The entrance to the north end of Four Mile Beach and some of the foreshore is visually standing out to any passer by, but not in an aesthetically pleasing way for tourists.

In response to a tourist complaint regarding metres of orange high vis mesh barrier fencing cordoning off the beach as well as (at the time) along Grant Street and Rotary Park, we asked DSC why?

The Council is replacing all of the old copper logs on the Esplande with REPAS post and rail along the Port Douglas Esplande in front of the vegetation. “The barrier mesh is a temporary measure as people are not following the designated paths and damaging revegetation.  Once the new plants are established the barrier mesh will be removed,” said General Manager of Operations Paul Hoye.

Regarding the roadworks in the region Council said that roadworks cannot be done in the wet season without significant additional costs and inconvenience to ratepayers and visitors.  “In some instances barrier mesh is required for public safety.  Particularly in regard to roadworks, there are statutory requirements as to the control of vehicles and pedestrians which cannot be reduced regardless of the aesthetic impact,” said Mr Hoye.

Council said they are delivering a $20 million plus NDRRA road repair program that needs to be completed by February 2016.  They are also doing reseal works in Port Douglas as well as the DTMR conducting roadworks on major thoroughfares in the region. 

A tourist commented that they “were bewildered by the amount of orange fencing” in the area.  When it comes to maintaining revegetation and road works, depending on the level of risk to the public, we asked DSC were there any alternatives to the orange high vis fencing while still maintaining risk management, especially during the tourist season?

Council commented that the alternatives are “roads in disrepair and neglected vegetation areas which cause safety hazards and make the Douglas Shire appear untidy.  This is the dry season, the only time of the year when these types of works can generally occur,” said Mr Hoye.

Council further advised that how they address revegetation on our foreshores and roadworks in the Shire in a World Heritage-listed environment in a tropical climate is very different to how other local government areas throughout Australia address theirs.