CEO Lyn Russell met with Executive Members of Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce last Friday to discuss Cairns Regional Council’s role in the Chamber’s desire to see the town have infrastructure that sustains a premier tourist destination and a modern safe community.

The meeting was held prior to a successful Chamber luncheon where Ms Russell addressed the crowd of over fifty local business representatives as guest speaker.

Priority issues for the Chamber included the Implementation of the Port Douglas Waterfront Master plan, the upgrade of Four Mile Beach Esplanade, chlorinated water and concerns over the condition of the town's oil palms along Port Douglas Road.

Council is currently undertaking assessment of the oil palms as there is a distinct possibility that the palms may be affected by a fungus. In order to conduct a clear evaluation, Council's arborist will need to dissect one of the most severely affected palms. This means that one of the palms will need to be entirely removed for a complete dissection to occur.

During the meeting Ms Russell assured the Chamber that Council acknowledges the importance of the palms. "The oil palms are part of the signature identity of Port Douglas, their presence delivers a magnificent entrance into the town" Ms Russell said.

Ken Dobbs President of Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce agreed. "The palms are very much a part of the charm of Port Douglas. We support Council in their efforts to ensure the palms are maintained and any that may be affected by fungus are treated."

"The Chamber understands that we need to lose one palm for dissection to help save the rest.  We are pleased that Council is also looking to the future to ensure the commencement of an appropriate replacement program in the event that any of the palms are lost. "

The community has made numerous representations to Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu who initiated the action for Council to undertake an assessment of the trees. Cr Leu who also attended the meeting with the Chamber said: "I am very pleased that the process is underway as we must do all we can to save our oil palms and have an adequate replacement program for the future".

Planned removal of the single palm for dissection will commence in the next week.