Born in Atherton and raised in Cairns, local resident Peter Mckeown has thrown his hat in the ring to run in the upcoming 19 March election for Councillor.

With a career background commencing in finance, Mckeown spent 15 years in the banking industry between Cairns, Brisbane and eventually transferring to Mossman in 1988.

Mckeown, with wife Pia, now operates Temptations Cafe in Mossman.  For the past 12 years he has operated Coral Reef Coaches employing over 40 staff.

Raising their three children in Mossman, McKeown said his family is very involved in local sports.

“I am community orientated assisting many sporting and social groups with transport costs and sponsorship through our businesses.

“During cyclone Yasi the family and I provided free hot meals for the poor souls that found themselves relocated to the Mossman High School sport centre to see out the cyclone.

“The team received a commendation from the Premier for that effort along with many others from the community who assisted,” said Mckeown.

Having seen the Douglas Shire go through the good times and the bad, Mckeown believes all sectors of the region are important for our future prosperity.

While not having attended last years’ Douglas Business Forum, Mckeown said business development and economic growth are vital to the Shire.

“It is a given that it should be a priority to Council who rely on income from this.

“It has to be managed and encouraged by Council as this is the life blood of future prosperity.  Council must be open to discussion and willing to assist and advise.

“While we are emerging from the deamalgamation era, it is very important that we set ourselves the target of being in a sound financial position to allow the Shire to grow and develop through our natural attractions,” he said.

One of the natural assets that sits on our back door step is the Daintree and while it is our natural national treasure, there is no doubt its residents need to be taken into consideration also, despite the contentious issues said Mckeown.

Citing increases in charges to ratepayers “that have been massive” as the cause of this contention, Mckeown, said residents are asking for a review.

“I am not fully across these issues as yet with available information, but have spoken to some ratepayers who are wanting this matter reviewed.”

In relation to rate increases for the region, Mckeown said they should not rise above CPI.

“I believe that Councillors are the custodians of ratepayer’s money and that during these difficult times ratepayers expect Council to spend money wisely and receive value for money, as any business operator would.

“We need to tighten operating expenditure. The increasing of rates should be a last resort, although we know it will always be around the CPI.  But there are other ways of holding costs or saving expenditure that should be investigated before increasing rates excessively,” he said.

As the waterfront development and marina upgrade negotiations continue between key stakeholders, Mckeown believes the waterfront development is “getting very bogged down”.

“We have a developer who wants to spend big and improve the marina precinct, which is so needed and will attract a lot of custom through that area, which has been missing for many years.

“From what I see and hear in the media, without access to finer details afforded to incumbent Councillors, there is a way to go with this. I would hope it could be resolved with all parties to see a positive outcome.”

Another development project in Mossman gaining momentum and progressing with positive support is the Mossman Botanic Garden project.  Mckeown said with the Board securing Federal funding, the project is well underway.

“This group of people have worked tirelessly to get to this point and should receive all the support available from Council and other levels of Government.

While more development projects continue to advance in the region, our CBD areas in Port Douglas and Mossman show signs of struggle with the continual turnover of empty shops, which cannot be hidden from the public eye.  Mckeown believes this has more to do with the Australian economy than local Council.

“Times are very tough and business is finding it had to survive. I know I operate some.

“Any relief in fees or charges that can be afforded to small business should be pursued. I know of a few examples recently that with common sense and discussion have been renegotiated,” he said.

As the Mossman streetscape upgrade is in full swing, Mckeown said the project was well overdue.

“I am sure the final result will be great and the consultation that was offered was appreciated.

“Costs of these projects is always questioned but as long as the tender process etc has been followed it should be thumbs up from all residents.”

While the old Mowbray bridge removal and proposed platform reconstruction continues to draw attention and Council works towards a desired outcome based on safety first whilst in consultation with the community, Mckeown said it was a process that had gone wrong.

“For a structure that is well visited and used by locals and tourists alike to fish and view the local wildlife, its a shame it came to this.

“Understanding liability issues that surround us today I see the reason it happened but maybe there was another way around this with discussions with the elected representatives and the community,” he said.

With Mckeown's diverse business background he said a common sense approach will lead the Council to a stronger financial position together with maintaining the basic fundamentals of Council, which will be his focus while taking the Shire into 2020.