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Stacy Wilkinson

Not going to encourage anyone to come to the Shire. Council should examine the tourist numbers that result to spending in Qld, and lobby state government for more funding on various levels due to the influx of expenditure the attractions to the region benefit to Qld as a whole. Partially, the cost of going out in this town is what limits local spending, and, resulting in an increase of an ageing population, and less spending, the progression is slowing rapidly.

Zoe Gibson

Absolutely not. Tourists already believe it's overpriced for dated accommodation up here. Tourism will suffer and so will our Shire.

Jenny Atkins

Are you serious? Compared to many destinations in both Australia and overseas we are already quite expensive. Maybe it's time to take a really good look at the cost and figure out how to better serve both the community and visitors. An example: attended a child's birthday at the new splash park recently followed by kids' swimming competition at Mossman Pool - the splash park there within the confines of the pool is an absolute embarrassment. What will these hopeful extra dollars do? Buy pine trees to plant in the now defunct cane paddocks?

Maz Laufer

Barely in reach for the average family now. That extra tax should get rid of them altogether.

Rod Davis

This is a curiously naive suggestion to put a turnpike tax that will just insult visitors. Back in 2006 when in the DSC I led the charge to solve this problem by making the "working" units and homes pay higher rates, so local paid a little less. It was a simple and popular change and raised all the needed funds for the budget call of the tourism sector wanting trimmed lawns, big promo costs, and all the other needs of tourists vs locals. Council can't levy entry taxes... but they can make tourist properties pay a bit more in rates.

John Roy

Property owners who rent their properties already pay vastly more in rates. Are we going to tax Mossman property owners or just the cash cows in Port Douglas? How about putting a fence around Mossman market and charging an admission fee to see the great unwashed? Perhaps council could just better manage the money they are already given.

Terence Melchert

We certainly hear visitors comment about the high cost of services in Douglas. Would be good to do comparisons with other areas like Airlie Beach and the Gold Coast. Pricing doesn’t stop visitation but will affect return visits?

Zac Millington

Guide on how to slash tourism by half.

Will & Julie from Adelaide

To the Mayor and council.

We have travelled to Port Douglas at least 2 to 3 times a year for the last 21 years and have spent many thousands of dollars supporting the local community. We are not a burden on Port Douglas but an ongoing asset, and think that a tax on us as tourists is a slap in the face after all these years. Don't bite the hand that helps to feed your local businesses and keeps your community alive.

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Christopher Saint

I think most people welcome intelligent debate. What they don’t want is abuse and people peddling their own agendas that are based on hearsay or simply passing on other people’s ill-informed agendas. Also substance, and not another photo opportunity, will be highly respected.

David Haratsis

Cue the standard response: Formal comments may be provided by phone or email.....

Jen B Serene

Agree 100 per cent. I think voters will have their say next elections!!! Nobody likes to be unable to comment, or worse, blocked by their local, state or federal members, given ALL of them are VOTED in by the PEOPLE having their say!!! 

Darryn Slade

I probably don't agree with all of this Lawrence. I've written to Mr David Kempton MP a couple of times regarding the breakdown in law and order in Mossman and the waste of our taxes on the Wangetti Trail. I got a response to my first letter (which I appreciated) and haven't had a response since.

Allen Richard Lavender

This is priceless. A couple of years ago, Newsport Daily online publication was known to malevolently ban and restrict its readers who disagreed with its journalists. Many of us were banned. Finally, after a mountain of complaints was sent to the yellow journalists, they removed ALL comments and the ability for anyone to make comments. The banning and restrictions were brought to the Jungle Drummers' attention and he was asked how he could work with such an outfit. The drummers reply: "In order to promote my area's interest, I will write for anyone (I am not being paid)". Fair enough - didn't agree - and we still "bang on" in a friendly tone. But here comes this article where it's quoted "I challenge Healy, Rees, and DSC to do better. How can any of you possibly gauge public sentiment if you block it? It's not like any of you are holding public forums. Comment blocking is another new fad that needs consigning to the dustbin. USE social media don't abuse it." The whole thing makes me smile. In my opinion, restrictions of comments are cowardly acts. I, too, challenge Healy, Rees, DSC and Newsport Daily to open up.

Editor’s Note: Under new editorial leadership, Newsport Daily removed restrictions and lifted the “ban” imposed on contributors by the previous editorial leadership 12 months ago, allowing free-flowing comment provided it meets the reasonable guidelines clearly stated. Mr Lavender is a regular contributor to our online comments and features in You Said It! often.