A mooted multimillion-dollar development at the Port Douglas south wharf region has won a $300,000 government grant to push ahead with further studies about whether the plan will be viable or not.

First revealed by Newsport in June last year, long-time Port Douglas businessman John Morris’s vision revolves around building a shipyard precinct near the Port Douglas Yacht Club, as well as cafes and other shops, stemming from previous studies that have been circulating for close to a decade.

The move comes as Douglas Shire Council searches for alternative industries for workers displaced by the collapse of the more than 100-year-old Mossman sugarcane industry.

Cook MP David Kempton released a statement today that the precinct was not directly related to agriculture, but “will provide employment opportunities for many workers previously engaged in the cane industry”.

“This project is catalytic to economic growth, employment opportunity, and investment in tourist infrastructure.” 

Some heavyweights of government and tourism last year threw their support behind the project, including marina owner Crystalbrook Collection’s chief executive Geoff York, Quicksilver Group managing director Tony Baker, Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree executive officer Emma Tunnock.

The plan revolves around a shipyard precinct similar to ones in Cairns for repairing and refitting boats, including travel lifts for hoisting large vessels out of the water, an expanded slipway, a boat-supply shop and a market square with cafes and other retail outlets.

The aim is to expand on a 2018 Douglas Shire Council Waterfront South Precinct design, which also includes a public boat ramp, tour terminal, fisherman’s wharf, marina and 100-space carpark.