Douglas Shire Council will transform part of the Port Douglas Community Hall into a “Space Port” hub for businesses, students, residents and visitors to utilise.

The Space Port will include free wi-fi and will also serve as a customer service centre for Council in Port Douglas.

Mayor Julia Leu said the Port Douglas library kiosk will also be relocated into larger premises in the “Space Port”, with two under-utilised meeting rooms in the Port Douglas Community Hall to be refurbished to accommodate the new community hub.

“The Port Douglas library kiosk currently does not have a designated area for people to study or carry out any business requirements,” Mayor Leu said.

“Some services or businesses may only require a small space for infrequent use and this economic development initiative encourages small to medium enterprises to do business in the Douglas Shire.

“Frontline customer services are also not offered in Port Douglas therefore residents must travel to Mossman to conduct Council business.

“The expansion of the existing library service will allow for the provision of more resources in a comfortable, inviting environment.”

Mayor Leu said the Space Port will provide a quiet office-like environment for people to use to conduct their business or hold workshops and for students to study.

“Desks will be available to the public for a fee for the time of use only, with long-term desk rental available and encouraged for visiting services or   businesses,” Mayor Leu said.

“At a future date the Customer Service desk will be established allowing residents the option of conducting Council business such as paying rates or 

water bills.”

The Space Port will be officially opened in June 2015 once the refurbishment is completed.