by Mat Churchill

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh addressed a packed ballroom at Sheraton Mirage Resort for the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday, and announced "seed funding" for the lagoon project.

Ms Bligh sympathised with the community's plight who is struggling due to recent natural disasters which, despite not being directly affected, has seen the stream of visitors to our region dry up.

"I recognise what's happening here, and we recognise that this (tourism) is such an important part of the local economy. . .I think everyone agrees  that in Port Douglas no matter what business you're in, if tourism is not healthy and thriving then everybody else is feeling it."

Ms Bligh said her Government understood the importance of tourism in Far North Queensland, but in Port Douglas it is "absolutely critical."

Ms Bligh stated that the long-awaited project had many benefits for the town, benefits she has witnessed at locations such as Southbank in Brisbane (Ms Bligh's electorate), Airlie Beach and Cairns. She also said that it was important for the long term success of the town.

"We need to be thinking about what investment is needed in places like Port Douglas to ensure that you are doing well and tourism is growing next year, the year after, five years down the track."

At a press conference at the Combined Club earlier in the day, Ms Bligh told The Newsport that $145,000 has been made available for five regional tourism projects with $30,000 allocated to the lagoon.

CLICK HERE to hear Premier Bligh make the announcement

CLICK HERE to hear Premier Bligh's response to accurate media coverage

"We hope that that funding for the Cairns City Council will help them bring forward the project so that it is ready to go the minute we've got the funding package in place."

The other four projects receiving funding include:

• A World Heritage Gateway Centre in Cairns
• Bringing back the Barron Gorge tramway
• A visitor centre and restaurant in Mareeba
• Future development of the Family Islands, including Dunk and Bedarra

Ms Bligh said a State appointed case manager will oversea the projects. "We won't be letting those five projects languish," she said.

"It's going to be a bit of a slow climb back and we're going to have to do it together."

In relation to the waterfront development, Ms Bligh said her preference is that money raised from the sale of waterfront leasehold land would be reinvested locally.

"There's a very significant value uplift in that proposition, and that is a public benefit, and it should be a public benefit, in my view, in the place where that money has been generated.

"If it happens and we get the money, should it stay here in this area for this sort of development? Absolutely."

Were you at the luncheon? What were your thoughts on the Premier's address?  Let us know below.