David Kempton, Member for Cook, has assured Mossman residents he has had “numerous” meetings with the Department of Transport and Main Roads on the construction of traffic lights outside the town's new Woolworths development.

"I understand there is a lot of public concern about the prospect of the first traffic lights in Mossman but it is important to understand that this development was originally approved by Cairns Regional Council last year," he said.

As The Newsport reported in December last year, news of the traffic lights sparked heated debate within the Douglas Shire community. Numerous residents criticised a lack of public consultation and lacklustre government action.

Among those up in arms was James Cook University Tourism Researcher Peter Wood.

"I am calling on the public to be outraged. I am calling on David Kempton to act," Mr Wood said.

Yesterday, Mossman resident Malcolm McKellar, in a Newsport Letter to the Editor, said it was "disconcerting to see that the issue is very much up in the air."

"Should traffic lights end up being installed despite the wishes of the community, and in addition to the then apparently unnecessary removal of a number of magnificent old poinsiana trees to make way for the north-bound turn lane, I personally would advocate a total boycott of the new centre," Mr McKeller said. 

Mr Kempton said the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) was imposed on the Woolworths developer by the Cairns Regional Council, and the State's role is to make sure the TMP meets necessary safety requirements.

“The State cannot force the developer to choose one method over another unless there is a strong technical case.”

Mr Kempton said the Douglas Shire Council had now inherited the matter.

“While negotiations are now between the DSC and the developer, I will assist in any way I can.

Mr Kempton said it was his understanding that a roundabout had previously been approved and accepted by both the builder and TMR.

"However the developer discovered the cost of a roundabout was prohibitive due to the location of essential services that would be disrupted.

"I am not in a position to interfere with the function of TMR, this is a matter for council, who gave permission for the project and set conditions.

“I would be more than willing to attend any negotiations between the two parties in the future."

Mr Kempton said the overriding focus had to be on a TMP that was "safe for everyone."