by Will Devlin
I just wanted to make an observation about our 'once-vibrant' town. The CRC seems to have done an adequate job of making the road into Port (Port Douglas Road and Davidson Street) attractive and relatively well-maintained.
I am disappointed with the number of businesses having closed down, but that's probably an unavoidable 'sign of the times'; likely, with a second wave of GFC, we'll see more of that. That's probably unavoidable.
What does disappoint me more though, are signs hearlding 'new building and tenancies here by May 2012' for the old EJ's site, when narry a brick has been knocked over or a sod turned for the new development.
Further, the footpath of Macrossan Street generally is an abomination and unbecoming of a tourist destination.
It seems to me that pavers - if they can be described as such - are a mosaic of designs and of different consistencies of slipperiness (see the area immediately outside Bucci); the flower planter boxes are a disgrace (see the ANZ Bank and compare it with the well-formed and maintained planter box outside Hats on Macrossan.
I don't like to compare Port with Noosa, but my bet is Hastings Street is a lot more appealing than Macrossan Street at the present.
It's time for those businesses on Macrossan and surrounding streets to demand that their landlords maintain the streetscape in line with the monumental rents that they are apparently charging.
Port's main street was once the jewel in the crown for this as a destination; in some spots it looks like an eyesore and I think that's rather sad.
That's what I think. What about you?
Will
Look for a familiar face on The Newsport Social page.
We can't rely on others we have to do it ourselves. If we want Port to 'survive & prosper' then we have to start & make a difference. We made a difference in 'Nautilus Street' so why can't we do the same in Macrossan Street.
Maybe we can shame CRC into action!!! I won't be holding my breath.
Next time I'm in Macrossan St i know i will be surprised!!
I feel for all the locals that have worked their butts off just to keep their doors open what does the council do to help make the st look sharp not much if I remeber rightly! GREEDY landlords deserve to have empty shops. I deal with people on a daily basis who have just come back from Port over the last couple of months and let me say it's very sad to hear them speak so negatively about the once BEAUTIFUL busy town we once were a part of for 20 years!
4 mile shopping centre is also one of the most tired and grubby and unloved commercial spaces in this town.
This you are met with as you approach town !
Absentee landlords who dont give a RATS!!
Take the money and run.......................
TELL me PLEEEAASE how many landlords do you know that make contributions to this towns charities or sponsor cultural events ?
Just curious...........
The owner of the building that houses the ANZ has no interest in maintaining the gardens etc and usually this entrance to the bank is dirty unswept the garden dying and full of rubbish.
Hmm cant the ANZ bank afford to take on this responsibility then?
EJS building well dont get me started!
IDEA everyone ??
Years ago the Saltwater building was being built and there was a
large fence(hoarding) built around it.
Bloody ugly so a local artist hit up the hardware for some paints and ALL were encouraged to contribute to painting a mural on it so that until the building was finished we had something more aesthetic to view .
HOW BOUT THIS FOR EJS???
I believe the SLUMLORDS of this town have a responsibility to the community and I feel council must / should have some bylaw or "Duty of Care"' that ensures propertys(occupied or not)are maintained and dont become visual eyesores.
Arent property owners by law meant to mow grass on vacant land etc and if they dont council will do it and charge them?
Same should apply to buildings especially commercial ones in the guts of our town.
Self centered and self absorbed Landlords!
If shops are empty then clean them up inside and keep the windows clean and preferably with a display from local community groups or an adjoining business.
Cmon guys you contribute to bringing down the whole vibe of our town ,devalue it etc and then command huge rents!
GALL springs to mind.
For anyone to say that it is not their problem to maintain the gardens outside their business is silly.
As a business operator it is my image on display, I must present a clean maintained entrance followed up by higher quality finish with in our business. The customer judges the business operator (like it or not) on the entrance and external image of the business, not just the customer service.
Nautilus Street is maintained by local folk whom have gained assistance from many others including the council to improve the environment. If people can do this at home, why not the owners & operators of port douglas business?
Some Business Operators need to step up and discover, are they part of the problem or part of the solution.
We need a more positive attitude.
We need to change our mindset of 'the council did it so the council fixes it'. This just won't happen, we all know the council is pretty useless, so instead of complaining that tumble weeds are rolling down the street, get out and pick them up.
We cannot continue being so self centred. We live in a community and we all play a small part. If the council lets us down, then you can vote them out, but in between time, just help out (a little bit please) to make the street look better.
Also alot business in port need to sharpen up their act bigtime example group off us go to a very popular hotel in port everytime we stay in port and with out fail the smell in their toilets are unbearable just one off alot things in port need sorted to make the grade in these tough economic times ,cant just be relying and taking advantage off location and scenry to make the grade
Yes, yes, yes, it isn't their planter boxes, but it is outside THEIR shops so THEY should make a small effort to maintain them. Some do, most do not.
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