Friday 16 September 2011

Not the daily news

Lagoon pools, cyclones, tourism, the purchase of the Sheraton Mirage, deamalgamation - these are important to the Douglas region. But are they still important to you?

Reporting the news is an interesting industry and is a balance between informing our readers about issues that affect them, and reflecting on issues that are already the talk of the town.

In my time at The Newsport the issues mentioned earlier have generated impressive readership numbers, while generating equally impressive numbers of comments and poll respondents which are watched closely by those in government (both local and state in particular) and other "seats of power."

At the risk of blowing our own trumpet, I'd like to think that The Newsport has helped get your opinions across when action is required or frustration needs to be vented.

But while these issues remain important, it's easy to become somewhat desensitised.

Take the wars raging across the globe or climate change as examples. These are issues that affect millions, if not billions of people. But through ongoing media coverage in the papers, websites, TV, radio, social networks, not to mention mindless bickering between our political parties, they are becoming little more than white noise to many.

So bringing this back to a local level, we're curious. What are the issues that are important to you?

We were somewhat surprised by the reaction of readers on two particular articles.

One was a recent article published on 1 September - Holes in cyclone shelter design. This article highlighted the concerns of residents regarding the apppropriateness of the newly approved, and much needed cyclone shelter. Not one reader commented on what is a major issue which could potentially save (or cost) lives.

Compare that with another article published on 29 July - Old Port Road to close? Around 40 comments were received from readers along with over 300 votes on our poll on a story which was effectively about whether a certain type of vehicle should continue to use a particular stretch of road.

That's not to down play the importance of that issue for those at the centre of the discussion. "Hyper" local issues can cause emotions to run high as much as end-of-the-earth issues.

So what's important to you right now? Pools, storms, or the ref's poor decision that cost your team the match?

Have your say below. And yes, you can be anonymous if you like...just this once, ok?

Have your say!

We ask you to provide your full name and valid email address to ensure your comments' legitimacy is acknowledged. Editor reserves the right to amend comments in accordance with Publisher’s Terms and Conditions. Click here for full publishers terms and conditions for reader comments.

Mathew , 20-09-11 16:43:

Hi Phil

The Newsport does encourage people to use their real names to give legitimacy to their comments. However, as Editor, I see some comments that simply aren't constructive to a discussion, or are blatant attacks on individuals. We encourage discussion between readers, but we don't want people to feel threatened for voicing their opinion. On occassion there is the need to censor some comments, not to influence the forum, but to help ensure the discussion continues without deteriorating into name-calling. I must say though, I have never been likened to Murdoch (I assume you're referring to Rupert and not the guy from the A-TEAM). In this instance I'll take that as a compliment.

philip dalziel, 20-09-11 16:24:

Hey Mat ,I think every contributer should supply their details for publication but then you should publish everyone and not censor as you do ,dont expect this to be broacast in line with your censorship policies ,just saying it goes both ways so dont expect honesty without providing it ,you sound like murdoch

The Newsport Editor , 16-09-11 14:58:

Another good point, Richard. While we do ask for real names and valid email addresses to give a bit more legitimacy to the comment, and create a community forum (which has been recognised by those in government), people can be anonymous through an alias if they choose.

Richard , 16-09-11 14:34:

Maybe it isn't just the topic but rather, having private email addresses displayed might cause some not to comment on the more controversial topics. Different format in adding comments to stories might encourage more feedback.

The Newsport Editor , 16-09-11 11:38:

Good points Damian. There'll be a story early next week regarding the apparently excessive use of water in our town.

Damian p, 16-09-11 11:17:

* Port Douglas should have a council run public pool, kids need to learn to swim. Yes Mossman and Cairns are options and Rydges and Sheraton have "pools" of a sort. But an Aquatic centre with a gym would not go unused.
* Like wise there should be a public library.
* Macrossan Street should be declared an entertainment precinct, it's a holiday town. Entertainment at night is a draw card, if a developer has put an accommodation complex in the middle of Macrossan Street the whole town shouldn't have to suffer because of the restrictive noise regulations they want to have in place.
*There should be a better way to cross Port Douglas road to access the beach just near the Port St intersection. Dam busy intersection.
* Bike tracks and shared footpaths need an upgrade (getting picky now! )
*What's the point of water restrictions if no one enforces them ? Depending on the odd/even number dictates what day you can water between 5-9. Any one running a sprinkler in the middle of the day is not following the rules, pretty easy to see driving around town.Either the big resorts are running on bore water or they are exempt from restrictions?
* An education campaign or another solution to the dangers of fires on the beach. All good at night but the next day they can provide massive burns, especially if they cover them with sand so the heat is retained and they become hard to see. Like wise with thrown stubbies in the fire.....

Ok that should about cover it for a while !!!

Sean , 16-09-11 10:34:

I think people reach a level of frustration when they see no action. There's alot of talk but not much seems to change. Sport's a good escape though.