Debate over whether sections of Four Mile Beach should be cleared of seaweed and other jetsam continues as the peak tourist season commences.

News Corporation's Port Douglas and Mossman Gazette drew attention to the condition of the northern end of Four Mile Beach after the recent Carnivale Beach Day, and readers of The Newsport have now taken up the discussion after images of a "clean" beach were published on Sunday 10 June.

Two distinct points of view dominate discussions - there are those who believe clearing the beach will enhance the visitor experience, and those who are determined to see Mother Nature present the beach in the way she sees fit.

In a comment on The Newsport article 'Four Mile brilliant for Queen's Birthday', Port Douglas resident Mike McKeown was adamant Council should take measures to clear the beach of seaweed.

"The beach has been an absolute disgrace and a major deterrent to tourism for some time," he wrote.

In response to Mr McKeown's comment Byron Kurth, also of Port Douglas, said nature should take its course.

"Not sure how long you have been in town Mike but nature cleans the beach at this time of year, every year. The seaweed that comes through the wet is part of the natural cycle, it breaks down and feeds the critters that in turn go up the food chain.

"I would suggest that the stingers and rainfall during the wet are a bit more of a deterrent that seaweed."

It's a view shared by Heidi Taylor of marine conservation group Tangaroa Blue.

"It's not actually a problem all the time, it happens occasionally," she said.

"I think it (clearing the beach) is a waste of money. I can't even get the Council to put a couple of bins along the beach.

"If you want to address stuff let’s look at something that has a negative impact. If we're talking about aesthetics that's the bottom line, there are other things we should be focussing on besides a bit of seaweed," she said.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree's Doug Ryan said he'd like to see a section of the popular beach cleared.

"We don't have a set policy on it. The general thoughts were it would be nice to have a section of the beach clean, probably around where the life guards are.

"Not the whole lot because there is the environmental stance, and I think we have to understand that, and that's why this region is so important. That has to continue.

"But maybe there is a case for cleaning a portion of it."

What are your thoughts? Should we clear a section of Four Mile Beach of seaweed and other naturally occurring material? Do you agree with Heidi Taylor who says there are more pressing priorities? Have your say below.

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