Veteran resort developer John Morris says it is Douglas Shire Council’s responsibility to inspect the neglected St Crispin’s station site and pursue maintenance issues, following an article in The Newsport earlier this month.

The historic site, which houses a vacant station house, platform and kiosk, is a turnaround point for passengers aboard Port Douglas’ iconic Bally Hooley steam train tourist experience. 

“We sold the whole station and the land about three years ago, [and the buying company] subsequently [went into receivership],” Mr Morris said.

“Council has a responsibility to contact the owners, and if they can’t reach them, then Council has to do something and take remedial action against the owners, if they can find them.”

As The Newsport reported on February 3, local tour operator Grub, of Grub’s Trike Tours, said he was frustrated over the lack of action and often apologised to tourists for the station’s dishevelled state.

“It's just unkempt; it just needs a tidy up, grass cut. When it was kept nice, even just mowing the grass, it was good. Now it's all overgrown,” he said.

Mr Morris said he had instigated clean-up and maintenance efforts “off our own bat” since the new ownership lapsed, including fixing the toilets, cleaning timber work, and repairing the kiosk after vandals allegedly broke in.

“We didn’t get authority, because we couldn’t get anyone to give us authority. It’s just a complete mess; it’s a real blight on that part of the area,” he said.

“It’s such a shame; it could be a lovely tourist attraction.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said Council is currently investigating the issue.