Victoria Stone-Meadows

The Douglas Shire Bicycle Network took a step forward this morning with Council passing a motion to accept grant funding for the project from the State Government.

The motion was passed unanimously at today’s ordinary Council meeting in Mossman and will see Douglas Shire able to move forward with the principal cycling network plans first floated in 2017.

In December 2018, Council submitted funding applications for the construction of the Junction Creek Pedestrian Bridge and the Mossman to Newell cycleway design.

Council has been offered funding for both projects under the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program and today’s motion signifies the acceptance of the funding offers and approval of the required 50 per cent contribution from Council.

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Estimated construction costs for the Junction Creek Pedestrian Bridge are $620,000 for the bridge and $180,000 for the approach connections.

Grant funding offered will offset the total project budget of $800,000 by 50%. If Council supports the finalisation of this grant, Council will need to allocate $400,000 in the 2020/2021 budget.

Detailed design costs for the North Mossman to Newell route are estimated to be $150,000 and Council will be required to contribute $75,000 towards the design project.

If Council supports the finalisation of this grant, Council will need to allocate $75,000 in the 2020/2021 budget.

Douglas Shire Council’s Executive Manager of Infrastructure, Michael Kriedemann, also provided an update on the planned Port Douglas to Mossman portion of the cycle network.

“We are striving to be the cycling capital of Australia and have spent the last four to five years working on strategies and delivering on projects,” he said.

“In 2017, Council embarked on work on our own principal cycling network plan which has led to these projects.

“The Port Douglas to Mossman link is a 12-kilometre principal cycle network link with about $6 million earmarked for the project.

“It is the fourth project on the list because of cost and complexity if it.”

Mr Kriedemann advised the Council the design of of the Port Douglas to Mossman link will be underway in the next two to three years.

There are also plans for a cycle network connection between the Mossman Hospital and the Mossman Gorge.

Funding partnerships and agreements are still being sought for the design and construction of these planned portions of the network.

The Junction Bridge and Mossman to Newell portions of the network are expected to commence in quarter three of the 2019/2020 financial year.

Council Officers will also begin the design of the Mossman to Newell Beach by undertaking a feasibility study in preparation for the detailed design phase

Councillor David Carey described the cycling network as an “exciting initiative” and congratulated Council Officers for securing the grant funding.

“Cycling is a big part of the Douglas Shire community so it is fantastic to complete the connection between Cooya and Mossman and Newell and Mossman,” he said.