When he looks back at the past 120 days in office, Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr has every reason to believe he has added much-needed energy to the shire thanks to many dedicated people.

“Perhaps our greatest achievement is the confidence we have given the Douglas community, who know they have a determined team of Councillors rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the job,” said Mayor Kerr.

He said the impact of COVID-19 hasn’t swayed a determination to get work done.

“In the first 120 days in office, Council has taken big steps towards developing a clearer economic plan, more transparent community engagement and setting up a brighter future for Douglas.

“Council has addressed many pain points in the community by taking a common sense approach to decision-making and started to steer Douglas towards a new era of prosperity.

“I kept my election promise to restrict the general rate rise to a CPI increase, while investing in critical infrastructure and getting on with the job that ratepayers expect us to do in the 20/21 Annual Budget,” he said.

He also alluded to a fresh approach to economic development to finishing a footpath on Warner Street, adding plenty was achieved and Council is just getting started.

He lists a number of highlights during his 120 days:

• The COVID relief package for businesses, including the Buy Douglas: Build Douglas campaign
• Sale of Lot 83 to conservation groups
• Supporting the Daintree Micro grid
• Meeting key politicians across all levels of government
• Bringing a transparency to the Daintree River Crossing discussion through honest consultation
• Investigating the possibility of a safe swimming place for Port Douglas
• Exploring alternative revenue streams such as the acquisition of the Mossman Golf Club
• The employment of two Economic Development Officers
• An operational plan full of incentives to build Douglas out of COVID-19.