The Councils request to the State Government to delay approval to convert land to freehold tenure at the marina until the commencement of the new planning scheme within the next 12 months, has been revoked.

A great deal of community consultation has taken place over the years concerning the waterfront and Council has stated in a previous media release published on 8th July that they want to safeguard requirements set out in the Port Douglas Waterfront Master Plan to avoid waterfront development that does not meet community expectations. Council requested  the State delay approval until the commercial fishing fleet has secured tenure, the facilities to accommodate and serve the commercial fishing fleet are constructed and operation and pedestrian access is provided for.

However the Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham announced on the 29th July the States approval of applications from the Reef Marina to convert land to freehold tenure with conditions.

In a media release published 30th July, Council welcomes these access conditions in the State Government’s marina approval.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu has welcomed the State Government’s decision to approve the freehold application of leases at the Port Douglas marina with conditions that seek to preserve access for the community and the commercial fishing industry.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham yesterday announced that applications from The Reef Marina to convert Waterfront land to freehold and extend leases below the High Water Mark would be approved in principle.

The approvals are reliant on The Reef Marina providing evidence that a Development Approval is in place for the development of the application areas as well as written confirmation from Douglas Shire Council that such a development does not diminish the viability of marine-based industrial uses.

The Reef Marina will also be required to provide written advice from Council that formalised public spaces and pedestrian paths and areas are made accessible to the public within the Waterfront areas.

Mayor Leu said the future development of the marina was a welcome boost to the community both socially and economically providing access for the public and the commercial fishing industry is maintained.

“This is a huge opportunity to create a vibrant marina precinct that sets the benchmark in cohesive planning to deliver a spectacular Waterfront development that reflects community expectations and compliments the natural beauty of the location,” Mayor Leu said.

“Council looks forward to working with the developers through this process as this development has the potential to be the envy of marinas around the world.

“The economic benefits of any development on this scale are substantial and long-lasting and ensuring access for the public and the commercial fishing industry to the marina will only enhance its appeal.”

The State Government will refund approximately $800,000 to Council once freehold title is issued.

Minister Lynham has also written to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk seeking support and confirmation the State Government will honour previous commitments to reinvest proceeds of the freeholding back to Council for investment into the Port Douglas Waterfront Precinct.

“Our local economy has done it tougher than most in recent years for a number of reasons but moving forward on the development of the Waterfront shows real confidence in the region as a great place to visit, live and do business,” Mayor Leu said.

“This is the next step in a long process but it is a milestone decision in the future development of our community and the focus is now to ensure the best outcome for all stakeholders.”

Newsport caught up with Andrew Hooper-Nguyen of The Reef Marina about the State Government’s announcement.

"We warmly welcome the State Government's approval and support, and commend Douglas Shire Council for getting behind the regeneration of the Port Douglas waterfront.

"This is a big win for Port Douglas. Waterfront redevelopment will advance Port Douglas as a world-class destination, attract investment and create jobs.

"The Reef Marina is a responsible member of the Port Douglas community. We are attuned to community expectations and have always been committed to public waterfront access,” Andrew said.

This outcome is a positive step forward from what has been a very long process to date.  While there is still a long way to go, the State Government’s announcement of their approval can now begin to show some light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.