Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning has welcomed the announcement by Local Government Minister David Crisafulli to conduct a referendum on the de-amalgamation of the Douglas Shire.

In a statement, Cr Manning said residents of Douglas Shire should think long and hard about their decision on the future of the region, which will be made in March next year.  

"This will give all residents of the former Douglas Shire the opportunity to have their say through a formal process on whether they want to remain as part of Cairns Regional Council or to de-amalgamate.

Pictured: Bob Manning addresses a gathering in Port Douglas earlier this year to promote his commitment to the region.

"I would urge all residents to think this issue through carefully and thoroughly before casting their vote.  

"They need to consider the implications in the long term and make their decision, not on emotion, but on the facts that will be presented to them in the next few months," he said.