A new Coconut Action Plan plan was unanimously supported at the Douglas Shire Council meeting in Mossman on Tuesday.

The plan details a coconut palm de-nutting program, removal of high-risk specimens for public safety, environmental control and restoration projects and landholder maintenance agreements.

The Douglas Shire is regarded as the “Coconut Capital of Australia” with more than 11,000 coconut palms growing on Council-controlled land. A total of 1445 coconut palms have been identified for maintenance with an additional five palms added and 12 palms removed from the de-nutting program.

Mayor Julia Leu said the Coconut Action Plan provides all stakeholders, including Councillors, Council staff and the general public, with a clear policy and understanding of the processes to be followed in order to make informed decisions regarding coconut management.

“We’re proud of the fact the Douglas Shire is regarded as the Coconut Capital of Australia and highly regard the economic and aesthetic value coconut palms add to our tourism industry,” Leu said.

“Our management of coconut palms lowers the risk of injury from falling nuts and ensures that important natural areas are protected from being impacted by coconut palms.”

There are 70 high-risk specimens earmarked for removal in 2016-17 for public safety and environmental outcomes including Wonga Beach (five), Miallo (three), Mossman (nine), Cooya Beach (three), Killaloe (40), Port Douglas (nine) and Oak Beach (one).

Three separate environmental control and restoration projects will also be carried out in the next 12 months at Four Mile Beach Esplanade, the Sheraton resort foreshore and the Daintree Lowlands. Council has also entered into five separate landholder agreements with landholders at Newell Beach and a Port Douglas-based business.