Port Douglas is another step closer to having its own splash park and public pool built after Council today resolved to tip $465,000 into developing concepts, designs, and a masterplan during a 2020/21 Annual Budget Review.

This follows Council’s recent online survey which asked residents their opinion on a splash park and pool, which closed last week.

More than 600 people completed the survey with about 87 per cent of respondents believing a splash park was needed, while 68 per cent supported building a public pool.

Council revealed that multiple ideas such as a café, mini-golf, and entertainment precinct near the site were also suggested by survey respondents to form part of the brief for the options report.

Once complete, Council will put the concepts and design options back out to community consultation for further feedback.

Classifieds: Douglas Shire Public Notices and Council Notices

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Council was acting on a clear mandate from the community to progress the project.

“Our recent survey confirmed the findings from previous consultation that there is widespread support for investment in a safe swimming option and water play area in Port Douglas,” he said.

“The next step is to pull together some really exciting concepts and designs that reflect the desires of the community, before asking for further feedback on the project.”

“I continue to seek a meeting with Cook MP Cynthia Lui to discuss the community survey results and her Government’s $1.5 million election commitment. I look forward to sitting down with her and discussing how the Douglas Shire Council and community can work with her to deliver this exciting project.”

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Before the recent State Election, Ms Lui announced Labor would commit $1.5 million to build a splash park in the Douglas Shire; a promise Ms Lui recently told Newsport will definitely be kept, however, said no specific time frame had yet been set.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree CEO, Tara Bennett, said there is a clear need for a year-round water option in the tourist town.

“TPDD has long identified the need for a year-round swimming option, so we welcome the news that council will be progressing this,” she said.

“While some visitors do have access to swimming pools at most of their accommodation houses, a community water facility will be welcomed by everyone in the town.”

Ms Bennett said it is a chance for the town to have a new stand out feature.

“We hope that the design concept is both innovative and in harmony with the natural environment,” she said.

Council’s pool and splash park funding announcement is part of $3.323 million worth of projects added to the capital works program due to Council resolutions or successful grant funding; passed at the Ordinary Council Meeting in Mossman today.

Highlights include:

$62,000 – Disaster Coordination Centre Feasibility and Design
$80,000 – Marlin Drive Speed Cushions
$120,000 – Wonga Beach Caravan Park grey water system
$126,469 – Digger’s Park
$175,000 – Flood warning systems at CREB Track, McDowall Range and Stewart Creek Valley, Mossman Treatment Plant and Rex Creek Intake.
$860,400 – Safe Places Emergency Accommodation