THE Douglas Shire's most important document, the Proposed Planning Scheme, is now available for public comment.

Every ratepayer and resident has the opportunity to engage in the consultation process, which runs until September 30, with a number of initiatives in place to facilitate this period.

Given the complexity of the town plan, Mayor Julia Leu agreed it could be difficult for the community to digest all the information within the scheme. To help with this, council’s planning consultants will be available at different locations across the shire throughout the eight-week consultation window.

Leu said a range of supporting documents are also available that explain, in more simple terms, the proposed changes to the planning scheme, which outlines permitted land uses and development requirements in the Douglas Shire over the next 10 years.

“The consultation period extends for almost two months and there will be ample opportunities for our communities and stakeholders to engage in the consultation process,” Leu told Newsport.

Council will have a planning consultant based in Port Douglas every Friday (at the Community Hub on Mowbray St) to answer questions from the community, while officers at the Mossman administration building will be available during normal business hours.

“Small group meetings can also be arranged on an “as-needs” basis, with Council to also provide updates on the proposed Planning Scheme to community groups and business organisations via email,” Leu said.

“Council will also visit Cape Tribulation, Diwan, Cow Bay and Daintree Village to seek community feedback and can meet with developers, planning consultants, indigenous groups, local organisations and members of the community seeking technical advice by appointment.”

Below is a list of what the Douglas Shire Council says has been done to inform residents, ratepayers and stakeholders on the prosed planning scheme.

• A letter posted to all ratepayers
• Media releases
• Documents published on Council website
• Updates on Council’s Facebook page
• Posters displayed at various community noticeboards.
• Email notice advising proposed Planning Scheme released for public
  comment
• Interviews on Port Douglas Radio
• Advertising in Gazette, Newsport and Port Douglas Radio
• Planners available during business hours
• “Proposed Planning Scheme goes to Daintree” pop-up spots at Cape
  Tribulation, Cow Bay, Diwan and Daintree Village
• Presentations to Douglas Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Port Douglas Daintree
• Presentation to indigenous stakeholder groups

Leu said a report would be presented to an ordinary Council Meeting later this year providing detail and analysis of the community feedback. Council would then review and revise the planning scheme, which is schedule for adoption in December

To view the full version of the planning scheme Click Here or visit wws.douglas.qld.gov.au/development/schemes-masterplans/draft-douglas-shire-planning-scheme/

Digital and hard copies are also available at the Douglas Shire’s Mossman office, Mossman Library and the Port Douglas Community Hub. For all other Planning Scheme enquiries email planningscheme@douglas.qld.gov.au.