Mayor Val Schier has vowed to support the de-amalgamation of Douglas Shire following the election of an LNP government on Saturday.

Cr Schier conceded that the community still wanted to de-amalgamate "despite four years of hard work and high quality service delivery in the Douglas region." 

“We’ve worked very hard in the Douglas region to make the improvements and deliver better services using the economies of scale of a larger Council,” she said.

“And I know that some residents, like those north of the Daintree who appreciate their long-awaited bridge upgrades, are supportive of CRC.

“However it has become clear to me that we cannot provide the level of community engagement and localised decision making that most Douglas people want and deserve.”

Cr Schier acknowledged that the community dissatisfaction over issues like the removal of coconut palms, the waterfront lagoon and chlorination of the water supply all contributed to her decision to support de-amalgamation.

“Douglas is a very special place and it is very difficult to give an area special treatment within an amalgamated Council.”

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The LNP has committed to establishing a Boundaries Commissioner to investigate de-amalgamation of Douglas and Noosa within their first 100 days in office.

“A change of government will give us the opportunity to re-visit amalgamation and I am committed to working with the Boundaries Commissioner to make a clean break and re-establish the Douglas Shire Council," Cr Schier said.

“I have tried my best to meet the aspirations of the Douglas community but it is clear that their main aspiration is to have their own local government.

“Cairns Regional Council will remain amalgamated for the upcoming election and I hope to continue to represent the people of Douglas and advocate for their de-amalgamation during the next term of Council with the newly elected Member for Cook David Kempton.”