areas of Port Douglas, Mossman, North Mossman, Mossman Gorge and Cooya Beach. These mosquitoes carry Wolbachia - natural and safe bacteria that prevent viruses like dengue and Zika from growing inside mosquitoes and then being passed between people - and breed with the local mozzie population, effectively eradicating the dengue-carrying mosquitoes permanently.

Click on the image to learn more about the Eliminate Dengue program

Family and friends of the Douglas Shireâ€™s 26 newest Australians were able to watch a live stream of the Citizenship Ceremony via Councilâ€™s Facebook page. Council celebrated National Citizenship Day with its largest contingent ever of new Aussies who pledged allegiance to their new home in idyllic Rex Smeal Park. Our new citizens have chosen to settle in the Douglas Shire from Ethiopia, the UK, Canada, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, Hong Kong, the United States, Ireland, the Philippines, France, Thailand, India and Germany. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Rex Smeal Park namesake honoured The brother of the man Port Douglas’ famous Rex Smeal Park is named after has made a pilgrimage to mark the 40th anniversary of his tragic death and arrange a headstone memorial for his grave. At the time of his death in 1976, Rex Smeal was Council’s overseer and was regarded as one of Australia’s best builders of wooden bridges, responsible for the iconic Digger’s Bridge in Mowbray and Poletti’s Bridge off Syndicate Rd which have stood the test of time. He tragically died from injuries as a result of a headon collision that occurred while on his way to help his communities when a massive flood caused the Daintree Ferry to break away. Rex’s brother Colin, who lives in Canberra, travelled up to Mossman recently for the first time since his brother’s death to mark the 40th anniversary, only to realise there was no headstone. Colin said he contacted Council to see if they could assist in locating the gravesite, when the significance of his brother’s contribution to our communities was realised and Council arranged for the headstone to be made. Ironically, the park that now carries his name was something Rex didn’t believe would ever work. Council built a lagoon swimming pool on the site, filling it up with sand and bringing all the rocks from Four Mile Beach. The park was named after him not long after he died but Rex enjoyed the last laugh, with the lagoon pool concept not working just as he predicted and it was filled in. It remains one of the most spectacular public spaces on the Australian coastline with views over the Coral Sea to the Daintree Rainforest. 42

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

October Fun Palace festivities attract budding artists and secret scientists Budding artists and secret scientists had a blast at the Douglas Libraries Fun Palace at the Mossman Markets. The morning of free art and science activities offered children the opportunity to explore making music with a fruit piano, see how a buzz wire works and learn how to track stars as well as play with tornado tops, slime, arts and crafts and face-painting. The free Fun Palaces were held simultaneously around the world to encourage children to get involved in science and art.

Mayor’s Christmas Appeal launched to bring festive cheer to needy families Mayor Julia Leu launched the 2016 Christmas Appeal for the Douglas Shire to bring a smile to the faces of local families who may otherwise miss out over the festive season. The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal helps families in our community who may be doing it tough, with funds from the Appeal used to buy food for Christmas hampers. Thanks to the generosity of our community last year, 36 hampers were delivered to needy local families.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Council has allocated $135,000 for capital works upgrades of Thornton Beach Café. Council will move forward with the upgrades.

“I met you guys when we were up for World Cassowary Day ... I think what you do is amazing and have forwarded to our local council so they can take a leaf from your book.”

Council has given inprinciple support for a telecommunications tower in Escape St, Port Douglas. Optus Mobile submitted the formal pre-lodgement enquiry for a 25m-high monopole on the Councilowned land. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Operating position improved by $2 million

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT

Council’s operating position shows an operating deficit of $1.6 million, compared to a budgeted operating deficit of $3.6 million.

Council has endorsed the performance of inaugural CEO Linda Cardew by renewing her contract at the helm until October 2020. Ms Cardew, who joined the new Council in March 2014 just two months after its official formation, has overseen a smooth transition since deamalgamation ...

This variance of $2 million is mainly due to: • Greater than anticipated operating revenue for the period, mainly relating to rates and utility charges ($0.3 million) and fees and charges ($0.5 million); and • Less than anticipated operating expenditure, mainly relating to salaries and wages (-$0.3 million) and materials and services (-$0.7 million).

Port Shorts Film Festival audiences treated to Masterclass with Stephen Curry & Co The Port Shorts Film Festival attracted more than 700 film enthusiasts to two fantastic nights showcasing the best filmmakers from our own backyard, around Australia and the world. More than 50 short films were showcased during the festival, including an Academy Award-winning director from the USA. Port Shorts Ambassadors - champion Aussie actor Stephen Curry, Wolf Creek Executive Producer Matt Hearn and acclaimed screenwriter Kier Shorey were also joined by Screen Queensland for a series of free Masterclass workshops that engaged with more than 200 Far North filmmakers over three days. Council is the major sponsor of the Port Shorts Film Festival, which grew in entries and attendance by 15 per cent and 25 per cent respectively in 2016. 44

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Port Shorts Masterclass 1pm-5pm Saturday August 20 Sugar Wharf Port Douglas, Queensland

FREE ENTRY + SUNSET DRINKS [CASH BAR 5-7PM]

FEATURING

STEPHEN CURRY MATT HEARN KIER SHOREY SCREEN QUEENSLAND NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts’ Festivals Australia program

Click on the image to see Stephen Curry spruiking Port Shorts

... highlighted by record capital works investment, strong economic growth in the Douglas Shire and a renewed sense of pride in our communities. Council is inviting professional and emerging local artists to submit proposals for a public art project at Rex Smeal Park.

Croc Trophy showcases Four Mile Beach Some of the world’s best mountain bike racers pedalled along Port Douglas’ famed Four Mile Beach for the final leg of the eight-stage Crocodile Trophy. Swiss legend Urs Huber collected his fourth Crocodile Trophy in the men’s division while Belgian champion Alice Pirard reached the top of the women’s podium for the first time. The Crocodile Trophy is beamed to cycling enthusiasts around the world, with Council a Major Sponsor of the event. More than 100 cyclists from around the world competed in the event, with many of them enjoying a holiday with their families in the Douglas Shire afterwards.

Welcome to Douglas Guide attracting thousands of hits from new residents The Welcome to Douglas Guide has been downloaded more than 10,000 times since being launched 12 months ago. The Guide was developed by Council to assist new residents and businesses to the Douglas Shire to find information about Work, Play & Lifestyle. There is plenty of links to Council and community services and statistics and general information you may find useful.

Click on main image to see Croc Trophy Stage 8 highlights from Wetheby Station to Four Mile Beach

Click on image to see the Welcome to Douglas Guide

FEEDBACK I contacted Council recently re: the debris that had accumulated on the shared pedestrian footpath and cycleway in Davidson St, between Port St and Mowbray St. I wish to thank Council for the prompt attention to this matter.

“My husband and I are very pleased with Council’s response and the pathway is now clear.” We realise that this is an ongoing issue caused mainly by the resident bush hens who scrounge the adjoining gardens and also the leaves from the native gums on the nature strip. Once again thank you for the prompt attention.

Council also sends an introduction letter to all new residents informing them of the Guide and works with local real estate agents to promote the resource. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

‘If Only’ campaign shares local stories of natural disaster impacts Council encouraged our communities to share their personal natural disaster experiences to demonstrate how easily “what if” can become “if only” when nature’s fury strikes. Council’s “If Only” campaign filmed a series of interviews with locals detailing their natural disaster experiences to highlight how quickly life as we know it can be turned upside down by the impact of floods and cyclones. The campaign was funded by RACQ’s Get Ready Queensland which aims to educate the community about disaster resilience and how people respond in times of adversity.

Cowrie Range pavement upgrade links steep section of Bloomfield Track The Cowie Range Road Pavement Upgrade Project has been completed. The section of pavement upgraded was 310m and completes the link between two existing sections of rigid concrete pavement located on Cowrie Range, providing enhanced safety and improved weather access to this steep and slippery section of the Bloomfield Track. Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners kindly did a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony a few days before construction started, with the majority indigenous-owned NCP Contracting doing a great job on their first major construction project as the principal contractor. 46

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Click on the image to see one of our ‘If Only’ video clips

600 submissions on new planning scheme More than 600 submissions have been received regarding the Douglas Shire’s Proposed Planning Scheme. Since the Douglas Shire Proposed Planning Scheme was released for community consultation on 8 August 2016, it has been the most visited page on Council’s website with 4225 page views from 1719 unique visitors, equivalent to approximately 15 per cent of the Douglas Shire’s population. Council handed out more than 200 free USB sticks containing the Proposed Planning Scheme and delivered letters to more than 7000 residents.

November Crocodile management public meeting fires up local residents, tourism operators More than 100 people attended a public meeting co-chaired by Council and the Daintree Marketing Cooperative with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection regarding crocodile management in the Douglas Shire. Local residents and tourism operators shared their insights on recent crocodile behaviour in the Douglas Shire with representatives from the DEHP after a number of concerns were raised by local tourism operators and community organisations in recent months. The State Government is currently crocodile management policies.

reviewing

Level 1 Water Restrictions introduced A poor wet season and prolonged dry season have prompted Douglas Shire Council to issue Level 1 water restrictions. Intake levels for all water supplies within the Douglas Shire are currently on a downward trend and unable to keep up with demand, with the physical water level representative of drought conditions. Consumption is on a steady increase in line with seasonal trends.â€?

Nominations open for Australia Day Awards Nominations are invited for the 2017 Douglas Shire Council Australia Day Awards. The awards are a chance to acknowledge the efforts of locals who contribute to the Douglas community. Citizen of the Year recognises outstanding members of the community for their endeavours, achievements and community involvement. Nominations are also invited for Young Citizen of the Year (under 25) and Volunteer of the Year. The Australia Day Awards will be presented at a community celebration on January 26 in Rex Smeal Park. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Wastewater team smoke sewer system to reduce leaks and overflows Council’s Water & Wastewater team are smoketesting the Mossman sewer reticulation system. The purpose of the testing is to locate groundwater infiltration and stormwater connections from private and commercial properties. Locating and eliminating sources of infiltration and stormwater connections reduces the likelihood of sewage overflows occurring during high rainfall periods.

Communities encouraged to ‘Love Where You Live - Keep Douglas Clean & Green’ Council encouraged our communities to “Love Where You Live – Keep Douglas Clean & Green” by embracing National Recycling Week. The campaign reminded residents that while small household recyclable items can be put in yellowlid recycling bins, larger items such as old washing machines, electronic waste, gas cylinders and many other items can be taken to Council’s transfer stations, often for free or a small fee. Larger recyclable items currently accepted free of charge at transfer stations in the Douglas Shire include scrap metal, whitegoods, car batteries, noncommercial volumes of paint, chemicals, solvents and waste oil less than 25 litres. Electronic waste such as TVs, computers and keyboards can also be taken to Killaloe Transfer Station for recycling free of charge. 48

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Click on the image to see how the smoke testing works

Marathon a huge boost to local economy The Great Barrier Reef Marathon injected more than $2.5 million dollars into the local economy. More than 2500 room nights were booked for the weekend with more than 762 ‘day trippers’ making the journey to Port Douglas for the rapidly growing marathon. Room nights increased by more than 500 in 2016. There were 1937 participants from all over the world, supported by more than 200 volunteers. Council is a Major Sponsor of the Great Barrier Reef Marathon.

Crafty kids learn to turn trash into treasure More than 30 crafty kids turned trash into treasure at the inaugural Plastic Free Douglas “Rubbish to Art” workshop. The free workshop showed children of all ages how they can create crafty masterpieces out of rubbish collected from our local beaches by local organisation and Plastic Free Douglas supporter Tangaroa Blue. The kids were taught some really fun and simple craft techniques using different materials. Their colourful creations featured in an exhibition held in the foyer of Council’s Mossman Administration Building.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Council has installed 16 double-sided pole banners in Port Douglas and Mossman featuring artworks of 32 local primary school students from throughout the Douglas Shire. Students from Daintree State School, Miallo State School, St Augustine’s Primary School and Port Douglas State School provided some fabulous Christmas creations which Council transormed into community banners. Council has also decorated Community Christmas Trees in Port Douglas and Mossman - in Anzac Park and Front St - with more than 6000 solar-powered lights and 150 giant decorations. This project was a great example of working together with our local businesses which provided everything from the banners, to the custom-made pole attachments, traffic management and machinery.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Improvements were made to the Mossman wireless network by raising the height of the antenna to cope with growing trees and provide a more robust service.

“The Fun Palace was fascinating, the kids and me (65 years old) were entranced - power to these ladies, excellent program.” Douglas Shire Council encouraged local residents to clean up their own backyard as the cyclone season officially begins with free domestic green waste disposal. Residents were able to take their green waste including tree clippings, palm fronds and grass cuttings to either the Killaloe or Newell Beach Transfer Stations for free over eight days. GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

December Council gets early Christmas present with several grant projects successful Council received an early Christmas present with notification from the State Government that it had been successful in securing $678,975 in grants from various departments. Among the successful projects was $100,000 for a pump track, a loop track with mounds for the bike to maintain speed without pedalling that will be located at the Port Douglas Sports Complex to complement Douglas Integrated Riders and Trail-builders Club’s (DIRT) family skills park, which is under construction. Other projects to be given the go-ahead include the Great Australian Bites event which will once again be celebrated in Rex Smeal Park on Australia Day and lights and CCTV security upgrades for Mossman. Council has secured more than $40 million in external funding since deamalgamation.

GO DOUGLAS! CELEBRATING 2016

Biggest NYE celebration ever planned for Port Council has organised the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations for Port Douglas in the Shire’s history. Two huge fireworks demonstrations are planned to welcome in the New Year, a family show at 8.30pm and a midnight display, with more fireworks than ever before. There will also be a free family-friendly precinct in Market Park from 4-8pm on New Year’s Eve, featuring a giant slide and jumping castle, face painting, magic and puppet shows, giant bubbles, balloon animals and arts and crafts.

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go douglas! celebrating 2016