Council will be seeking feedback – initially via the Daintree Joint Management Group – and will then use the following communications tools:

An email to all stakeholders; an email to Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, the Daintree Marketing Cooperative and Douglas Shire Sustainability Group to encourage emails are distributed to their members; face-to-face meetings with ferry operators; facebook postings; a survey of residents; handouts at the ferry; displaying a poster on the Daintree Ferry notice board; a media release and an alert on Council’s Have Your Say Page.

Council has acknowledged that because ferry operations are an emotive issue, they have decided against the norm to present the Community Engagement Plan to the councillors. The intention is that all aspects of the community engagement be in the public domain.

Daintree River ferry – ticketing trial

In a bid to meet the demands of increased traffic during the peak tourist season, Council is proposing to trial an additional staff member/deck hand to work on the ferry to assist with ticket checking/issuing. It is anticipated this could lead to a reduction in wait times at the ferry crossing.

This individual will work from 1:00pm to 6:00pm daily from 1 August 2018 to 31 October 2018.

Based on five-hour work days, the weekly cost will be $1,680.05 and the approximate total cost for the trial period will be $21,840.65.

The hourly rate for Monday-Friday is $43.41; Saturday $51.45 and Sunday $67.51.

Veterinary services for Mossman

It is proposed that Council approves the development application for a Veterinary Surgery at 15 Theresa Drive, Mossman.

The surgery will be developed within existing premises and the building will be divided internally to provide a reception and waiting area, consultation rooms, treatment and surgery areas, animal wards and office amenities.

The surgery will have three to four staff and operate from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday; 8:30am to 12:00 noon on Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays. The surgery will operate a 24- hour emergency service by appointment only.

Dance school in Mossman

It will be proposed that Council approves the development application for a Community Facilities Activity (Educational Establishment - Dance School) at 59 Front Street, Mossman.

The dance school is operated by Bodies in Motion; it has two teachers and four assistant teachers. The school usually operates one teacher per studio dance class with classes predominantly being held on school days (Mondays to Fridays) during the school terms.

Occasionally the studio may be used during the day for yoga/pilates classes or for teaching pre-school children.

AGENDA
 1. Request to extend combined development approval- 9 St Crispins Avenue and 4-10 Escape Street Port Douglas

 2. Material change of use for a dance school, 59 Front Street, Mossman
 
 3. Material change of use veterinary services, 15 Theresa Drive, Mossman
 
 4. Material change of use for a dwelling house for land adjacent to 9R Toll Gate Road Oak Beach

 5. Interim financial report for the period ended 30 June 2018

 6. Re-adoption of procurement general policy

 7. Capital works progress report for the 4th quarter 2017 - 2018

 8. Community engagement plan - Daintree River ferry contract renewal

 9. Daintree River ferry - receipting trial

 10. Operational plan progress report April to June 2018

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