Amid rampant speculation that the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie will be filmed in Far North Queensland, Douglas Shire Council and Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree have joined forces to boost the region's attractiveness to Hollywood. 

A $20 million tax incentive deal was recently signed between series producers Disney and the federal Ministry for the Arts and Hollywood scouts have been reported checking out film locations in Babinda and other Far North Queensland locations. 

Council is launching a film locations database with Screen Queensland to attract film and television producers and location scouts from around the world.

The film locations database already boasts one of the largest galleries in regional Queensland and Council is working with TPDD to make it even more comprehensive by encouraging local residents and businesses to contribute.

Mayor Julia Leu said the Douglas Shire had an enviable history as a film and television location and Council’s affiliation with Screen Queensland as a preferred “film-friendly” destination would only enhance the region’s reputation.

“We have had large scale US productions The Thin Red Line, Fool’s Gold and The Pacific as well as Australian television series Reef Doctors film in the Douglas Shire in recent years but our enhanced collaboration with Screen Queensland will help us reach a much broader audience of key decision-makers,” Mayor Leu said.

“There is speculation the Douglas Shire is being considered as a location for the next Pirates of the Caribbean and while I can’t say anything on that, Council is fully supportive of our destination being showcased by filmmakers and television producers.

“The Douglas Shire has demonstrated in the past we have the amazing and diverse locations as well as the infrastructure required to accommodate crews of several hundred people for months at a time.

“Investment on this scale provides a huge boost to the local economy and the ongoing benefits for our tourism industry are long-lasting.”

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree Executive Officer Tara Bennett encouraged local tourism businesses to get behind the initiative by providing images that can be added to the locations gallery.

“This is a great opportunity be involved in promoting the region and create more excitement about the Douglas Shire as a destination,” Ms Bennett said.

“TPDD has been working closely with Council to enhance this collaboration with Screen Queensland and capitalise on our destination’s breathtaking beauty and we encourage local businesses to do the same.

“Whether you run a tour to a pristine pocket of the rainforest or own a restaurant, resort or property you would like to see showcased on the big screen, these are all potential locations that could be just what a producer has been searching for.”

Member for Cook David Kempton is also throwing his support behind luring Disney to film the much anticipated sequel in his electorate, saying it has all the ingredients for a pirate adventure.

"The Far North Queensland landscape has deserted islands, amazing beaches, picturesque scenery and maybe a galleon or two, everything a filmmaker could wish for," Mr Kempton said.

"This production could potentially see ongoing tourism for years, which could help create future jobs and economic growth."

Mr Kempton recommended anywhere in Cape York and Torres Straits from Port Douglas, the Daintree, to Lockhart through to any of the tropical islands.

“Any location in the Cape is going to be suitable and accessible," he said.

"The population would be more than happy to assist with getting the actors and film crew around and providing whatever support is needed.

“Who knows - we might even have a Johnny Depp or two hidden away up here.

“This opportunity would put our part of Queensland on the map not only in terms of cinema production, but movie goers the world over would see what we have on offer."

Council's film locations database can be found on their website and suggestions for good spots can be made by emailing enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au.