No plans for future Douglas arts-performance precinct
ARTS CENTRE
If Douglas residents are expecting a new performing arts and music concert ‘precinct’ incorporating a large outdoor space in its design sometime in the near future, then they will be disappointed on a couple of different fronts.
There are no plans in the Shire offices to upgrade or certainly not to expand the existing, popular Clink Theatre, for one.
The theatre has proven popular and well-attended many times in its history. But it has a limited capacity of 120 people.
In recent times, our readers have also often asked about the possibility of having a more permanent outdoor space for events such as music concerts during Port Douglas Carnivale.
Newsport asked Douglas Shire Council, and the mayor, Michael Kerr, about any plans for expanding the local government area’s performance capacity in the near future.
But the answers were largely met with a firm ‘no’ or ‘no comment’. The only hope alluded to for a future outdoor performance space appears to lie in future plans (and stages) for the Mossman Botanical Garden, which are likely to be several years off yet.
Newsport: “Is Douglas Shire Council looking at the possibility of expanding facilities for performing arts in the shire, to include outdoor as well as indoor shows etc?”
DSC spokesperson: “No.”
N: “Has public demand for attending performing arts events outgrown the Clink Theatre? Does there need to be another, bigger space?”
DSC: “Not for council to comment on.”
N: “In the Council's/Mayor's view, is there a need for a large outdoor stage area, including shelter, along the lines of Munro Martin Park in Cairns?”
DSC: “Not for council to comment on.”
(From the Mayor, Michael Kerr): “Being involved in the arts I personally believe we are missing out on many potential social experiences by not having an outdoor stage area. The extreme costs of temporary staging on top of performance artists often makes it too difficult whilst increasing the financial risk.”
N: “Is there a need for a centre/another theatre in a location outside of Port Douglas, eg Mossman, or elsewhere?”
DSC: “Council has not explored building another centre/theatre so is unable to comment however the Mossman Botanical Gardens has a large outdoor auditorium space in their designs.”
Apart from our current enquiries to Council which turned up very little, the nearest thing we could find to the concept of an arts-entertainment precinct in the Shire, was a reference to the idea in a past document Council published under the previous mayor, Julia Leu, titled ‘Arts Strategy 2017-2021’:
“The Live Entertainment Precinct was intended to send a clear message that this area of Port Douglas is a ‘lively’ location where public entertainment, including live music is encouraged. It is an area designated as the entertainment hub of the Douglas Shire and the preferred location for live music and other regular entertainment.”