Long time resident and community advocate Melinda Cox, says it is her passion for the community together with her knowledge of the region that has propelled her toward running for Councillor.

Being part of the decision making process is the vital factor that is driving her to run in the upcoming 19 March election, as an independent candidate.

“There is no place for team politics in local government,” she said.

In terms of business development and economic growth within the Douglas region, Mrs Cox advised “locals supporting local business makes for sustainable businesses and communities.”

With the Douglas Shire being such a diverse region, Mrs Cox believes it is also our strength.

“Not all residents are from one particular area and their needs are as diverse as our people.  I believe that listening is the key to meeting needs, wants and wishes of our community,” she said.

Whilst future investment into the Douglas region is being promoted as a “well-positioned investment destination” to both international and domestic investors, one current development, which has a long history of complexity stunting its progression,  is the Port Douglas waterfront development and marina redevelopment.

Mrs Cox believes the Port Douglas Waterfront Development “looks great” and “enables everyone access to areas that were previously under lease with restricted public access.”

“As for the Marina development, I would prefer to not make any comment without more information regarding the development application and council’s town plan and also having access to any if there was any public consultation done.

“There are some pretty amazing esplanades up and down the Queensland coast, we can learn from their successes and failures.  I would not be opposed to looking into any waterfront revamp the people want,” she said.

A project that is gaining momentum and recognised as becoming a future asset not only to the whole region but Mossman in particular, is the Mossman Botanic Garden project.  With the potential to become a world-class research and education facility and tourist attraction, Mrs Cox said she doesn’t know a lot about it.

“I have been told that a part of it would better meet the needs of RV visitors encouraging this group to remain in the district and spend their money here.

“The Botanic Gardens in Cairns are amazing and beautiful, it has put an injection of life into that area.  Assuming ours could be something similar on a slightly different scale I think it would be great.”

One successful project that has seen the light of day after 20 years of dedicated advocacy and support by a hard working group of community members is the Mossman Aged Care Facility and Mrs Cox said it has been a long time coming.

“I would like to see it actually arrive.  It would take a lot of pressure off our local families with ageing relatives. It is not fair our ageing community members are forced to leave the Shire due to the lack of facilities.

“It’s going to make sure that families remain united and all members of the family can remain within arms reach of those that love them.”

Another matter that has been on the table for Council for some time and one that Mrs Cox said is important, has been the relocation of the Paws and Claws facility. Council has been working collaboratively with Paws and Claws and the wider community to find a suitable site from where the facility can operate to ensure its future is sustained.

“My understanding is that Paws and Claws had been gifted a block some years ago. It has a wonderfully dedicated team.  It is a struggle to balance the needs of Paws & Claws versus its potential neighbours.  The issue is more building a satisfactory facility to house the animals.”

One matter that is visible for all to see, both as locals and tourists, is the continued turnover of empty shops in the Port Douglass and Mossman CBD districts and Mrs Cox said “it’s never nice to see empty shops.”

“There is a balancing act between the owner and the lease holder.  Both need to make money but it is the balance that is so hard to find.

“We could investigate if current shop fronts could be offered to local artists, DAB, Year 12 artists, Orchid societies etc. for display purposes to make the retail sectors more attractive for visitors and Douglas locals alike.”

Following the Douglas Business Forum late last year one of the issues identified by businesses, which has since gained momentum in working toward a positive solution, was inconsistent internet connectivity and the future rollout of the NBN. Douglas Chamber of Commerce and Douglas Shire Council have been working together and were successful in securing meetings with Telstra and a representative from NBN to discuss the issues.

Though not having attended last year’s Douglas Business Forum herself, Mrs Cox said that “internet Connectivity is becoming more and more important with more and more businesses and individuals relying on it.”

“As the Shire grows without updating the lines we will continue to have trouble.  I live  about 10kms North of Mossman and my internet is painfully slow.

“About the NBN, those I have spoken with that have it, love it. But, there are many of us that do not and probably will not for some time.

“Parts of our community have no mobile coverage, no reliable landline and poor internet facilities.  I would love to see my computer work as fast as they do in the movies! But I’m probably dreaming.”