Dickson Inlet - built for nature or industry?
Port Douglas
Battlelines are being drawn up between the State Government and Douglas Shire Council on whether the Port Douglas marina inlet region should be used for industry or set aside for natural conservation.
In its draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan, released last month, the Government has designated Dickson Inlet as a “regional biodiversity corridor”, meaning the future focus may be about preserving natural assets such as the mangroves and other flora and fauna.
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But the DSC this week voted to put a submission to the Government to make sure a proposed new south dock industry precinct is factored into any forward planning.
“If future development of the Marina, Waterfront precinct (formerly Waterfront South Precinct) and Marine Industry Precinct is ever to occur, this is counterproductive,” a report tabled in this week’s council meeting states.
“Opportunity exists for a new Marine Industry Precinct to see localised benefits from the expansion of the Cairns Marine Industry precinct which may accommodate undersupply of services in Cairns and opens up market share for Douglas Shire.
“The Marina is a key local and regional economic asset as the gateway to the reef so any opportunities to co-locate and further develop the precinct are important to include for consideration.”
At this week’s council meeting, Cr Abigail Noli spoke in favour of factoring in the environment.
She sought assurances that “we balance correctly the natural assets of the Dickson Inlet and any future possible development of industry that goes there”.
“We need to balance that really well,” she said.
Cr Noli requested the council submission to the Government reflected the “commitment to sustainability of flora and fauna in the Dickson Inlet” so a “balanced outcome is achieved”.
Long-term Port Douglas developer John Morris has been advocating for a new ship-repair precinct to be built near the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina to help develop new industry in the wake of the demise of local sugar manufacturing.
Cook MP David Kempton said he had been talking to the deputy premier’s department about the south dock precinct and this was a “real positive option”.
He said transitioning jobs from farming to the boat industry was a priority, the plan had “stable financial backers”, and was also supported by the Tourism Port Douglas Daintree organisation.
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