It’s nearly six months (January 28) we wrote in this space “that it is our firm belief that The Reef Marina upgrade is one of the most significant projects undertaken by the town since the late 1980s.”

Nothing of this magnitude has been planned since the construction of the late Christopher Skase’s crown jewel, the Sheraton Mirage.

Our story added: “We believe as strongly that Port Douglas residents need to know every step of the way how the project is progressing; whether Council or The Reef Marina are making unrealistic demands; and when we can expect the relevant approvals from Douglas Shire Council.

“There is no way to understate the importance of the project. If, for whatever reason, Council and The Reef Marina cannot make this happen, there will be no winners.”

On March 2, we reported that the developers of the Reef Marina and its upgrade remain confident that their plans will be realised and base this on the majority of Douglas Shire residents wanting this to happen.

In a statement The Reef Marina said: “We at The Reef Marina are very optimistic that all outstanding issues will ultimately be resolved. This will clear the way for renewal of Port Douglas' beautiful waterfront. Why are we optimistic? Because the vast majority of Shire residents want to see it happen.”

On May 18, our story said that “everything on the surface looks fine.”

It continued: “The leading news coming from the Douglas Shire Council and The Reef Marina yesterday was the $100 million waterfront expansion has been given preliminary approval following a council meeting in Mossman.

“The Shire’s press release was headlined ‘Marina redevelopment granted preliminary approval’, while the marina sang from the same hymn book and praised council’s decision to unanimously support their development master plan.

“We are thrilled that the council has chosen to vote for jobs, investment and regional prosperity,” Andrew Hooper-Nguyen, Managing Director of The Reef Marina, said in a statement following the council meeting.

And then, on June 23, which left many wondering how this would play out, Quicksilver squashed speculation its purchase of the Closehaven Marina was related to a shift in operations from The Reef Marina.

“Initial reports suggested the reef giant could have been planning a permanent move to the new site, despite the expected plans for a $100million waterfront redevelopment.

“Due to the size and influence of the company - one of the largest in Far North Queensland - any business decision it makes can cause a ripple effect in Port Douglas but Quicksilver Media and Business Events Manager Megan Bell confirmed the acquisition was solely an investment decision,” our report said.

The Port Douglas Waterfront Master Plan dates back to September 2009 and can be accessed at: www.douglas.qld.gov.au/?wpfb_dl=316

And in our opinion piece: <link no-one-wins-if-project-derailed.13407.0.html>www.newsport.com.au/No-one-wins-if-project-derailed.13407.0.html we listed the principle strategies of the Marina’s vision and in the same article we also listed what feedback Council had provided to developers, and what to take into consideration before a formal Development Application is lodged.

So, the obvious question you must be asking is why regurgitate the aforementioned. The answer poses another question: what has been achieved over the past year?

The slipway saga cannot be regarded as development: it was closed because it did not meet environmental standards on April 1, and was due to open on Friday.

But the real questions are: What about the big picture? When will the shovels hit the dirt? When will the plans be approved? If you talk to the Reef Marina, they’re unable to give you a date. But they’ll stress in no uncertain terms they are not delaying the process.

In an interview with the Reef Marina’s general manager, Robert Cruz, it was made clear he could not make any promises or provide any firm dates.

“This is a complex operation. There are many moving parts. There are lots of stakeholders involved and we all need to work together. It’s anyone’s guess when the project will begin,” he said.

Admittedly there is a great deal happening behind the scenes which we are not party to. But it’s fair to question why the process is moving at snail’s pace. 

Perhaps there is something to read into Cruz’s comment about everyone working together. For now, though, the upgrade is just a subject for discussion, nothing more.