Retirement village ‘needs to be discussed now’: Kerr backs western side development
RETIREMENT VILLAGE
DOUGLAS Shire councillor Michael Kerr has backed the development of a retirement village on the western side of the Captain Cook Highway, and is seeking community support.
Council has been staunch in their opposition to any development west of the highway in the past and Kerr appears to be fighting a solo battle again for a change in mindset.
The location of the new community for an ageing Port Douglas population has been the major sticking point in the plan first outlined by developer Steve Thomas back in 2014.
With submissions to council over the Douglas Shire Planning Scheme closing at the end of this month, Kerr said it was a 'crucial time right now' and urged people in favour of the development to have their say.
"It (retirement village) needs to be discussed now in time for people to show their support for it by the end of this September," Kerr said.
"There are many reasons that I have come to the conclusion that I support this project.
"The issue is about finding 'suitable and appropriate' housing options for residents over the age of 55. Locals who no longer need a 4 or 5 bedroom house with 1000m2 blocks of lawn to mow, and the option for sea changers to find safe and sensible housing for their retirement."
The proposed $60 million retirement village, to be built by Waks Developments, would see land off Ferrero Road transformed into a 160 strong villa community home to a gym, swimming pool, lush gardens, cafe's and entertaining areas for people over 50.
However, the land is still zoned as rural and would need to be included in an urban zone for any development to take place. Under the current planning scheme it is still zoned as rural.
Mayor Julia Leu has been firm in her opposition against any development west of the highway and has strong backing from councillor David Carey and Roy Zammataro.
Their consensus is that if the retirement village off Ferrero Road was approved, it would open a can of worms for more development from Craiglie to the IGA in Port Douglas, going against the traditional green values of the Shire.
Kerr said the Thomas development, in fact, 'complements the region's green and environmentally responsible values', and is a vocal supporter of a zone amendment.
"I believe this location is in fact the best one for a retirement village for Port Douglas. Not only will it fill a gap in the small housing market, it will stimulate employment, increase population of 'non working, self funded still able to volunteer locals', increase the shire’s rate base, stimulate commerce in the immediate area, add value to the local area, improve sustainable and green methods in the region and offer safe, sensible, suitable and contemporary retirement facilities which we currently lack."
Ultimately, it’s the voice of the people within the Douglas Shire community that counts the most, not the Councillors paid to serve them, so if you support or oppose the retirement village development the time to have your say is now.
Do you support or oppose the development of a retirement village in Port Douglas? Have your say in the comments below and send your feedback through to Council.
