Off-leash dog park and foreshore path included in new Shire projects
Council budget
A Port Douglas off-leash dog park, a Splash Park carpark and toilet upgrade, new kerbs on Warner Street at Port Douglas, more CCTV across the Shire, footpath lights from Mossman to the Gorge and better drainage on Mossman’s main street are some of the newer projects revealed in the latest council budget.
In a budget where there will be an average rate increase for commercial property owners of $174, investment property owners of $117 and ordinary homeowners of $81, there are few fresh announcements and no big-ticket items apart from the council’s usual business - fixing roads and installing water pipes, et cetera.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said this year’s Douglas Shire Council Budget was built on the “essentials”.
“The community has told us clearly what matters most, keeping services reliable, keeping costs manageable, and investing in the places that make our Shire special,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“We’ve listened, and this budget reflects that.”
She said the council was also being hit by the rising costs individuals are experiencing.
“Council understands that cost-of-living pressures are real and are being felt heavily by households and businesses across our Shire.
“Council is feeling these pressures too.
“Bitumen is up around 50 per cent, diesel is up 30 per cent, waste contracts have risen, and unlike households, Council does not qualify for electricity rebates.”
In good news for pet lovers, the budget papers contain a commitment to “review and recommend preferred locations for a dog off-leash park in Port Douglas” to be completed by October.
There is also $360,000 for “CCTV upgrades to improve safety, visibility and after‑hours security” and $350,000 to upgrade the existing Splash Park carpark.
There is $250,000 to expand the Splash Park toilets and showers and $880,000 to renew Warner Street kerbs and drainage.
In terms of new lighting, the Four Mile Beach foreshore will get $300,000 for a new path with lights, while $25,000 has been set aside to investigate footpath lights from Mossman to Mossman Gorge.
“The pathway has become a really popular connection for walkers, cyclists and community events like the Yalanji RAW fun run,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“Exploring lighting options is about making that experience safer and even more enjoyable.”
The Port-to-Mossman Cycle Track, which was announced earlier this year, will also receive $300,000 for a feasibility study and the Alchera Drive section of Mossman’s main street with receive $1.3m to improve drainage.
Across Daintree River, there is $600,000 to upgrade the Cape Tribulation boardwalk, about $600,000 for the Forest Creek culvert and $100,000 to refurbish the Daintree Community Hall.
The Upper Cassowary Road widening project will also get close to $1.3m, with about $1m of that coming from the Federal Government.