Mayor Val Schier and Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu have welcomed the input and support of the recently established Port Douglas Master Plan Advisory Committee.

Mayor Val Schier said the Master Plan will integrate the values and features of the existing waterfront with a range of initiatives to create one of the world’s most beautiful waterfronts.

“The plan is amongst the most significant projects in the Douglas area and will balance development opportunities with environmental preservation and heritage conservation.  The implementation of the plan will also maintain the distinct and unique character that is Port Douglas,” Cr Schier said.

“The community engagement and planning processes that have contributed to the plan’s development will continue through its implementation.”

The recently established Port Douglas Master Plan Advisory Committee comprises eight local community representatives, Council officers and State Government agency staff. At a briefing last week, the committee was in support of the Master Plan’s current implementation process which includes specific studies.

This week Council released information packages calling for quotations for the feasibility study for the Lagoon Pool.   Advisory Committee member Cr Julia Leu said the Master Plan requires Council to conduct a feasibility study to understand whether the swimming lagoon can be established in the proposed position.

“The invitation for quotations to undertake the feasibility study signifies that the Master Plan is now clearly in its implementation phase,” Cr Leu said.  “The study will identify the most appropriate location taking into consideration the technical and engineering requirements.  An important part of the study will be to determine the capital and ongoing maintenance cost of the lagoon pool. The approximate budget figure for the study is $60,000.”