Monthly Financial Report continues positive trend:

The monthly financial report for April 2015 shows Council’s position remains healthy.

Total operating revenue at the end of April was ahead of budget whereas operating expenditure was well under budget.

This has resulted in an operating surplus of $3.6 million compared to a budgeted surplus of $900,000, however this result is subject to a number of variables.

Irrelevant policies revoked by Council:

Council has revoked 102 policies inherited from Cairns Regional Council in the de-amalgamation process which have been deemed irrelevant.

The majority of revoked policies were either Cairns-specific, duplicated existing legislation or policy, had no delegation in place or were not in line with Douglas Shire Council’s business principles or Corporate Plan.

Council has already adopted 17 policies since de-amalgamation and a further 49 policies are proposed to be readopted, while two new policies have also been introduced by the new Council.

New Development Applications to be advertised:

Council will list all new Development Applications in the Public Notices section of the Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette.

The DAs will be listed on a fortnightly basis while all DAs and associated documents will continue to be displayed on Council’s website.

Habitat Shopping Centre granted extension to expand:

Council has granted a request to extend the period of approval for extensions at the Habitat Shopping Centre in Port Douglas until March 2018.

The development approval was due to expire and Council issued the extension as the development remains consistent with the planning direction set for the site.

Wonga Beach bottle shop approval supported:

Council has given its support to a proposal for a detached bottle shop at Wonga Beach.

Daintree Inn proprietors Trevor Robinson and Julie Stephen have applied for a commercial hotel licence (detached bottle shop) on the Mossman-Daintree Rd with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, which sought comment from Council.

Council requested the hours of operation be restricted to no later than 8pm in accordance with the development permit issued in 2010.

Proposed Macrossan St LED sign rejected:

Council has refused an application for an illuminated LED sign in Macrossan St, Port Douglas, as it is contrary to the Planning Scheme.

The Night Owl convenience store put forward the development application for an interactive LED sign, measuring 1.76m x 85cm to be sited away from the Night Owl tenancy and adjacent to the footpath.

Council refused the application as the proposed sign had the potential to compromise the high quality tourist image of Port Douglas and to detract significantly from the streetscape and the associated building.