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Terence Melchert

Unfortunately at all levels of government it is easier for bureaucrats to increase rates and taxes than to implement cost saving operational efficiencies. And Douglas at a proposed rate/charge increase of over 8% is a star performer for all the wrong reasons. Big government rate/tax increases lead to higher inflation which leads to higher mortgage rates for home buyers. A vicious circle as real wages decline in value.

Jo King (yes we get the joke!)

Unfortunately twice as many admin staff than working crews. Even the assistants have assistants.

Andrew Veal

They have also emailed the owners of vessels in Dixon Inlet on mooring poles. They have implemented a new bond for the users of $1500. Some owners I know have been renting them for 25 years and are still awaiting any maintenance to be done in this period. Makes me wonder if they intend to use this money or put it in a trust account as by law all bonds must be.

Dave Ohgh

What a kick in the guts during a cost of living crisis. Anyone that puts their hand up to run for council with fiscal responsibility in mind will have my vote.

Kath Fidler

Will be interesting to see how businesses that are already struggling to cope/do. Prices can only be increased by businesses by so much before people stop coming. And it’s already happening.

Brydie Lee

Wonder when the rates will start funding projects in Mossman? Gutters on main road northbound are in disrepair, drainage is non-existent in areas due to undersized or blocked drains… the list goes on.

Gav Widdicombe

Local governments' fiscal incompetence once again creating financial instability so they pass on the financial burden to ratepayers and families who are already doing it tough.

Rosemary Ernst

Douglas Shire has also reduced the pensioners consession for ratepayers as of July 1. Pensioners will now have to pay up to an extra $360 per year as well as the next rate increase.

Cooya Takeaway

Wow. Imagine having a council that represents the interests of the people living in the Shire, one that has a plan for the future, a willingness to grow and be productive, a council that encourages and assists local businesses instead of one that burdens and takes relentlessly. Can anyone tell me which members of DSC have a successful background in business? Or which ones have run multimillion $ companies? Or is the DSC made up of people that really have no experience running the multimillion dollar business that governs the Shire? At the top of every successful business you'll find a "honey badger", someone that's capable of ruthlessly achieving the best outcome. Who's our honey badger! ?

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Derek Brown

Hope this happens because we are being priced out of Cairns so it would be awesome to be able to have all our boat works to be done locally this will generate a large number of new jobs for locals as currently the majority are taken to Cairns, Townsville or the Gold Coast. If this is built in PD associated trades will also grow locally providing additional opportunities for young locals to get apprenticeships in marine engineering, electrical, air conditioning, painting, carpentry, plumbing, fabrication, etc.

Jake Wyatt

That would mean growth mate and a step forward. 

Kim Christensen

It would be so good for Port Douglas, lot more jobs.

Ian Locke

Does that mean destroying protected mangrove?

Darryn Slade

I'm sure the tourists (and locals) chomping into their seafood platters at the Tin Shed, the Marina or the Yacht Club will appreciate the ambience of a screaming 9" grinder or a sandblaster to accompany their meals.