Port Douglas residents will be able to enjoy the fruits - and vegetables - of their labour in a community garden to be created on a recreation reserve off Wharf Street.

A Port Douglas community group approached Cairns Regional Council with the idea of establishing a lease over a section of the Wharf Street reserve to grow a garden for the community.

Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu said the proposed trustee lease was very much in keeping with the purpose of the reserve and would fulfil conditions imposed by Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) over the land’s use.

“A community garden is a good fit for this land because it will compliment the Port Douglas Waterfront Masterplan, creating a lovely green space as well as providing a safe place for families to enjoy the outdoors together,” Cr Leu said.
“The idea of a community garden had initially been the dream of resident James Watson and the idea started some time ago. It now has a substantial number of volunteers behind it to ensure its success.”

“The hub for the Port Douglas Community Services Network, the organisers of the proposed garden, is just across the street so the location is very convenient,” Cr Leu said.

“It is another way in which residents can enjoy tropical life in Port Douglas.”
Council’s approval of the lease is subject to in principle approval from the Minister of DERM. The annual cost of the ten year tenure agreement will be $607.00 and all water usage charges.

Editors Comments: yet again the imagination and energy of James Watson seems to have no limits. Well done James!