Douglas Shire Council is about to start work on Stage 1 of the Daintree Gateway Master Plan.

Mayor Julia Leu said Stage 1 of the Daintree Gateway Master Plan will include landscaping, pathways and new toilet facilities at the Western Precinct and new signage from the ferry turn-off to the north bank of the Daintree River ferry crossing.

“I’m delighted that one of the first major capital works projects for our new Douglas Shire Council is recognising the importance of creating a vibrant entrance to the Daintree Rainforest,” Mayor Leu said.

“Stage 1 of the Daintree Gateway Master Plan is critical for establishing the Gateway’s design and presence, providing the framework for future improvements and demonstrating Council’s intent to improve the experience for tourists and locals alike.

“The Gateway enhances the prosperity of the Daintree area by inspiring visitors to take more time to get to know the values and stories of this outstanding natural environment, its traditional owners and the resident communities.”

The State Government is supporting the project by providing 40 per cent of the $250,000 in funding for Stage 1 of the Daintree Gateway Master Plan under the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program Infrastructure Subsidy.

David Kempton, Member for Cook, said the $98,800 grant would assist the Douglas Shire Council to complete landscape design plans and commission signage featuring the work of traditional owners and other local artists. 

“The natural wonders of the Daintree region draw thousands of tourists every year from around the world. These visitors make a major contribution to the economy of local communities,” said Mr Kempton.

“We need to ensure that the infrastructure around the Daintree River Ferry – the gateway to the Daintree National Park – reflects the significance of this World Heritage-listed area.

“It should enhance the experience for tourists – and also provide information on other local attractions they can visit while they are in the region,” he added.

Mayor Leu said the landscaping will feature endemic native tropical plant species while the signage will incorporate designs of the Kuku Yalanji traditional owners.

“Indigenous and other local artists will be engaged for signage design and design themes, including language and interpretive, and some plant species will be grown from seeds gathered in the local area,” Mayor Leu said.

“Work has already begun on the implementation of Stage 1 and Council is aiming to have the initial works finished before the end of December.”

Council plans to complete the multi-million-dollar Daintree Gateway Master Plan over the next seven to 10 years.