Thursday 28 July 2011

Call for input into festivities

: Will Port Douglas get into the Christmas spirit this year with funding for additional decorations?

Ever thought Port Douglas needed more Christmas decorations during the festive period to liven up the streets?

In conjunction with the upcoming launch of the new Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce’s website, the community will be able to have its input on how to use a “Celebration Fund” to bring the town to life during Christmas and New Year.

Chamber president, Ken Dobbs, said in recent years there had been issues with funding of the town’s fireworks, usually held on New Year’s Eve at a cost of $10,000-$12,000.

Mr Dobbs said the new-look website would give both the private sector and the general community a chance to have their say and called on locals to become involved in the fundraising campaign earlier in the year to provide bigger and better festive celebrations.

“Last year, $5000-$7000 was spent on LED Christmas lighting on four trees on Macrossan Street,” Mr Dobbs said.

“There were a few electrical issues with those lights, but that was the start of something.

“Maybe people would like to see a Christmas tree on Macrossan Street or more festive lighting around town.”

Mr Dobbs said the Chamber would take the community’s suggestions and present them to Cairns Regional Council in an attempt to secure additional funding.

“We are looking to build on last year’s lighting and the community’s input will help the Chamber do that, in conjunction with Council,” he said.

“The earlier we start, the bigger the fund.”

Mr Dobbs said the Chamber’s committee was currently looking at a draft website created by a local media company to replace the current www.portdouglaschamber.com.au, which had not been updated for three years, and should be online within the next week or so.=

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David , 03-08-11 18:30:

A big Christmas tree at the end of Macrossan to symbolise the spirit of Port Douglas and it's residents.

Ken Dobbs, 02-08-11 23:45:

Last year Council advised the Chamber that the Christams Street banners which had been used in Port and Mossman for several years were past their use by date and it was not economical to replace them. It was proposed to put several lanterns in Anzac Park Port Douglas and George Davis park Mossman. The Chamber requested lighting the trees in Macrossan Street instead and that was done. It was agreed at the time that with a limited budget we could make a start on the tree lighting and build it up in subsequent years. That is why the Chamber is now looking at what should happen next and inviting community input and financial support in relation to Christmas/New Year activities and decorations. I am sure Council will contribute to this but is needs to be a joint effort.

Julie O'Gorman , 01-08-11 15:20:

What Christmas decorations?? $9 tip fee to cut yr dried out plants coz we now have to pay for water which is full of chemicals, rate increases ! Do you think they care?? Look at the decorations going into Mossman!