David Marriner has revived his efforts to gain funding from the State Government for a Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas exposition and conference centre.

Speaking with The Newsport on Friday morning, Mr Marriner said that efforts to speak with representatives of the previous Labor government came to nought, however, he held out hope the newly elected LNP government would be more receptive to his proposal.

"There has been enough time passed now (since the state election) to effectively rekindle the project and go to government to make sure they understand the project, and to see if they're prepared to embrace the project," he said.

Embracing the project is something Mr Marriner believes the previous Labor government didn't do, and he levelled criticism at former Cook MP Jason O'Brien.

"We extended an invitation to Jason O'Brien...on a number of occasions. At no time did he take the initiative to sit down and understand our proposal in any detail whatsoever.

Looking for a job or need an employee? Check out our Employment section.

"But he took a very public position and opposed it. That was insulting to be blunt.

"I felt very hurt that that sort of message was flowing down to the Premier of the day, and the Premier of the day never ever met with us.

"We would hope a new government might look at things differently."

Mr Marriner had arranged to meet the LNP's new member for Cook, David Kempton, last Friday afternoon. The Newsport will bring you information from that meeting as soon as it is made available.

"What is pleasing is that we extended the invitation to David Kempton, and on our first offer to come to the table and understand the proposal he was prepared to make himself available."

Referring to the success of his theatres in Melbourne which have become a cornerstone of Victoria's arts scene, Mr Marriner said learning from local history is an important part of planning for future success.

"Love or hate Christopher Skase, you have to admire the tenacity in which he delivered two of the great signatures which are still iconic brands in tourism in Australia twenty-seven, thirty years later.

"That's bizarre to think nobody has been able to upstage that initiative.

"It's a sad story of events that followed but that history is factual, an outstanding piece or entrepreneurialism to Port Douglas' benefit."

He estimates the financial benefit the Sheraton Mirage has bought to Port Douglas since its creation in the 1980s is in the order of $1 billion.

He also highlighted the contribution the business makes to governments at all levels through the payment of taxes such as rates, land tax, and payroll tax.

"You're looking at a minimum of $600,000 (per year). It's actually between $50,000 and $60,000 a month. It beggars belief. Quite frankly you don't pay more than that for a flagship hotel in the middle of Melbourne.

"That's a mighty machine that we're generating both in salaries and taxes.

"You think about the net economic benefits we're generating here and ask yourself, 'are we looking for a handout from government?' Sorry it's the other way around.

"If they want to continue to receive the benefits it's time they put something back into Port Douglas."

Mr Marriner said that despite a trading loss of $1.5 million in the past six months, the Sheraton Mirage has made "significant headway" since taking over the property.

Building a multipurpose exposition and conference centre would ensure Australian corporations would not need to travel internationally to Thailand, Fiji, or Vietnam, for a resort-based event.

"We want corporate Australia to reconnect with Port Douglas," Mr Marriner said.

He said governments would carry no risk when investing in the proposed infrastructure.

Mr Marriner's visit incorporated a management meeting with Sheraton Mirage executives and acknowledged that, like much of the business community in Port Douglas, trading times are tough.

"It's fair to say the last six months has been pretty tough trading in the town, and that demands we get focussed on revenue streams and costs.

"I think the broader community is aware of the same frustrations we're experiencing - difficult trading, and the ever-increasing cost base of doing business.

He said the Sheraton Mirage, which has built a reputation on a high level of service, needed to focus on maintaining a quality experience despite the need to minimise expenses.

"Even as a very bare minimum employee base, it's very difficult to get it below 300 (employees). 200 to 300 is, for a property of this scale, the bare minimum we can run with.

"We look to try and target what we may or may not offer, so what we offer we do it well."

Recent investments into major Port Douglas resorts has restored confidence in the town somewhat. However, the Sheraton Mirage remains the key piece of the puzzle in the future prosperity of the wider region.

Related articles
What Marriner asks from Government
Marriner delivers vision

Need a tradie? Check out our Trades and Services Directory.