THE Douglas Shire Council will seek $6.7million of federal government funding to ensure the proposed water reservoir for Port Douglas goes ahead.

The council has already received a $5million commitment from the Queensland government for the construction of a new water supply basin as part of the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF).

Earthworks for the new 20-megalitre reservoir – set to cost around $14million – need to begin before October 2016 for council to access the state funding. This puts extra impetus on the federal bid with council hoping to know the result by July.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu confirmed the whole project needed to be completed by December 2019.

“The building of the new reservoir…is an integral part of council’s water security plan for the Port Douglas area,” she said following the first council meeting today in Mossman.

“Council’s ability to meet current and future demand, allow for continued growth in Port Douglas and reduce operational costs is reliant on the completion of the reservoir."

Mayor Leu said the Shire would then put up a further $1.7million to build the new site off Ferraro Road. December 2019

The project is one of the new council’s highest priorities after it was revealed last year daily water demand in Port Douglas was exceeding supply.

In other news from today's council meeting:

COUNCIL will apply for $300,000 from the state government to fund a Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail.

The 1.5km trail hopes to connect Four Mile Beach to Rex Smeal Park, taking in the sights of the famous beach, the Low Isles, Daintree Rainforest and islands off Cairns. The trail will have viewing platforms, seating, water fountains and disability access.

The Flagstaff Hill lookout is one of the ‘must-do’ tourist stops in Port Douglas and the upgrade is a welcome boost.

Leu said council would finance the remaining costs of the project if state funding is successful, estimated to be between $150,000 - $200,000.

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LOCAL community facilities will get a boost with council to spend up to $300,000 on lighting improvements.

The Mossman Pool, Mossman Caravan Park and Mossman Showgrounds would all receive new lights, while $50,000 has been allocated for the engineering design of sports lighting at the Douglas Football Club in Cassowary.

Ceiling sheeting in the change rooms at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex would also be replaced.