The following letter was sent to our Division 10 councillor, Julia Leu, by Ben Murphy - a former Port Douglas resident now living in Sydney. Ben has given his permission for The Newsport to publish this correspondence so we're keen for you to give us your feedback on Ben's vision for Macrossan Street. Have your say at the bottom of the article.

Hi Julia,
 
I hope you are well.
 
I know you must be a very busy lady so I will keep this email short and to the point.
 
I am a past resident of Port Douglas and try to visit every few years as it has a special place in my heart.
 
My partner and I came up for Carnivale last year and had a great time, but was disappointed that it had lost a little bit of its mojo since i first visited way back 17 years ago and year on year ever since.
 
I see that a lot of the stores along Macrossan Street are like others in Cairns in financial difficulties, with many closing down.
 
Reading newspaper articles on the web of restaurants such as Bistro 3 closing, and other eateries in the street having trouble with the council pertaining to Al Fresco dining areas is quite alarming.
 
To combat this and make Macrossan Street a more open and attractive thoroughfare for both businesses and visitors I suggest making one side a landscaped corso for outdoor dining, a place to encourage musicians to play to add some atmosphere to the main street (I know this has been suggested before).
 
A place where families have a large open space to walk and can enjoy the shops and the beautiful weather, families that would stay around longer and more than likely spend more money.
 
The other side of Macrossan Street (Coles' side) to be made into a one way, with parking still available for locals/visitors to use.
 
I am sure that this would help many struggling businesses along the main street, as at this time it is a congested and dangerous area and a place you would not want to stay longer than you have to.
 
As I mentioned it is alarming to see Port Douglas in dire trouble and I am writing this to you from my home in Sydney thousands of miles away, as I believe in Port Douglas and its people and that they can make it through this current dilemma.
 
But if something is not done to assist small businesses in Port and done soon, then it will be a long time before Port regains its aura and its reputation as one of the greatest seaside towns in the world.
 
Your job of supporting the businesses and people of Port Douglas is a huge responsibility and as their local representative I hope that you can make this difficult time as pleasant and supportive as possible.
 
I look forward to hearing from you and visiting Port Douglas next year for Carnivale and wish your every bit of success in your endeavours.
 
Many thanks and kind regards,
 
Ben Murphy

Have your say below.