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 released today, they 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.

“The Reef Marina made an offer to the Port Douglas Commercial Fishermens' Association on 17th February which would see us build and lease on a long-term basis a new $600,000 dedicated trawler berthing facility. This facility, if accepted, will underwrite the future of the local commercial fishing industry.

“The Douglas Shire Council’s plan to compulsorily acquire part of our marina basin is absolutely astounding and the consequences are grave for local tourism, jobs and business. However, we believe the Councillors' resolution is based on poorly considered advice, and common sense will prevail once the upcoming election is concluded.

“For our part, all we want is to be proceed with renewal of the waterfront, Port Douglas’ largest investment project, generating jobs and the creation of an iconic, vibrant waterfront that will be loved by visitors and locals alike!”

Meanwhile, Councillor David Carey, in response to Newsport’s ‘Has the Reef Marina upgrade reached a stalemate’ has said on Newsport’s facebook page there is no stalemate between the Reef Marina and the Douglas Shire Council. 

In what appears to be a statement on behalf of the Douglas Shire Council and delivered during the caretaker period, Carey says the Reef Marina has recently lodged with the Council's administration an application for preliminary approval for staging self-assessable and code assessable development, in accordance with a precinct plan, a staging plan and other supporting plans.

“This application is presently being assessed by the Council's administration following which a report will be presented to the Council. Similarly Reef Marina's assertion that the Council intends to compulsorily acquire part of the marina basin is false and sensationalist. 

“The Council’s primary concern is to secure long term tenure for the Douglas fishing fleet. Compulsory acquisition of an area of the basin is merely an option available to the Council should Reef Marina fail to act in good faith and provide long term tenure to the fleet at affordable berthing fees well into the future.”

Carey’s full statement can be read on Facebook

The fishers have advised Newsport they will release a statement on Friday.