The Douglas Shire Council has committed $1 million in the 2021/22 Annual Budget, handed down on Tuesday, to help build more residential houses in the Douglas Shire.

Douglas Shire Council will spend $1 million on trunk infrastructure to help unlock the first two stages of the New Port Estate, located on 180 acres of land south of Craiglie

Council has said it is currently finalising the details of the construction which will include a culvert crossing, street extension, a sewer pump station and extensions of Council’s water and sewer mains.

Construction works on Stage one comprising 32 residential lots and park is well advanced and Council planners are currently assessing a development application for Stage Two construction of an additional 34 residential lots.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Council’s investment helped fast-track much-needed housing development.

“This investment helps provide a substantial economic uplift for our region through local jobs and population growth,” he said.

“We all know the issues we face with a housing shortage and while this won’t solve the problem overnight, seeing more houses built near Port Douglas is a move in the right direction.”

“Council is committed to targeted growth of our Shire’s population to achieve a measured and sustainable uptick for our economy.”

Read full 2021/22 budget documents here.