Tuesday 29 November 2011

Waterfront approved despite challenge

Council yesterday voted to advance the Port Douglas Master Plan ahead of all other regional projects, and will now seek $10 million of federal funding through the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

The waterfront development was not put forward in the last round of RDA funding in May, with Council citing that the project plan was not ready for submission at that point in time.

This was the fate that befell a number of other regional projects in the current round, including the Cairns City Centre Master Plan Implementation, with a Council report citing the Port Douglas Waterfront was the priority.

VIEW THE REPORT HERE

The Daintree Gateway Master Plan implementation was "Viewed as a lesser RDA priority" than that of Stage 1 of the Port Douglas waterfront which will include the lagoon, waterfront park, boat ramp relocation, and Sugar Wharf redevelopment.

"Stage 1 will transform the Port Douglas waterfront into a unique blend of green open space and recreation, maritime activities, increased tourism opportunities, heritage preservation and development, sensitive to the unique character and environment of Port Douglas," the report stated.

"It will showcase exemplar waterfront design and together with strong community support for the project and environmental values of the town, will reinforce the role of Port Douglas as a world class destination and act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in the region."

Despite the Port Douglas Master Plan being the only regional project that meets RDAF criteria, this didn't stop Division 2 councillor, Nancy Lansky, from attempting to win support for a project that had not been on Council's list of 18 projects to be considered for RDA funding.

Cr Lansky yesterday sought to push through a road project in the Edmonton area even though it had no regional significance and lacked accurate costings; two of RDAF's key criteria.

In spite of this, the project received the backing of Division 1 councillor, Paul Gregory, and Division 9 councillor, Sno Bonneau.

Division 10 councillor, Julia Leu said Stage 1 of the Port Douglas Master Plan project "is our best shot" of securing federal funding after three Council projects were turned down by RDAF after the May round of applications.

Cr Leu said there was strong support for the project at all levels of government, and its implementation would breathe new life into the town and the region.

“It will be a significant community asset that will contribute to the liveability of Port Douglas,” Cr Leu said.

“It will also further enhance the reputation of Port Douglas as a world-class tourist destination, feeding into the regional economy."

Council will now present an expression of interest for funding, which includes a preliminary project plan, to RDAF by 1 December. Should this be accepted, a more detailed plan will be provided by February 2011.

In addition to the Federal Government's $10 million, Council is seeking $20 million from the State Government and contributing $5.3 million itself to complete Stage 1.

It is estimated that Stage 1 implementation would create more than 300 jobs over three years during construction and more than 100 jobs once operational and contribute an estimated $14 million per annum into the regional economy.

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Have your say!

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matt blak, 15-12-11 18:47:

Port long ago lost the sleepy fishing village to become plastic city. If anything the waterfront will brighten the place up.Pull your head out of wherever and catch up with the rest of the world.Townsville and surrounds are far better than port in the catering to tourists with families.ie It does not cost a fortune wherever you go. Grow up and stop whingeing but you probably wont cause that is the Port way.
Also hurry up and give us fishies a better ramp.Lucinda has a 5 wide ramp , lighting and a really good wash down area, heaps of parking so you dont have to fight with the markets etc.
By the way I agree with Gary Hunts idea but as per usual the crap that passes for government overrules common sense because their head is somewhere that it really doesnt need to be. The problem is if we dont accept it , now that the time for people to protest in force has passed , then nothing will happen then you will have a lot more to winge about so get over over.Of course if you just want to winge ,well at last you have a good subject.

Jennifer , 08-12-11 09:37:

The CRC have problems with urination and faeces and broken glass in the pool in Cairns Esplanade.Why shouldn't we have the same in Port Douglas? After all, the Port pool location is 500 metres away from The Court House hotel,The Iron Bar, the Central hotel, Paddys Bar, and numerous other alcohol user outlets and restaurants whose patrons would love to watch what goes on in the pool during the day and at night!(Do you think it will be full of best behaved drunks after close of pubs at night?)Come on community, we had our say in the final Master plan for the waterfront in Sept 2009 and the CRC approved it. Why was it then changed? Who gains from this troublesome location?... maybe the tourists would use it but the town's image will be lost forever as a quiet fishing village. Lets put the pool where drunks at night cannot find it... in Rex Smeale park!

steve hull, 07-12-11 08:53:

freddie,more a reflection on the poor governance right across our country i'd say.

Freddie Nerks, 02-12-11 10:14:

Is there anyone that lives in Port that doesn't work full-time at complaining about absolutely anything??? They used to say Aussies would bet on two flys walking up the wall - I think we need to change that from betting to bitching!
We live in paradise people - deal with it.

The Newsport Editor , 01-12-11 10:37:

As always it's great to see such a healthy debate between readers. Keep in mind though that everyone is entitled to their opinion so let's keep the discussion productive and respectful.

Thanks.

Editor

jason , 30-11-11 21:17:

Democracy seems fine to me. funny how those who dont get their way instantly assume that everyone agrees with them. i for one shellie do not agree with you. if you moved here you can move away. for the first time ever ( i was born here btw) a council is putting money back into port douglas rather than simply digging its greedy mitts into the money the town generates to place facilities in mossman. as a NEW person to the reigon you obviously have no idea what made port douglas a destination that excited people. The beautidul surroundings and gateway to the reef while our crowning glory are only part of the picture. I remember port douglas at its most prosperous had a healthy respect for youth culture and its live entertainment was a draw card for people on lower budgets who wished to have a good time as well as scenery. sadly a corrupt local council allowed residential development in an area traditionally known as a live music area and the new comers complained (something newcomers seem very good at doing). with this part of port douglas succesfully crushed and the youth culture and the energy it brings subdued until port douglas was relegated into a far less attractive place to visit, suddenly the new comers wonder why we are down in revenues. now the cairns council seek to offer a development that will stimulate the community to gather in town where business needs it as well as entice the youth market (as it has in every other tourist town that has a lagoon project) and I say about bloody time. Oh and why dont you look into the original location of st marys church hmmmm? it wasnt where it is now i can tell you that. In summary let people who genuinely like this town and where it is going live in peace without trying to crush the only positive measures we have seen in 30 years.

Phil Porter, 30-11-11 17:52:

The so-called "agreed master plan" discussed by Shellie wasn't agreed by any but a small group of port residents who act like they own the joint. Their plan was inconvenient for both the tourists and locals, and the council ultimately approved one of the other proposals that has had strong support from many. There is no such thing as "legally passed by the community", the community provides input and the professional planners and others make the decisions, as it should be. As for weddings, there are plenty of other locations weddings can be held more appropriate than in the centre of town, adjacent to a noisy harbour area and carpark. Some people just don't like change. These are the same people that opposed bitumen on the Port road, opposed upgrading 4 Mile beach, and indeed oppose virtually everything. FNQ is filled with these kinds of naysayers.

Get over it. It's a great plan and I'm happy to see council moving forward with it.

Julie Robertson, 30-11-11 17:20:

Once again the residents of Port Douglas have no say. Yes now we are turning into a mini Gold Coast and the wedding industry which brings in millions will be the next to go... I am so glad I was here when Port was a unique, world class holiday destination ... sadly those days are gone RIP Port Douglas we r now renaming the Town gold Coast2

Michael from Cairns Gibbs, 30-11-11 02:30:

I think this is a great idea. I have family which regularly come up to Port Douglas to holiday and also to visit me in Cairns. I look forward to the day I can spend time with them in Port Douglas taking a swim and a walk through the new parks.

Peter Wells, 29-11-11 18:56:

Shellie you are spot on , and I hope the State and Federal Governments dont fund it. And I will be making sure they hear from me and hopefully from the majority of Port residents whom I'm sure would be against it.

Roisin Allen, 29-11-11 18:02:

I am not personally in favour of a lagoon but I believe that if the majority of the community wants one they should, at the very least, have something that they have chosen...not what CRC has foisted upon us. Sorry state of affairs indeed!

Shellie Williams, 29-11-11 16:12:

Council and the Gazette have both failed to inform the residents of Port Douglas, that the original agreed waterfront masterplan voted for in Sept, 2009...will not be installed....instead we will receive the Cairns Councils' design and location...which means a ticky tacky lagoon playground next to our heritage St.Marys etc, etc...forget weddings and funerals, not to mention turning our lovely Port Douglas into a mini Gold Coast.....Most locals are delighted the lagoon is going ahead, not realising they are applauding the design that didn't legally pass by the community, council and government in Sept, 2009!!!! Council must be having a good laugh....as it seems they are getting away with blue murder, right under our noses!! Wake up all residents and lovers of Port!!! At one recent council meeting, the question arose as to the noise factor associated with hoards of kids and adults, right next to St. Marys if their lagoon design/location was to go ahead...answer...well lets just move the church to Mareeba if it's a problem!!!!
It's time for the Cairns Council and their puppet The Gazette, to tell the truth...and inform us of their true intentions. If we lose the heart and soul of Port due to decisions made in distant Cairns,
with no fight from us...then I guess they've won. Welcome to the Far Norths' new Gold Coast!!
It will be a sad day for Port if we allow Cairns to erect their theme park next to our beloved heritage...goodbye weddings, goodbye funerals, goodbye Port Douglas...
From one very concerned rate paying local, who moved here DUE to the fact of it's uniqueness in character, and lack of ticky tack!! Democracy appears a distant word, seldom considered these days it seems!
Sorry state of affairs.