QT Port Douglas has responded to complaints from a nearby resident that over noise levels from the Moonlight Cinema. 

A Port Douglas Road resident lives next to the cinema and claims that even with his doors and windows closed he can barely hear his television set over the films being shown. 

He also expressed concern over the coarse language contained in some of the films. 

“When the original development application was approved (for Moonlight Cinema) there was a noise constraint but when a liquor licence comes into play that constraint goes out the window,” the resident said in a letter to the Newsport.

"Holidaying families with children must cringe at the swearing coming at them at level 10."

The resident said that although local police had asked operators to turn down the volume of the cinema, the ‘real power’ in regulating Moonlight Cinema’s noise levels was held by the Office of Liquor and Gaming and Racing (OLGR), who had inspected the cinema on two occasions in 2014. 

Those inspections found that noise levels around the cinema were within the accepted 72 decibels but the resident alluded that the cinema breached the limits at other times. 

The resident also argued the cinema would be better located at Rex Smeal Park. 

QT however has said that they ‘work cooperatively with local police, OLGR, local council as well as local residents and business to ensure that standards and restrictions surrounding noise levels, liquor licensing and appropriate use of the venue are upheld and maintained in the region’s best interest.

In a statement, the hotel said the selection of films to display at the cinema was a ‘a thoughtful process’ that took into account market factors such as school holidays. 

QT Port Douglas general manager Steven Oakley said the cinema was both an important tourist attraction and also assisted charities.

“Moonlight Cinema adds a fantastic string to the bow of evening offerings during the region’s high season,” Mr Oakley said.

“Moonlight and QT Resort are proud to be able to assist the local community with fundraising events but most importantly in providing a cinematic experience for locals, families and visitors under the tropical stars.”

The resident's original letter to the Newsport can be found on the Letters to the Editor page.

What do you think?

Is Moonlight Cinema too loud and intrusive or is it an important tourist and entertainment venue for Douglas?

Leave a comment below.