More information prompted councillors' about face

DEVELOPMENT

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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More information prompted councillors to repeal a decision to support an application regarding a permanent road closure, which applies to a small section of scrub within the hill section of the esplanade. Image: Supplied.

Increased information and becoming fully informed, are the reasons behind the change in view of the majority of Councillors regarding a permanent road closure over Esplanade adjacent to lot 2.

This is another obstacle facing developer Tim Gurner’s $60 million ‘mixed use’ development on the 69-73 Murphy Street site overlooking the Esplanade.

At the most recent Open Council meeting, Cr Abigail Noli, in a notice of motion, moved to repeal a decision (of December 15 2020) for application for permanent road closure over Esplanade adjacent to lot 2.

Gurner has sought Douglas Shire Council’s support for a road closure application. At the December meeting, it received unanimous support.

In an about face, it was voted 3-2 to amend the motion. It resolved that Council immediately advise the Department of Natural Resources Mines & Energy (DNRME) that Council is not supportive of the road closure; and when DNRME formally seeks views from Council and the public, as outlined in the 15 December 2020 report, Council will provide objections to the proposed road closure.

Councillors Lisa Scomazzon, Noli and Roy Zammataro voted in favour of amending the original motion; with Mayor Michael Kerr and Peter McKeown against. Council voted unanimously to endorse the December 15 2020 motion.  

Design renders for the proposed $60 million ultra-luxury development. Image: Supplied.

“At the December meeting there was pertinent information, to assist in good decision making, which Councillors did not have. With the increased information, it became apparent that allowing a road closure in this area would not be a healthy option for Port Douglas,” said Councillor Noli in a statement to Newsport.

“Becoming fully informed changed the view of the majority of Councillors.

“I have been stopped on the street by many people who profoundly agree with my motion and thank me for it. It does not stop any application from being made but it does assist in stopping to give away public land for free to be developed upon.

“Very soon, the community can voice their comments and opinions to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, who ultimately make the decision as to whether there will be a road closure or not.

“I urge the community to have their say as public desire will be taken into account,” said Noli.

Cr Abigail Noli moved to repeal a previous decision or application for permanent road closure over Esplanade adjacent to lot 2. Image: Supplied.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said he intends to work with his fellow Councillors and will bring this matter back to the next Council meeting for further consideration to allow the natural planning process to continue.

“If Douglas is to become a sustainable destination with a thriving economy, as listed in our Corporate Plan, we need to give potential investors and businesses a fair go in our Shire,” he said.

Kerr said in our current economic climate, he was not willing to turn away significant investment before it has the opportunity to be properly considered.

In the minutes from the December 15 2020 meeting, Council was advised that it had received an application from the owner of Lot 2 adjacent to the esplanade in Port Douglas; with a proposal to permanently close the road reserve (Esplanade) situated adjacent to their property for development purposes.

“In my opinion, opposing the road closure now is jumping the gun and attempting to stop a potential development before it has the opportunity to be assessed by planners.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said he intends to work with his fellow Councillors and will bring this matter back to the next Council meeting. Image: Karlie Brady.

“The State Government will make the final decision on the road closure application that Councillors unanimously gave the developer permission to apply for in December last year.

“The road closure application, which applies to a small section of scrub within the hill section of the esplanade, was an early step in a thorough development assessment process which everyone was privy to with the documents available for viewing at Council’s website.

“I believe as Councillors, we need to give all development applications a fair opportunity to be considered by our expert team in the context of the wider community, not find ways to circumvent the assessment process because a proposed development doesn’t align with your taste or personal politics,” said Kerr.  

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