Although the spelling “Mcdonald” rather than “McDonald’s” could easily have been interpreted a few ways – including cryptically – some Facebook users took it to mean ‘Maccas’, and a fiery exchange of opinions followed.

Strong comments were made about food quality, rubbish disposal, “ruining the town” and the possible social demographics of the fast-food chain’s customers – but there were also a few in favour of a McDonald’s opening up.

However, “Chinese whispers is a classic game that keeps children occupied for hours on end,” was one of the more interesting posts.

Douglas Shire Council has put the lid on the rumour, at least for now, confirming that there is currently no application before it for a McDonald’s – or any other fast-food franchise for that matter.

Nets back

Beach-goers in Port Douglas have been wondering what happened to the swimming nets at Four Mile Beach, which had been out of the water for nearly a week.

The good news is the nets were put back in this morning.

Queensland SLSQ Lifeguard Supervisor Jay March told Newsport a short time ago that the nets had been removed before the heavy rain at the end of last week to prevent them from twisting and damage due to expected monsoonal ocean swells.

The nets were then kept out of the water because of a five-day run of king tides – peaking at close to 3.4 metres on Monday – as well as floodwaters and debris from nearby rivers including the Daintree.

Flood relief

Following last week’s flooding of the Daintree River and several roads in Douglas, the region has been confirmed as one of many to be included on a list for state and Commonwealth-funded disaster relief.

Daintree Village received above 300mm in 24 hours during heavy rainfall last weekend, cattle losses and property fencing damages were reported and the Daintree Ferry closed for two days as a result of the River flooding.

Assistance has been extended to seven more flooded local councils including Douglas, under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), for counter disaster operations aimed at public safety and the restoration of essential public assets such as roads.

Tourism updates

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has invited its members to a market update next Wednesday to hear about the current state of play of tourism.

Guest speakers will include Dominic Mehling from Tourism Australia who will share the latest global tourism research and current marketing activities, and Central Queensland University’s Michelle Thompson, presenting Douglas region visitor profiling.

Date: Wednesday 1st March 2023
Time: 2.30 meet and greet with speakers for a 3.00pm start - 4.45pm (networking from 5.00-6.30pm venue TBC)
Location: Port Douglas Community Hall