Michael Warren

Journalist

A Douglas Shire resident has criticised Douglas Shire Council for what he claims not providing enough public awareness and notice about last Saturday’s impending road closures due to the hosting of the triathlon championships.

Council did mention and advertise the closures through a post on its website and facebook pages in the days leading up to the event but that wasn’t nearly enough according to the incensed resident who said “two days’ notice” was utterly ridiculous.

“So, can someone tell me who is the clown that has organised some event in Port Douglas and has blocked the main road into town from the Sands resort,” Mark Elliot wrote.

“Resorts and businesses in town suffer.

“The people organising obviously don’t own or manage establishments. No advertising.”

Last Saturday’s road closures included:

• Port Douglas Road from Mahogany Street to Macrossan Street was closed from 7:45am to 11am.
• Garrick street, between Mowbray Street & Macrossan Street was closed from 7:45am – 11am.
• Mowbray Street from the Esplanade to Davidson Street was closed from 7:45am – 11am.
• Macrossan Street inbound lane was closed from 6am to 11am.

The mere fact Port Douglas played host to such an event also frustrated the poster, having suggested staging an event like this doesn’t provide the local community and shire with many long term benefits.

"The triathlon championships were organised and run by Triathlon Australia," Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr said.

"Council was in regular contact with Triathlon Australia and was pleased to learn it had completed a letterdrop and “door knocking” to affected premises 10 days out from the event.

"The event and road closures were also promoted on Council’s social media in the week leading up to the championships."