Local construction company Port Douglas Builders is relying on local subcontractors for its involvement in the Sheraton Mirage refurbishment, with owners saying they want to help keep the work in town.

PD Builders is one of the subcontractors for the massive refurbishment project on Port Douglas’s largest resort, with owners Jim Dormer and Mike Clark in turn subcontracting out to 22 local workers. 

Jim and Mike, who are British expats but have a combined 19 years in Port Douglas, say they want to help keep employment in their adopted home. 

“We want to employ local tradies because we want to help that money stay in this community,” said Jim. 

“We’d estimate we’re helping provide at least 30 jobs in the community, if you consider the support and administration roles attached to these guys.{“

Mike Clark said the Sheraton Mirage was a fixture of Port Douglas and the local tradies employed on the project could be proud of helping improve its image.

“The idea is that they can take a bit of pride in the project,” Mike said. 

“They can all be proud to be involved - Port Douglas wouldn’t be what it is without the Sheraton and we’re happy to help fix it up.”

Stage 1 of the $40 million refurbishment is currently underway and is expected to take 10 months, with another 12 stages to follow.

The refurbishment is expected to be completed in 2016.

The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas first opened its doors in 1987 as the most sought after five-star resort in Australia and it has since continued to attract the who’s who of celebrities and dignitaries from around the globe. Situated in a prime location in the picturesque seaside town of Port Douglas, it remains the only five-star beachfront resort in the area boasting over 147 hectares of tropical gardens and 2 hectares of swimmable saltwater lagoons.