Hopes, dreams and predictions for 2026
Seeing in 2026
As we set ourselves for Christmas feasts and fireworks to bring in the New Year, Douglas region leaders, commentators and even some of our Newsport readership have shared their hopes and dreams, and a few predictions for 2026.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon says there’s some big ticket items on the Council agenda for 2026 and Douglas Shire Council has been working hard to keep ratepayers informed.
“Two of the biggest priorities for Council in 2026 will be getting the Daintree Ferry landside infrastructure works underway after the wet season, and starting construction on the Mossman River Intake project,’’ she said.
“The ferry upgrades are critical to preparing for the new vessel and improving access and reliability for locals, businesses and visitors.
“At the same time, the Mossman River Intake is a long-planned project that’s essential to securing a reliable water supply for Mossman, Port Douglas and surrounding communities.“It’s important that people understand what’s happening and why, which is why Council is making a strong effort to keep communities informed before works start and right through construction for both projects.”
Lawrence Mason hopes for more, or better, consultation on such matters in the New Year, and no doubt will ask the tough questions again with his fortnightly Newsport Jungle Drum column.
“Some real and meaningful consultation and plans based on the results of same around the Cane-less future of agricultural land,’’ Lawrence had as his top priority for 2026.
“And a revised Town plan based on the findings of widespread consultation throughout the Shire, with less focus on outsiders and more on residents and ratepayers.’’
Alternate week columnist for Newsport, Crispin Hull says he hopes locally, that the Douglas Shire can diversify its economy with the pursuit of a convention centre.
“My prediction is that the vested interests of existing hotels and other venues will ensure that the excellent venture is quashed,’’ he expressed.
But on a broader scale, Crispin says the biggest two agenda items in 2026 will be climate change and population.
“First, I hope that the take up of renewables, especially home batteries, will by the end of 2026 make it clear that the transition of the grid from fossil to renewables is economically unassailable,’’ he said.
“My prediction is that the fossil industry, like the smoking industry before it, will never recognise the social, economic, health harm it is doing and will continue to spout lies and misinformation in pursuit of the last dollar of profit until they choke on their own selfishness.
“Second, I hope that the Government sees the sense in sensibly reducing immigration in a non-racist way to blunt the adverse effects of high immigration in runaway housing costs and the strain on infrastructure.
“My prediction is that the Government will ignore the danger and that high immigration will be successfully used by the Coalition and One Nation in a racist way for their short-term political gains so that by the end of 2026 they will look competitive in polls.’’
Port Douglas Audio Visuals chimed in on our socials with: “we hope cost of living stops rising… more of a dream than a hope.
While Errol O’Brien, from down south, just hopes to “spend several months in Port Douglas in 2026!’’
Happy New Year all… may your Hopes and Dreams for 2026 come true.
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