In this week's Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce profile we chat with Greg McLean who has been a welcome recent addition to the team.

The Newport: How long have you been on the Chamber committee?

Greg McLean: Since last October.

TN: What sub-committee do you sit on?

GM: I sit on as many sub-committee meetings as possible across the various portfolios.

TN: What is your specific focus as a member of the board?

GM: I deal with a lot of people and businesses on issues affecting the local community on a regular basis so I just try to relay that feedback to the committee. I’m also very passionate about helping revive the local economy any way we can and am keen to offer any insights which may help achieve this.

TN: How long have you been in Port Douglas?

GM: We arrived the week before Carnivale 2009.

TN: What's your occupation?

GM: I’m the editor of the Gazette newspaper.

TN: Tell us about some of your previous business experience?

GM: I’ve worked in newspapers and magazines for the past 15 years.

TN: What's the biggest change in business you’ve seen while in Port Douglas?

GM: As Port Douglas becomes more affordable with cheaper airfares and accommodation there are a lot more tourists coming here to relax who are spending less on average.

TN: What's the biggest challenges tha lay ahead for Port Douglas?

GM: Survival. The vast majority of local businesses have suffered a horrible last few years and will lose the energy, if not the money, to keep going unless they start to see some light at the end of the tunnel soon.

TN: What are some of the biggest opportunities for businesses in the future?

GM: Co-operation. It’s no coincidence the wedding and MICE sectors are in some instances thriving because there seems to be a much higher level of co-operation among these business operators than some other sectors.

We’ve got some incredibly intelligent local business operators who have survived tough times before and I’m sure if we can tap into their knowledge it will benefit the whole community.

TN: What is the best kept secret in Port Douglas?

GM: The ones I haven’t heard yet I imagine. It might just be a coincidence but every time I hear there’s been a naked bloke strolling down Four Mile Beach I can’t find Roy Weavers.