It’s less than three weeks to go until Douglas residents vote in the new Douglas Shire Council and we continue our series on covering the major issues in the lead-up to the local government elections.

This week’s topic comes in response to Premier Campbell Newman’s release of a 30 year plan for Queensland.

In a local spin, we asked Douglas Shire Council candidates their opinion on where they see Douglas Shire in 10 years’ time? Do they see agricultural land rezoned to make way for residential development, as is happening around the state? Can the Shire sustain this and how?

Bruce Clarke

As far as more farm land being rezoned for residential development, we have at this time enough residential development to last Douglas Shire, at its present growth rate, another eight to 10 years.

Having had a few meetings with the management of Mackay Sugar, and the Sugar Industry being our second most important industry, and taking into consideration the production commitment made by Mackay Sugar for the next five years, the Shire could not afford to take any cane land away from this commitment for quite a long period of time.

Therefore, I see development pointing towards our most important industry, tourism.

By this I mean the development of projects such as Tourist Information Centres in both Port Douglas and Mossman, the Daintree Gateway project, the upgrading of the poor signage we have throughout the Shire directing tourists to all our wonderful destinations, and the proper maintenance of roads leading to these destinations.

During our association with Cairns Regional Council, the former Douglas Shire Town Plan has been used and not altered. I see this Town Plan as being quite a good one.

As Town Planning is part of my job, this Plan should be maintained with maybe a few changes. Green overlays could be slightly reduced, but should in no way be increased. The locking up of our Shire by more green overlays would have a detrimental effect on every resident.

In 10 years time I see the Douglas Shire as having had a major face lift so as to enhance our major industry, tourism, with minimal development being pointed towards this.

Robert Hanan

I do not support the re-zoning of more agricultural land for more residential development.

However, as part of the review of the Douglas Town Plan, which the new Council will be obliged to undertake in any event, some land currently zoned for such development which lies in flood or storm surge areas needs to be re-assessed. In the past, allowing such developments has cost council significant capital outlays for flood mitigation works after the houses have been built.

The other issue, of course, is the viability of the mill. The current contract to take cane from the Tablelands has secured the sugar industry in Douglas for the next four years only and it will need to be monitored carefully to see how feasible it will be in the longer term given the issues relating to the huge increase in truck traffic on the range road.

It is common knowledge that the mill is struggling to cope with the harvest this season and adding 700,000 tons of extra cane maybe the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

It is vital that the production of local cane is maintained to ensure the future of our agriculture sector should the Tablelands cane issue prove unviable and an unfair impost on the communities of Julatten and Mount Molloy.

David Carey

In 10 years’ time I see the Douglas Shire built, agricultural and natural environments being fundamentally the same as they are now.

However, having said that, the new DSC will be required to formally commence a review of the Douglas Planning Scheme in 2014. This review will provide the opportunity for significant community consultation and input.

Once completed, the review will provide a planning scheme which will carry our community through to 2024. The scheme will reflect our community’s aspirations for the future.

My position is that I support the scheme in its current form. My interactions with the broad community over the past few weeks lead me to believe there is widespread support for this position.

On the question of further residential development, I support the principle of the “fixed urban footprint” provided by the Scheme at present. In my opinion, to do otherwise would jeopardise the preservation of good quality agricultural land and, in turn, potentially jeopardise the future viability of our agricultural sector, particularly cane growing.

Currently there is plenty of undeveloped land zoned for residential purposes at Port Douglas, and the smaller beach communities as well as at Mossman. We must not forget either that there are limitations on how much population our Shire can sustain as a consequence of factors like available water supply and the capacity of the Cook highway.

Richard Lavender

Where will we be in 10 years?  The answer is simple.

If we don't get the first two years right we'll be amalgamated back with Cairns. Getting it right depends on who is elected, their credentials, beliefs and their ability to find synergy with associate councillors.

I would hope that with good governance of our Shire, the following could be achieved over the next 10 year period:

1. The Mossman Aged Care Facility will be completed and running to the great satisfaction of our community.
2. Subject to surplus funds over the next 10 year period, the Port Douglas Lagoon could become a reality. This would include the further tasteful and aesthetically pleasing development of the foreshore.
3. The former Havana development is completed under a different design and name.
4. The west side of Cook Highway from Port to Mossman will remain without development with the exception of Craiglie.
5. The industrial area of Craiglie is developed offering a satellite division of JCU or another university.
6. The gateway to the Daintree becomes a reality encouraging more tourists to travel through this beautiful area and overnighting at current establishments.
7. The completion of Mossman Botanical Gardens encouraging visitors to visit Mossman and the Daintree.

Christine Price

What has come out loud and clear from The Queensland Plan summit is that Queenslanders want half of the population living outside of the south east corner.

This coming population shift will certainly affect us here. It is the role of a good strong local Council to manage these demographic changes, so that they are understood, transparent and acceptable. This may include investigating new ways of living e.g. unique eco-housing designed in harmony with our unique environment.

Our diverse industries that keep our community vibrant and moving forward are all very important for growth –  in tourism, both domestic and international we need to increasingly market our tropical destination as being safe and well structured, with first world amenities.

Developments in agriculture, both in our traditional sugar and increased diversity of crops are crucial. We can work within climate change to grow new foods in our area. This type of development, plus boutique industries, could have a massive positive impact on our community - jobs and employment diversity, school leavers staying in the area, educational opportunities from community hub schools and infrastructure development.

All of this can generate income for Council, but it has got to be managed sensibly and sensitively. My experience as a strong, vocal business savvy member of our community, is to ensure that members of our new Council recognise the community will not only have the information to move us forward but will also realise that they have the voice to do so.

Ken Dobbs

The fundamental characteristics of the Douglas Shire are the small town village atmosphere adjacent to the world heritage reef and rainforest with an agricultural sector and this is supported by the existing Douglas Shire town which I fully support.

The FNQ Regional plan 2009 -2031 sets the urban footprint well past the 10 year time frame. The primary factors limiting the growth of Douglas are water supply, education, jobs and environment. Council cannot extend the urban footprint past the boundaries set by the FNQ plan unless the FNQ plan is revised. I had input to and support the FNQ plan.

There is still substantial capacity to increase housing in existing residential zones at Craiglie and Mossman.

I see a need for suitable accommodation for an increasing workforce in Port Douglas but this is a matter for private sector investment and I do not believe it is constrained by land availability. 

With accommodation occupancy less than 50 per cent on an annual basis and 75 per cent in the peak months there is no requirement for additional holiday units. There is, however, a demand for five star hotel accommodation and the proposed redevelopment of the Sheraton should be positive move in this regard.

Further, the old Havana site is still available for future development. Port Douglas and Mossman both have adequate existing commercial space and unused land should this situation change. Agricultural land should not be reduced so as to maintain the viability of the sugar industry.  

In summary, I see the redevelopment of existing assets under the policies of the existing town plan as the desirable outcome over the next 10 years. Beyond this there is still capacity for limited new development.

Roy Weavers

The resident population growth for the next ten years is projected to be 18 per cent and Tourism Australia forecast tourist spend increasing by some 67 per cent and Mackay Sugar will process 1.3 million tonnes of sugar cane in 2014 and each subsequent year.

The town planning scheme will accommodate the additional infrastructure and residential housing required to support this increased employment and visitation.

With no additional environmental pressure, the regions Business Parks will reach capacity using a fresh approach to the region’s economic diversity to encourage businesses outside the established agriculture and tourism sectors. 

This diversity will protect our economy against unforeseen financial disasters.
Mossman is on the road to economic growth with the continuing success of the Mossman Gorge Centre and the increased productivity of the Mossman Mill plus the proposed Mossman Botanical Gardens.

We will achieve energy exports via sugar cane waste. This massive renewable energy source, whilst continuing to champion environmental protection, will further focus aspiring world attention on us.

De-amalgamation has set out the foundations to achieve a greater sense of community and co-operation in the next decade.

The idea of an on and off season will be lost and forgotten as our Events Program develops and fills each and every weekend.

The next decade will be full of confidence with controlled but progressive growth.  The wealth of talent and creativity in the region will ensure this is done efficiently and effectively.

We will continue to ‘live the dream’ but, perhaps more importantly, this dream will be for everyone in the Douglas Shire.

Abigail Noli

In 10 years time I see the Douglas Shire to be the most envied shire in the country and its residents the most envied people in Australia with all of the world talking about how lucky we are.

It's feasible, we are already half way there as we are surrounded by an incredibly beautiful and unique nature environment and some of the best climate in the world.  

Ten years is a very feasible time frame to get things right in other areas, basics first and foremost.  These things would include water, sewerage, aged care facilities, medical care, an independent power supply maybe and beautification of the shire in all towns.

We must look after our hard working citizens and see if the needs of the shire's existing industries can be improved.  I know at the moment the fishermen are having problems and they aren't the only ones.  Improvements for work conditions, so stabilising a workforce here.

After the basics I would like to see more additions to improving the life of the residents.  Things such as more community events, health and wellbeing workshops, improved recreation facilities.  Better amenities that can be enjoyed by all age groups.  Very tangible projects when left in capable and willing hands.

Australia's most envied – that's where I see us in 10 year's time.

Michael Kerr

In ten years time I believe the Douglas Shire will be in a far better and stronger place. A shire that has full control of its destiny and only memories of the divisions that once assisted in its demise.

A Mossman C.B.D. with all of its needed resources available. A picturesque and welcoming township, which is inviting and warming to the tourists of its neighbouring areas.

Having had a further growth of residential area it has given well needed employment to both the building and retail sectors of the region. Boosted tourism levels for both the Port Douglas and Daintree areas have been assisted by the high investment of private entities redeveloping tired accommodation properties and the completion of major works such as the Daintree Gateway and Waterfront redevelopment.

Mossman and Port Douglas have been joined together with the reintroduction of the Ballyhooley Train travelling between each town allowing tourists to graze between the two towns. 

A clean and modern Port Douglas with not an empty shop to be seen with striking gardens from the entrance throughout. The Daintree villages now fully powered will be a buzz with the introduction of electric solar powered buses that transfer holiday makers throughout the shire at cost effective prices and regular intervals.

The Shire will be well known and respected for its tourism awards and its environmental strengths protecting two of the world’s greatest assets. 

James Dormer

I see the whole community of the Douglas Shire as one again, all working towards the same goals in making this region the best place to live and raise families in the whole of Australia, and that all residents in the Douglas Shire have equal voice that’s always heard.

Controlled, sustainable growth is being achieved within the development of our entire region amongst all our industries minimising any impact it may have on our very important environment.

The town plan in its current form has carefully considered the natural beauty and ecological importance of our entire region but still needs to be tweaked; only slightly to achieve the desired outcome required so that it can sustain itself until 2024.

To see the state government change the legislation that denies our non-resident rate payers the right to vote on the outcome of the Shires extremely important decisions, something that other states in our country have the right to do.

Our region back on top as the jewel in the crown of the tourist destination within Australia, and also once again, competing for top spot internationally. This will be achieved with continued and un-waivered commitment to achieving the marketing dollars needed to promote our region, so that the standards we reach are continually met.

To see our agriculture/cane growing industry continue moving forward, and with the introduction of Mackay sugar to our region it shows outside investors that that this is the place to be.

To see other industries within our region, helping stabilise our economy and creating jobs which will see our younger generation, stay within our community for years to come.

See that all our Shires residents can enjoy the pleasures of mains power.

Mossman’s aged care facility and Botanical gardens are in full use and its sports facilities have had the improvements they deserve.