A NUMBER of major projects across the Douglas Shire will be completed this year following Council’s successful bid for a $2 million capital works injection.

The Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail is at the top of the list and will now receive $550,000 of State Government funding as part of the Works For Queensland program.

Twelve projects were put forward by Council for the funding, all of which were an exciting mix of ‘new tourism infrastructure and important upgrades of vital community assets’, according to Mayor Julia Leu.

“Council had a short period of time to put together our funding submission and I’m delighted the State Government has recognised the benefits of investing in these assets,” she said.

“We’re very much looking forward to now getting on with the job of delivering these new projects for our communities, on top of our record capital works program.”

The Flagstaff Hill walking trail will connect a number of ‘must do’ tourist locations in Port Douglas including Four Mile Beach, The Reef Marina, Rex Smeal Park and the Island Point lookout.

The other successful projects - all slated for completion by November this year - include:

• Killaloe & Cow Bay Transfer Station Upgrade - $285,000
• Kulki National Park intersection upgrade - $250,000
• Mossman footpath renewal program - $200,000
• Cape Tribulation traffic calming & drainage works - $150,000
• Teamster’s Park upgrade for RV parking - $150,000
• North side toilets for Daintree Ferry - $120,000
• Maintenance and re-sheeting of Zig Zag Track - $80,000
• Automated irrigation at Port Douglas Sports Complex - $75,000
• Refurbish Port Douglas Sports Complex exterior - $60,000
• Upgrade electrical system at Victor Crees Memorial Building - $50,000
• Refurbish Port Douglas Sports Complex toilets & change rooms - $40,000

Leu praised the Queensland Government for recognising the economic and community benefits of the projects.

“The completion of the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail, the improvements to tourism infrastructure in the Daintree and the upgrade of Teamster’s Park to accommodate RVs in particular further support our local tourism industry and create further economic development opportunities for our Shire,” she said.

What project would you like to see completed in the Douglas Shire? Tell us in the comments below!

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