Mayor Julia Leu said it has been a privilege to be Mayor of the new Douglas Shire Council and her priority for leading the Douglas Shire into 2020 is financial, environmental and social sustainability.

“I’m very proud of what has been achieved in our first term.

“We’re in a healthy financial position, we’re in the middle of a record $19 million capital works program and have several major developments in the pipeline which support sustainable economic development in the Douglas Shire,” she said.

Mayor Julia Leu said her key areas of focus will include introducing a new Planning Scheme that reflects the desires of our community.

“Building on economic development initiatives such as the hugely successful inaugural Douglas Business Forum and the new Business Development Fund and leading an inclusive Council that works with the community to make the Douglas Shire an even better place to live, do business or enjoy a holiday will be key areas of focus,” she said.

The Mayor advised that Council remains well on track to achieving a balanced budget by 2019/2020 and expects construction to begin, within the next 12 months, on major projects including the $14.4 million Port Douglas reservoir and the Flagstaff Hill tourist walking trail.

“Council is also involved in the progression of several major projects including the Port Douglas Waterfront, the Daintree Gateway, the Mossman nursing home and the Sheraton redevelopment which are expected to stimulate the local economy and demonstrate confidence in the destination,” she said.

As part of Newsport’s media coverage of the election, we will be initially asking some of the same specific questions of each of the candidates, ensuring the coverage remains balanced.

At the time of writing, Mayor Leu had not responded to those questions.

Newsport’s Cassandra Pulver will be interviewing Mayor Julia Leu to provide an in depth account of her decision to run again as Mayor in the March 19 local election.