The Douglas Shire Council is set to develop foreshore management plans to undertake coastal rehabilitation works at several beaches across the region as part of its Resilient Coast Strategic Plan.

The Council was successful in receiving $445,000 under the Queensland Government’s Reef Assist program for dune protection and maintenance works.

The $10 million Reef Assist program is delivering priority environmental projects and creating around 130 regional jobs for unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders in the Wet Tropics, Burdekin and Mackay Whitsunday Great Barrier Reef catchment areas.

The Douglas Shire project, which will see more native vegetation at various beaches, is expected to improve resilience to natural disasters and reduce run-off to waters and the Great Barrier Reef.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the project would create local jobs and other employment opportunities.

“This environmental project is a great way for Council to engage local workers and contractors and boost economic recovery,” he said.

“In particular, we are looking at Wonga, Newell and Port Douglas, but several other locations are also considered after consultation.”