OPINION: When we launched the Port Douglas Waterfront series in late January, we stressed the significance of the project adding if all parties could not reach resolution, there would be no winners.

RELATED:

• <link no-one-wins-if-project-derailed.13407.0.html>First in the series - No one wins if project derailed
• <link councillors-respond-to-latest-update-on.13434.0.html>Second in the series 2.1 - Councillors respond to latest update on Port Douglas Waterfront
• <link mayor-and-ceo-respond-to-the-latest-outc.13439.0.html>Second in the series 2.2 - Mayor and CEO respond to latest update on Port Douglas Waterfront
• <link reef-marina-rejects-council-s-interpreta.13457.0.html>Third in the series - Reef Marina rejects Council's interpretation of Ministers freehold conditions
• <link local-commercial-fishing-industry-unanim.13468.0.html>Fourth in the series - Local commercial fishing industry unanimous on relocation
• <link business-leaders-and-government-official.13491.0.html>Fifth in the series - Business leaders and government officials respond to Waterfront Debate

We also underlined the importance of reaching a decision before the March 19 local elections. This is now unlikely.

A great deal has occurred since exposing the issue to you, our readers. Countless opinions have been expressed; offers have been made and rejected or not responded to; meetings have taken place; and numerous statements have been delivered via media releases.

But the sad reality is that the Douglas Shire Council, The Reef Marina and the Fishers do not appear to be close to reaching an agreement acceptable to all concerned. And although some may argue it has not reached a stalemate, it is hard to view this any other way.

Yet, those interviewed all shared the view that any upgrade is an absolute necessity.

In representing the Port Douglas business community, the president of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Helen De Ross, provided a fitting summation.

“The iconic Reef Marina is home to more than 100 businesses in Port Douglas, and is clearly the nerve centre for business activity in Port Douglas, and indeed the Shire. After more than 10 years of neglect and inaction, it is re-assuring to see the vision of the new developers, Andrew Hooper-Nguyen, Chris Ellis and Rob Cruz, materialise through their recent Master Plan submission.

“Once implemented, the re-development will have an immediate positive impact, and will quickly return The Reef Marina to the central Tourist Destination in Port Douglas. It will not only benefit the businesses based at the Reef Marina, but will multiply the benefits through the remainder of the town and the Shire,” she said.

It is also worth pointing out what we stand to lose if the upgrade is derailed:

• An iconic Arbour Park providing the primary pedestrian connection between the Marina and Port Douglas Town Centre;
• A continuous Water Walk giving visitors and the community an appreciation of the water and a unique over-water experience;
• A waterfront Public Plaza serving as an entertainment and lifestyle hub;
• An integrated public art strategy to engage visitors and the community in the rich Port Douglas historical narrative;
• Promoting Wharf Street as the logical “main point of arrival” as the most direct route, providing extensive water/hinterland views, and placing Port Douglas firmly on the water for the first-time visitor;
• Creating and facilitating legible and walkable connections to Macrossan Street from both Wharf and Grant Streets;
• Opening up views and links to the water;
• Developing active street edges to reinforce key elements;
• Encouraging a range of uses within the precinct that complement existing activities in the Town Centre rather than compete for a limited market;
• Consolidation of the commercial trawlers within a purpose built “fisherman’s wharf” with improved mooring facilities and connectivity so that berthing, provisioning and catch transfer can occur in one location (a catalyst joint project with Council); and
• Ongoing renovation and expansion of the existing Marina to meet changing markets and increasing demand.

But as mentioned, there are sticking points. The three parties are unable to exercise détente. Those involved in the discussions continue to say how complex it is.

We have made our position quite clear: we want to see the upgrade proceed. To make this happen, the parties involved need to address their respective issues, engage in some quid pro quo and make it happen. There is just too much to lose and we could be running out of time.