Staff Writers

Boaters in the Douglas Shire will soon have a reason to feel more secure as Council boat ramps are set to undergo a significant security upgrade.

With an investment of $82,000, the planned improvements aim to instil greater confidence among boat users when it comes to parking their cars and trailers.

By August 2023, the security upgrade funded by the Commonwealth Government will be rolled out at several Council boat ramps, including Port Douglas, Sugar Wharf, Cooya Beach, Newell Beach, and Daintree River, featuring the installation of CCTV cameras and improved lighting systems.

These enhancements are designed to safeguard boaters' belongings while they enjoy their time on the water.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Michael Kerr expressed that the security upgrades carry several advantages.

“Our passionate boaties can spend long periods on the water and we want them to feel confident their cars, trailers and personal belongings will be safe at any time of the day,” he said.

“The CCTV cameras will also assist the Council to monitor the minority of people doing the wrong thing when it comes to fishing, camping, dumping or causing environmental harm.”

The works at Port Douglas and Newell Beach boat ramps require installation of light posts and cameras and boaties might experience minor impacts during the upgrades.