The Mossman Botanic Garden Group will facilitate a public meeting tonight, November 25, for residents to have their say on landscaping designs for the new Port Douglas roundabout.

As The Newsport reported on November 14, construction of the $2m roundabout, at the intersection of the Captain Cook Highway and Port Douglas Road, is well underway and expected to meet its pre-Christmas completion deadline. 

The Mossman Botanic Gardens group (MPG) was one of a number of local groups to join with Port Douglas residents in September to criticise plans for a concrete-filled roundabout.

"Like others, we believe that this a rare opportunity to create an iconic landmark; something visitors will remember when going back home," said MBG spokesman Frank Frikker.

"So MBG Inc. contacted Member for Cook David Kempton, to offer assistance in designing and creating the roundabout.

As The Newsport reported on September 26, Mr Kempton announced the concrete-centre plan had been scrapped, and that a decision on landscaping would be made in the coming weeks. 

“I will continue to work with and listen to the community as this project develops," Mr Kempton said at the time. 

In response, Mr Frikker, MPG President Alan Carle, and Douglas landscaper John Sullivan, of Hortulus, met with Mr Kempton on Sunday, November 3, to discuss moving forward with a public consultation. 

"David Kempton suggested a public meeting and the MBG team agreed to take on the facilitator role."

Mr Frikker said via the meeting, the MPG aims to encourage Douglas Shire residents to voice their ideas and opinions on landscaping designs for the roundabout.

"We hope for many people with lots of ideas," Mr Frikker said. "John Sullivan will bring along some old and new design drafts to kick off discussion. It is important that people come and use this opportunity to participate.

"This is a great opportunity to create an iconic landmark for the entire Douglas Region that stands out and hence supports the region's endeavours to shine as a top tourist destination."

The meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday, November 25, at The Clink Theatre, Mowbray Street, Port Douglas.