By Thirzah White

Customer numbers are down following the removal of the local signage for the IGA and Wildlife Habitat.

The signs, now felled to the ground, were removed following a single complaint, and it has left IGA, in particular, suffering from the inevitable economic ramifications with passing trade unaware of their presence.

The complaint made was regarding the location of the signage and if it had permission to be there.The Douglas Shire Councils review determined there was no approval for the signage, despite its location for 17 years.

The signage was located on Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) land, who issued a permit to the property landlord to remove the sign.

IGA manager Denziel Bignoux said the shopping precinct had already suffered financial losses following the previous partial closure of Port Douglas Road. Traffic was diverted for several months during the building of the roundabout meeting Captain Cook Highway.

Mr. Bignoux has seen IGA sales decline in the last week, “I feel disappointed, small businesses are being disadvantaged, the prime spot made a big difference”. Mr. Bignoux believes the financial loss is directly related to passing shoppers not knowing the IGA is there. 

Unfortunately alternative sites for the signs were not discussed before their removal. A current application has been sent to DTMR for a new sign, however the sign will simply say “shopping Centre”. 

The Wildlife Habitat next to the shopping precinct on the corner of Port Douglas Road and Captain Cook Highway has welcomed visitors for 26 years.

DTMR were contacted for comment.