STRAIGHT TALK: Mossman Mill matters, splash park latest, Fairmont resort reaction and sports success in Abigail Noli's column
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
Douglas Shire sports achievements
You may have noticed some really successful sporting clubs from Douglas have been in the news recently.
Local athletes shining in judo, gymnastics, all forms of football, athletics (and) boxing to name just a few.
Sporting clubs in Douglas have always been successful and the athletes that emerge from such a small population is, unbelievable.
When I was younger the Shire had soccer, basketball and gymnastics options for females to be involved in.
Today, the choice is far greater and every club is well supported by the community and residents.
I would like to take this opportunity to accolade all our great sportspeople and athletes and emphasise that Douglas has produced athletes at national and international level abilities.
What's been happening - Mossman splash park update and other matters
An update regarding local projects around the region; in recent times we've seen new lights for Coronation park (showgrounds), Cassowary park (soccer grounds), (the) resurfacing of Mossman Pump track, (the) bike path to (the) Gorge is finished (99% at least), the Cooya Beach cricket pitch is almost finished and the Port Douglas MTB skills park will be officially opened on December 2.
Speaking of getting the heart pumping, the Mossman Splash Park just needs Ergon to connect the electricity.
The Port Douglas Splash Park will start in the first half of next year, the Flagstaff hill walking track is getting some love and the tender for the playground in Rex Smeal park has just been awarded. Whew!
We could all do with extra grant money for our clubs. Council has recently signed up with grant guru and this allows businesses and community organisations to register to receive alerts about grants as they are announced, https://grantguru.com/au/douglas . Don’t miss out because you are uninformed as to what is out there. If you need help, the grants officer Pauline Thomas can assist.
Fairmont resort court decision
The court has handed down its finding in relation to the appeal of Council’s decision to not approve the development application for a Fairmont resort by the Chiodo Corporation.
The court has upheld Council’s decision, the judge was forthright in the assessment that the proposed development is “wildly discordant with the character of Port Douglas”.
“It has the potential to dimmish the experience of those visiting Port Douglas”. What rings through with great finality is the importance of protecting what is unique and special to Port Douglas’ character."
Furthermore, the proposal conflicted with access, parking and service codes, conflicted with the landscaping overlay codes, the proposal adversely affected the tropical, tourist and residential character and amenity of the area in terms of traffic, to name a few other problems.
Douglas shire is unique, it is special, it is of utmost importance that something that would have a profound effect on the area must be of a benefit. There is a reason that so many people want to live here and so many visit, we have a diversity and distinctness that should be upheld. Development is always welcome, it is about finding the right balance for Douglas.
Mossman mill developments
Douglas Shire is in a state of limbo regarding the future of the Mossman Mill. Council has always advocated strongly for assistance starting in 2018.
I have always maintained how important it is for the greater shire, not just Mossman alone. In recent years the Mill has looked to diversify and had started to set in motion growers’ plans to create a “Daintree Bio Precinct”.
It was to tap into renewable energy opportunities and create valuable by-products at a processing facility on the land adjacent to the mill. The plans were to produce higher value products which would lead to the long term viability of the mill. Good luck to the mill and I hope a solution can be found for the canegrowers of the region.
Christmas markets
Don’t forget, Christmas markets under the Mossman raintrees are on November 28 from 4pm.
Thank you!
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