Cairns Regional Council is unmoved by the Minister for Local Government's decision to progress a proposal for the Douglas to deamalgamate from the Cairns region.

Mayor Bob Manning said Council will cooperate with the Boundaries Commissioner, Col, Meng, and wait for his decision which is expected to be handed down in November.

“I have seen the de-amalgamation proposal made to the Minister. The Minister’s decision to refer the matter to the Boundaries Commissioner is based on a set of strict guidelines and we respect his right to progress the move to de-amalgamate to the next stage of the process," Cr Manning said. 

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"We will now await any instruction from the Boundaries Commissioner in regards to the provision of relevant information and will fully cooperate with him and Queensland Treasury Corporation in the assessment.

"If there is to be a referendum, we will respect and support the people’s decision. Until such time, it is very much business as usual and we will continue to act in the interests of residents in all divisions.”

During Mr Manning's campaign to become Mayor he expressed his desire to see amalgamation work.

"From where I sit, as Mayor, making amalgamation work will be a special project."