David Gardiner

Journalist

Douglas Shire Council has virtually said there’s nothing it can do in response to complaints from neighbouring tourism establishments about building noise coming from a new apartment complex at 33 Davidson Street in Port Douglas.

The development has been in the construction phase for several years and in recent months, building works noise – which starts up to six days a week from 6.30am – has escalated, disturbing guests at resorts and other apartments in the near vicinity.

At least two establishments have told us they have informed Council of the early noise and in one case, neighbouring Shantara Resort said they were actually asked by Council to log all incidents of the noise, including times and dates.

After Newsport reported on the progress of the new apartment complex, a manager at one of the neighbouring establishments posted her concerns on our Facebook page, saying it was frustrating that workers often started at 6.30 until around 7.00am, then went on a break until midday, or didn’t return to the site at all.

“The guests come to reception so confused as to why their work was so important that the 30 minutes couldn't have been done later in the day,” she posted.

“We suggested to council how about they start later and work until later, as the noise hours don't exactly line up with holiday makers.”

But when we contacted Council, their response indicated that there was nothing they could do, either about the noise itself or regulating work times.

“The past 12 months records show Council has not received noise complaints from construction works at 33 Davidson Street in this timeframe,” Douglas Mayor Michael Kerr said.

“Council is regulated by which noise issues can be managed under The Environmental Protection Act 1994.

"The Act states Building work being carried out by a registered contractor or builder can do so from the hours of 6:30am–6:30pm Monday to Saturday."