Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

Two councillors and the mayor have expressed their strongest support for a mail delivery service in Cooya and Newell Beach, however, they are facing an Australian Post brick wall which is standing firm.

Although this is not a Council issue, Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr and Councillors Abigail Noli and Lisa Scomazzon have expressed their support despite a major caveat which will continue to hamper this area.

“We are right behind those who are pushing for this service and we have also gone to the state government.

“But we are up against an Australian Post ruling that states unless the area has 200-250 properties, they will receive daily mail. We don’t have these numbers and need to be looking at developing this area to enhance its position in the market place,” said Kerr.

Clr Scomazzon, who approached AP a few years back to discuss this issue, said it was hard to understand why the Daintree received this service. She also pointed out that Newell Beach is in the same position as Cooya Beach.

Options

“This makes no sense and there are options that AP could look at, but we keep running into this brickwall.

“I would happily support a delivery and pick-up service at Scomazzon Farming, our fruit and vegetable store,” she said.

Clr Noli, in a statement on her Facebook page, said: “I understand that Cooya Beach is trying to get mail delivery from Australia Post. Although, this is not in Council's control, I will try to assist in this quest.

“I understand there has already been some communication with Council. Feel free to send anything to me also to: abigail.noli@douglas.qld.gov.au.”