“Tourist levies” or a “visitor tax” should be introduced in Douglas Shire to help pay for the costs of services such as collecting rubbish, fixing roads and providing water, Mayor Lisa Scomazzon says.

“No, this will not be the end of our tourism, as many destinations across the globe have introduced tourism levies or visitor taxes to help fund the infrastructure,” Mayor Scomazzon told yesterday’s Douglas Shire Council meeting.

“These charges ensure that those that enjoy their destinations also contribute to its upkeep, reducing the burden on local ratepayers.”

The Mayor said regions across the world, including Bali, Italy and Kenya, had introduced either “tourist levies” or a “visitor tax”.

“I will keep advocating for this levy to be introduced into our Shire,” she said.

She has already approached both the State Government and the Opposition for support, and had also been working with Cairns and Noosa councils on a more statewide tourism-levy initiative.

“I’ve already begun advocating strongly with both the State Government and Opposition but unfortunately it appears this will be a long road ahead,” Mayor Scomazzon said.

“At this stage there has been no commitment to support the project despite the fact that it would significantly reduce the financial burden on our ratepayers.”

The rest of the council backed the move, voting unanimously to support council staff drawing up a report into the issue.

The council heard there had been more than 700,000 visitors to Douglas Shire in the year to March, and the about 13,000 residents here should not have to shoulder that burden through increasing rates.