Wednesday 20 April 2011

Lagoon D-Day

by Mat Churchill

D-Day is upon us. The opportunity to provide feedback on Council's proposal for the lagoon pool ends on Thursday, and while some have had their concerns put to rest, others are hoping that their concerns won't fall on deaf ears.

The lagoon pool has been one of the most talked about projects to ever come to Port Douglas, if of course it's delivered. For many it symbolises the opportunity to breath new life into declining tourist numbers, particularly during the wet season. For others it represents a potential white elephant that will see rates soar and the wedding industry crash.

Whatever your stance one thing is certain, Cairns Regional Council has gone to great lengths to highlight the benefits of the proposed lagoon location, and downplay the fears via a thorough community consultation process.

There has been debates over the best location for the pool, the time it has taken to reach this point (it has almost become an urban legend), and even the very need for the project at all.

The term 'misinformation' has been applied by the pro and con lagoon parties with each side saying the facts are being clouded by the other.

"Rates will skyrocket!", "It's too close to St. Mary's!", "They're putting jellyfish in the snorkel trail!" It was even suggested that someone had gone from internet cafe to internet cafe to skew the results of The Newsport Poll on whether the lagoon should be located near St Mary's (the result was ultimately around 50/50). If that's true then I applaud them for their commitment to their cause, but can't help but wonder what that person could achieve if they used their motivation for good instead of evil.

Take part in The Newsport Poll (Right)

Whatever your opinion and whatever it is based on, it appears that it's now or never for the lagoon.

Cairns Regional Council have invested much time and money in promoting the recommendation which has come back from the feasibility consultants. They want it near(ish) to St Mary's and in my opinion it will take a miracle that perhaps only St Mary herself could deliver for them to change their plans.

Some details may be influenced by the public feedback, some won't. But that's fine by me. Governments, whether Federal, State or Local, need some freedom to make decisions. That's why we get the chance to vote them out if they get it wrong.

The Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support behind the proposed plan. President Ken Dobbs is concerned that if the public isn't behind the project the town may miss out on $20 million from the Regional Development Fund. That's a possibility.

Council tells us that rates will rise by around $8.70 per person across the Cairns region. Whether that's an acceptable increase will differ from person to person and family to family.

In a poll run by The Newsport in August 2010 we asked "Is a Lagoon Pool Port Douglas' highest priority?" 147 respondents said 'Yes' while 51 said 'No'.

Nine months on, and with just one day left to give your feedback we're interested in just one question - "Do you support the Council's lagoon proposal?"

Take part in The Newsport Poll (Right)

One thing is for sure, when taking into account the lagoon project as part of the much larger Waterfront Master Plan, and the promise of development as a result of the recent sale of the Sheraton, Port Douglas will be a different place in the years to come.

Exciting isn't it?

Have your say!

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Tony Bracy, 27-04-11 18:26:

The proposed location for the Port Douglas Lagoon is perfect. Car parks can be anywhere but tourist-friendly facilities deserve special attention to make sure we get the "best bang for our buck". I've seen comments that suggest our new Lagoon will be disadvantaged by not being on 4 Mile Beach, unfavourably comparing us with Cairns, Townsville and Airlie Beach. Happily, of those only Townsville actually has a beach and we are already located on one of the best on the planet. So our Lagoon needs are different to theirs and should complement, not compete with, one of nature's great blessings. The Lagoon is a project to increase our "green season" tourist visitations by providing a risk-free swimming environment. And what a great place to put it!

Deidre Urwin, 21-04-11 11:06:

Totally agree with Will Stephens on this. The lagoon should be by the beach at the far end area. This could be done in a similar way to the pool like ones they have in NSW popular beach's. The cost would be minimal and the use of the sea water would mean NO chemicals etc etc etc but of course simplicity has no reasonance with Council and people who get their kickbacks from putting it at the end of town where the locals dont want it....as usual we get what we dont want!!!!!

Will Stephens, 20-04-11 16:57:

The project has some merit,but seems a knee jerk reaction to a long term problem. The location is a rediculous choice. The area is too congested around St Mary's as it is. The buildings due for demolition are actually sustainable and part of the towns history and should be revamped if anything.
The obvious choice of location would be near to the beach and surf club.
The vegetation here can be replanted. The access to the site for the build is far better also. Not to mention the lack of demolition work required. The overall disturbance to residents and ratepayers would also be far less in this location. It would add quality and character to an area sadly lacking and also create positive tourist traffic throughout, both ends of town. The people traffic in the St Mary's area is already huge. The place is also a PORT and therefore priority should be paid to that fact. The rights of mariners and boat users should be of primary concern. I hope these seemingly obvious points dont fall on deaf ears.
Thankyou