In what was a strong show of support, around 50 local retailers from Port Douglas and Mossman attended a meeting for the sector at the Port Douglas Community Centre on Friday, with a show of hands revealing the vast majority supported a vision presented by solicitor, Martin Tranter.

Mr Tranter addressed the audience, presenting a concept which he believes will enliven the long-suffering retail sector.

That concept centred around the coming together of retailers who would actively, and collectively, promote shopping in the region to markets such as the relatively untapped day-tripper market out of Cairns and the Tablelands - a move which could bolster the economy particularly in the shoulder and low seasons. 

Mr Tranter said there was no future in watching retail businesses fall one-by-one, only to be the last man standing.

He said it was time to stop looking at Cairns Regional Council as a marketer for the region, their role being more as a "business partner" to be approached for support of concepts delivered by the sector.

Mr Tranter focussed on the need to portray a positive image to the region's visitors despite the well-documented challenges it has faced in recent times, warning "doom and gloom manifests doom and gloom."

He added that it was important to realise the impact of negative comments made through social media sites such as facebook, and the travel website TripAdvisor, and to ensure inaccurate comments are quickly corrected with a positive slant.

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The lagoon debate and Quicksilver's decision to bus its passengers from the marina was raised as examples of how businesses were not able to respond collectively, however the redevelopment of the Sheraton Mirage was the most important project currently on the table.

He said it was time to embrace resort owner David Marriner's concept of the redevelopment which aims to attract conferences and theatre to Port Douglas, adding that a strong Sheraton meant a strong retail sector.

Retailers in attendance were asked to commit two hours per month to the collaborative effort to market their sector, with a level of financial commitment to follow, with Mr Tranter selecting five initial representatives to make some early enquiries and promote the ideals to other retail businesses unable to attend.

Coles Supermarket Port Douglas manager, Jason Smith, urged business owners to ensure customer feedback is sought and acted upon, and said the region's indigenous culture, and the promotion of Macrossan Street as a tourist attraction were opportunities not yet capitalised on.

A reconvened meeting of the retail sector will occur in four weeks' time where Mr Tranter hopes to see a larger representation.