Council yesterday voted to advance the Port Douglas Master Plan ahead of all other regional projects, and will now seek $10 million of federal funding through the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

The waterfront development was not put forward in the last round of RDA funding in May, with Council citing that the project plan was not ready for submission at that point in time.

This was the fate that befell a number of other regional projects in the current round, including the Cairns City Centre Master Plan Implementation, with a Council report citing the Port Douglas Waterfront was the priority.

VIEW THE REPORT HERE

The Daintree Gateway Master Plan implementation was "Viewed as a lesser RDA priority" than that of Stage 1 of the Port Douglas waterfront which will include the lagoon, waterfront park, boat ramp relocation, and Sugar Wharf redevelopment.

"Stage 1 will transform the Port Douglas waterfront into a unique blend of green open space and recreation, maritime activities, increased tourism opportunities, heritage preservation and development, sensitive to the unique character and environment of Port Douglas," the report stated.

"It will showcase exemplar waterfront design and together with strong community support for the project and environmental values of the town, will reinforce the role of Port Douglas as a world class destination and act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in the region."

Despite the Port Douglas Master Plan being the only regional project that meets RDAF criteria, this didn't stop Division 2 councillor, Nancy Lansky, from attempting to win support for a project that had not been on Council's list of 18 projects to be considered for RDA funding.

Cr Lansky yesterday sought to push through a road project in the Edmonton area even though it had no regional significance and lacked accurate costings; two of RDAF's key criteria.

In spite of this, the project received the backing of Division 1 councillor, Paul Gregory, and Division 9 councillor, Sno Bonneau.

Division 10 councillor, Julia Leu said Stage 1 of the Port Douglas Master Plan project "is our best shot" of securing federal funding after three Council projects were turned down by RDAF after the May round of applications.

Cr Leu said there was strong support for the project at all levels of government, and its implementation would breathe new life into the town and the region.

“It will be a significant community asset that will contribute to the liveability of Port Douglas,” Cr Leu said.

“It will also further enhance the reputation of Port Douglas as a world-class tourist destination, feeding into the regional economy."

Council will now present an expression of interest for funding, which includes a preliminary project plan, to RDAF by 1 December. Should this be accepted, a more detailed plan will be provided by February 2011. 

In addition to the Federal Government's $10 million, Council is seeking $20 million from the State Government and contributing $5.3 million itself to complete Stage 1.

It is estimated that Stage 1 implementation would create more than 300 jobs over three years during construction and more than 100 jobs once operational and contribute an estimated $14 million per annum into the regional economy. 

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