THE Douglas Shire Council will spend almost $15 million on capital works projects in the next year following its budget announcement yesterday.

Mayor Julia Leu also announced at a council meeting in Mossman that more than three quarters of the Douglas Shire have been ‘limited to the average 3.9 per cent rates increase’, much lower than some were fearing.

Record investment on infrastructure and new projects will be undertaking over 12 months, including $5 million for the new Port Douglas reservoir, over $2.6 million for waste waters upgrades and $2.55 million for road, bridge and footpath renewals.

Funding will also be provided for disability access to Four Mile Beach following the success of a petition championed by local resident Lynda Brook.

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“This is a budget that addresses the need to invest in our essential roads, rubbish, water and sewerage infrastructure requirements whilst laying the foundations for our future with innovative new projects,” Mayor Leu said.

“It represents Council’s biggest annual investment in capital works excluding National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding.

“We’re making sure we can sustain our communities by investing in vital infrastructure projects and building on our economic capabilities.”

The Daintree was also a big winner from the budget with Council to spend almost half-a-million dollars on upgrading the legendary Bloomfield Track, and $250,000 for stage three of the Daintree Gateway.

In Port Douglas, more than $150,000 will be spent on the Flagstaff Hill Walking trail, Macrossan Street will get a $100,000 face-lift while a feasibility study is planned for a new walking/bike trail connecting Port Douglas to Palm Cove.

“All sectors of the community will benefit from these important initiatives,” Leu said.

“We’re building on our economic strengths, meeting the needs of our community and establishing solid foundations for future growth and prosperity.”