David Gardiner

Journalist

MARKETS TRAFFIC

In September Newsport took a close look at how city-like traffic jams had become a frustrating spin-off to the popular Port Douglas Markets on a Sunday.

The markets, while iconic and one of the best in Australia, Paul Makin reported, “outside, away from the stalls and on the streets of the town it’s absolute chaos and a head bonk for motorists.”

He observed that from around 10am till noon and beyond, Macrossan Street “looks more like Sydney at peak hour than the village of Port Douglas, with lines of traffic stretching back past Grant Street as drivers find themselves in grid lock.”

The problem, which Douglas Shire Council then confirmed it had no plans to alleviate by, say, hiring a ‘lollipop person’, was identified as – too many holdups within a short distance.

“Firstly, the pedestrian crossing over Macrossan Street where vehicles are obliged to stop, then after a very short distance a stop sign at the intersection of Macrossan and Wharf Streets, then straight away another pedestrian crossing across Wharf Street,” Paul wrote further. “All reasonable things on their own but combined, create a perfect traffic storm.”

DOUGIES SOLD

In that month we broke the news that Dougies Backpacker Resort had changed hands and there were immediate concerns that hospitality and tourism workers who had long rented there because of its affordable accommodation, might have nowhere to live while they worked in Douglas.

With much evidence already of a lack of affordable accommodation in the region, there were fears that the change of ownership would put further pressure on.

Speculation had been rife over the future of the resort, with posters on social media saying they had heard Dougies would be “knocked down” within 12 months and that they might not be able to find accommodation, allowing them to stay in the area for work.

Some good news did ensue however, with 24-year owners Steve and Heather Yarr stating that nothing would be changing in the short term at least, and that they had leased back Dougies.

“We appreciate the role that Dougies contributes to town and the wonderful mutual support that people and businesses have always shown to us and Dougies,” they posted. “For this reason, we have agreed to stay on so Dougies can continue to operate as we have done so since 1998.”

TRULY LOCAL

While we heard the traffic on Port Douglas Market day brings snarls to the streets, Jamie Jensen also reminded us of the overriding positives: that the weekly event is truly local, a colourful display of arts, innovative crafts, clothing and exotic fruit – and all locally made or produced.

“From locally grown vegetables and famous doughnuts to eccentric home decorations, handmade bilum bags, and artistically hand crafted jewellery,” Jamie wrote, “shoppers are guaranteed that each piece is a one-of-a-kind as the strict stipulations ensure that anything mass produced must not be sold.”

In 1996 the Council decreed a 'Cotter's Market' which ensured that all goods offered would be made or produced by the stallholder or their immediate family.

“This ruling has proved its worth because in today's global economy the Port Douglas Markets are somewhere where you can still find genuine local businesses offering unique goods and services, all made by hand,” Jamie reported.

CHAMBER COMMITTEE

Douglas Chamber of Commerce didn’t elect or re-elect a President, Secretary and other voluntary officeholders at its annual general meeting at the Tin Shed in September – instead appointing a committee of eight until its future was decided.

The Chamber had decided its structure and charter was lacking “relevance” – and that it needed to seek an updated purpose to move forward with if it was going to properly represent the area’s businesses.

There was above the needed quorum present to elect or re-elect officeholders but instead, a management committee was appointed in the meantime.
The committee would ‘hold the fort’ for another three months – with the future of the Chamber to be decided probably in January 2023.

SAVANNAH: MIKE MEETS JON

In September, country music fan Michael Warren (who also happens to be Newsport Editor) flew the Douglas flag for us at Savannah in the Round – from where he reported on the “incredible vibe and feel” of the festival.

Legendary Australian rocker Jon Stevens had officially closed out day two of the festival and Michael got to chat with him.

“Hitting the stage just after 9.30pm under a stunning starlit Mareeba skyline Stevens proceeded to play his array of hits to a packed main stage crowd,” Michael reported.

“Whether belting out “Touch”, “Take me Back” or other songs from his vast catalogue Stevens’ vocal range and on-stage passion and presence had the crowd’s undivided attention throughout his generous, lengthy set.

“Speaking backstage to Newsport just moments before starting his performance Stevens reaffirmed his admiration for his Far North fan base,” he continued.

“I’ve been excited about performing at Savannah now for a long while, it’s fast gaining a reputation for being a brilliant festival,” the popular vocalist said.