YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS D E C
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MOSSMAN SET TO JINGLE WITH CHRISTMAS STREET PARTY THE most popular local street party of the year will again spread the Christmas cheer through Mossman. Douglas Shire Council has scheduled the much-loved Douglas Street Party on Front Street for Friday 16 December 2022. Free family entertainment, food stalls and market stalls will return to help celebrate Christmas with the community. The event is run in partnership with a committed group of volunteers from the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Mossman & Douglas Friends of Foundation and other local groups. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the Christmas festival had become a much-loved event since its return in 2020. “Locals have come from far and wide to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere on Front Street each year,” he said. “The Douglas Street Party allows us to unite and enjoy an array of entertainment all in the spirit of Christmas.” Main Image: The main street of Mossman will be closed to all traffic for the Douglas Street Christmas Party on 16 December 2022 “Make sure you put Friday 16 December in your calendars and come on down for a fantastic evening.” Inset: Roy Gibson with Cr Roy Zammataro at the 2021 Douglas Street Christmas Party
NEW $2M HOME FOR LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS
Douglas Shire Councillors - Mayor Michael Kerr, Cr Peter McKeown, Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon, Cr Abigail Noli and Cr Roy Zammataro
DOUGLAS firefighters have a new base to protect our community after a new $2 million Mossman Fire and Rescue Station was officially opened. Douglas Shire Councillors joined Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan MP, Queensland Fire and Emergency
Services Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing and Member for Cook Cynthia Lui MP at the official opening last month. The new state-of-the-art facility includes two appliance bays, equipment and breathing apparatus rooms and practical training area. The former station
built in 1948 was no longer fit for purpose. Deputy Commissioner Wassing said the updated facility would better enable firefighters to work hand-in-hand with the Mossman community to prevent and respond to disasters. “This is an exciting and impor-
tant development for the area and the new station will help us continue to meet the growing needs of the community,” he said. “The range of incidents Mossman firefighters respond to is vast and this new station is equipped with the latest tools and technology to ensure we continue to
meet the needs of the community. “I give my sincere thanks to Kevin and Danielle Bellero who assisted the Mossman crew during times of need. Their support guaranteed the continuation of Mossman Fire and Rescue station’s first-class service.”
YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
Dec 02, 2022
Join the Toy Dive at the Mossman Pool
Mossman Pool is accepting toy donations as part of is 2nd annual Toy Dive Controlled Burn at Cape Kimberley
Controlled burn success at Cape Kimberley BIOSECURITY teams battled heat, steep terrain, and mosquitos during the second controlled burn at Cape Kimberley last month. Douglas Shire Council’s biosecurity team worked with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Traditional Owners to conduct a controlled burn
at Cape Kimberley. This was the second burn held in this area and succeeded in clearing 90 per cent of the coastal grasslands. Planned burning for conservation has many benefits including maintaining ecosystems and ecological processes, conserving
native flora and fauna and habitat essential for their survival and protecting or maintaining cultural places. Well-planned fire is an important tool for weed control, maximising biodiversity and promoting the survival and recovery of endangered or vulnerable species.
SWIM into the Christmas spirit at the Mossman Pool and help fill the pool with toys for local families who may need a little extra support this festive season. The Mossman Pool has launched its second annual Toy Dive – a splashed-up twist on a traditional toy drive - to contribute to the 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Douglas Shire Council is encouraging donations of new unopened children’s presents and toys for kids which can be dropped off
at the Mossman Pool during opening hours. Those who drop off donated toys will receive a free entry. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the pool overflowed with toys from the community during the inaugural toy dive last year. “More than 175 toys were donated, and our team were absolutely chuffed to help families make a more memorable Christmas morning,” he said. “The Mossman Pool team see many children come
through the doors and it is saddening to think some may go without a gift under the tree this Christmas. “The Toy Dive is a way that we can directly connect with families who could use a little help to brighten up their Christmas.” To donate to the Toy Dive and come for a free swim, bring your unwrapped toy to the Mossman Community Pool located at 1 Park Street Mossman, and help them fill the pool! For more information, please call 0417 768 266.
DOUGLAS CHRISTMAS STREET PARTY Friday 16th December 6pm to 10pm Front Street, Mossman Food Stalls | Market Stalls | Entertainment
Proudly supported by:
TEMPTATIONS CAFE & BAR
PAGE 2 Cairns Local News, Friday, December 2, 2021
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YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS
Dec 02, 2022
Stage One of Parker Creek Crossing Upgrade Nears Completion THE DEPARTMENT of Transport and Main Roads has advised the first stage of the culvert replacement will be completed by midDecember 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting. Following this, crews will remove all equipment from the site and pedestrian access will return to the
eastern side of the crossing. To reduce the risk of prolonged community impacts, the Department of Transport and Main Roads will deliver the second stage of the project after the 2023 wet season. The second stage of the culvert replacement will include installation of the footpath on the western
side of the crossing. Staggering the stages of works will ensure this section of Captain Cook Highway is open to two-way traffic over the school holiday period and during the wet season. A date for commencement of the second stage of works will be advised closer to start of construction, after April 2023.
Works Notice: Captain Cook Highway, South of Oak Beach
THE DEPARTMENT of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has started slope stabilisation works on the Captain Cook Highway at two locations south of Oak Beach. This project will improve safety for road users by reinforcing the slopes, reducing the risk of rocks falling onto the road surface, and mitigating the effects of embankment erosion at this location. The works will involve removing rocks and debris, rock bolting, installation of netting. For the safety of workers and road users, there will be changed traffic conditions while the works are carried out. Temporary speed limit reductions will be in place
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has started slope stabilisation works on the Captain Cook Highway at two locations south of Oak Beach.
and single lane operation under coordination of traffic controllers. Crews will be onsite Mondays to Saturdays between 6 am and 6 pm. Several intermittent, full closures will be required at times after 9 am to carry out drilling, vegetation removal, and to move machinery. Road users should expect delays of up to twenty minutes during this time and should plan their journey
accordingly. The contractor will monitor queuing lengths and allow traffic through as soon as it is safe. The project is expected to be completed by 22 December 2022, pending construction and weather conditions. If you require further information about these works, please contact the department by telephone on 4045 7144 or via email to cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au
Check Road Conditions & Flood Cameras at Douglas Dashboard
Spectacular Displays to bring in 2023 A DUAL fireworks show will light up the waterfront on New Year’s Eve in Port Douglas. Family-friendly fireworks at 8pm and the popular midnight show at Dickson Inlet will see a celebratory spark bring in 2023. Douglas Shire Council has also organised free kids’ entertainment with a disco, UV glow lighting and face painting at Market Park from 5.30pm. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the fireworks added to the vibrant atmosphere of the annual event. “Local restaurants and bars are always overflowing on New Year’s Eve, and I encourage everyone to make the most of the night,” he said. “Putting on a double-header firework display over the ocean is the perfect way for the community to celebrate 2022. “I would like to thank all our amazing sponsors, in particular the Tin Shed which has provided significant sponsorship support to help us secure the fireworks.” New Year’s Eve – Saturday 31 December 2022 Location: Dickson Inlet, near St Mary’s by The Sea. • 5.30pm – Kids entertainment (Disco, UV glow, face painting) • 8pm – Family friendly fireworks • 12 midnight –fireworks Many Douglas Shire businesses have jumped on board to support the annual event including the Tin Shed, Salsa Bar & Grill, M&R Kitchens, Ngarru Gallery, Seabean, Xplosive Art Fireworks, The Court House Hotel and the Central Hotel.
NYE 2023
Fireworks & Free Family Entertainment from 5.30pm
Thanks to our amazing sponsors!
Dickson Inlet, Port Douglas
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Cairns Local News, Friday, December 2, 2021 PAGE 3
Dec 02, 2022 YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS Treatment Plant Upgrade a win for reef water quality AN UPGRADE to the Port Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant will help lower electricity use and improve water quality on the Great Barrier Reef. Douglas Shire Council has received $938,947 from the Queensland Government under the Building Our Regions program to upgrade the aeration system in the sequencing batch reactors (SBR) at the treatment plant. Council employs a range of wastewater treatment processes to remove solid waste from the wastewater so it can be safely reused or returned to the environment. Aeration is a critical part of the treatment process reducing organic matter and
harmful micro-organisms in wastewater. Once it is treated, Council re-purposes recycled water, also known as treated effluent, for irrigation on golf courses in Port Douglas and releases water into the Dickson Inlet. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said new air diffuser grids would significantly improve the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process. “The plant upgrade will improve the quality of water released into our waterways,” he said. “By installing a new aerator system, we will also significantly reduce our electricity use at the treatment plant which is Coun-
cil’s most energy-intensive site.” “As a Reef Guardian Council, Council is proud to showcase another fantastic example environmentally sustainable investment in our region.” New air diffuser grids will provide a more uniform air flow through the wastewater as it passes through the SBR tanks. The works will also make the basins in the SBR more accessible for regular maintenance. Council plans to use local contractors to help clean out the basins, remove the old aeration manifolds and install the new system when work begins in May 2023.
An upgrade to the Port Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant will help lower electricity use and improve water quality on the Great Barrier Reef.
New northern ramp installed at Daintree Ferry CONTRACTORS worked around the clock to successfully install a new loading ramp to the northern end of the Daintree Ferry. Douglas Shire Council had a team of staff and contractors who worked since 10pm Friday 18 November to replace the old, damaged ramp and re-open the ferry at 5am Tuesday 22 November. The work followed the
replacement of the loading ramp at the southern side of the vessel earlier in the year. Thank you everyone who worked to the complete vital maintenance work to ensure the safety and continuity of the Daintree River crossing. Council would also like to thank the community for their patience over the maintenance weekend.
Daintree Ferry Northern Ramp was replaced last month
Changes to Council Services Over Christmas
DOUGLAS Shire Council would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy new year. Please see our festive season operating hours below. If you have any questions, contact our friendly staff on 4099 9444 or email enquiries@douglas.qld. gov.au.
Council Customer Service: Council offices are CLOSED from 2pm Friday 23 December 2022 to the start of business (8.30am) on Tuesday 3 January 2023. Over the Christmas period, skeleton crews will operate in Port Douglas and Mossman Depots ensuring our parks, streetscapes and amenities are kept clean and tidy. Please contact the after-hours number at 07 4099 9444 for any council-related emergencies. Wheelie bin services: Recycling and waste collection services will operate as usual
through the Christmas period. All bins must be presented before 6am on your service day. Waste Transfer stations: Killaloe CLOSED Christmas Day. Open all other days, and regular trading hours apply. Newell Regular Trading Hours Apply. Daintree Regular Trading Hours Apply. Cow Bay Regular Trading Hours Apply. Daintree Ferry Christmas Day 2022 operating hours are 5.00AM to Midnight.
Mossman Pool & Caravan Park December 2022: Fri 23rd – 6am to 7pm. Sat 24th – 8am to 12pm Sun 25th to Tues 27th – CLOSED Wed 28th to Fri 30th – 6am to 7pm Sat 31st – 8am to 5pm
January 2023: Sun 1st & Mon 2nd – CLOSED Tues 3 – resume normal operating hours (6am to 7pm) Douglas Libraries Both branches will close at 2pm on Friday 23 December. Mossman Library will be OPEN from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday 28 December, Thursday 29 December, and Friday 30 December. Port Douglas Library will remain CLOSED until the new year. Normal opening hours resume Tuesday 3 January 2023. Mossman Nursery: Mossman Nursery will close for the Christmas break from the 15 December 2022. Nursery staff will re-stock native tree supplies throughout January 2022 due to large orders of trees allocated for re-vegetation works in the new year. The nursery will reopen on the 1 Feb 2022.
Changes to Operating Hours on Friday 9 December 2022
• Mossman & Port Douglas Customer Service Offices will close at 11:30am • Mossman Library will be closed all day • Port Douglas Library will close at 11:45am. All services will return to normal operating hours on Saturday 10 December 2022
WHAT’S ON - DECEMBER
• Saturday 10th – Mossman Markets
• Saturday 17th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm
• Sunday 11th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets
• Sunday 18th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm
• Tuesday 13th – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am
• Tuesday 20th – Tai Chi For Health, Port Douglas Community Hall, 9am
• Tuesday 13th – Summer Reading Time Launch, Mossman Library, 10.30am
• Thursday 22nd – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am
• Thursday 15th – Tai Chi For Health, Mossman Pool, 9am
• Thursday 22nd – Just Start Fitness, Rex Smeal Park, 8.30am
• Thursday 15th – Just Start Fitness, Rex Smeal Park, 8.30am
• Saturday 24th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm
• Friday 16th – Douglas Street Christmas Party, Front St Mossman, 6pm to 10pm
• Saturday 31st – New Year’s Eve, Port Douglas, 5.30pm to midnight.
• Saturday 17th – Carols By Candlelight, Rex Smeal Park, 6pm
07 4099 9444 | PO Box 723, Mossman Q 4873 enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au | douglas.qld.gov.au PAGE 4 Cairns Local News, Friday, December 2, 2021
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