Helen De Ross, President of Douglas Chamber of Commerce, confirmed Chamber’s positive support for two key Port Douglas Projects;

• The Port Douglas Waterfront Renewal Project and The Reef Marin’s Preliminary Development Approval; and 
• The Reef Marina and Port Douglas Commercial Fisherman’s Association’s Joint Vision for a Seafood Fishing Precinct.

Miss De Ross reinforced the business community’s support for The Reef Marina’s Waterfront Redevelopment Master Plan.

“The iconic Reef Marina is home to more than 100 businesses in Port Douglas, and is clearly the nerve centre for business activity in Port Douglas, and indeed the Shire. After more than ten years of neglect and previous Owner’s inaction, it is re-assuring to see the vision of the new owners, Andrew Hooper-Nguyen, Chris Ellis and Rob Cruz, materialise through their recent Master Plan submission.

“Once implemented, the re-development will have an immediate positive impact, and will quickly return The Reef Marina to the central Tourist Destination in Port Douglas. This will not only benefit the 100 businesses based in the Reef Marina, but will also multiply the benefits through the remainder of the Town and the Shire, she said.

Visitor Expenditure in The Reef Marina and immediate Precinct was estimated at $332 million back in 2007, illustrating just how much more potential will flow through Port Douglas and the Shire, as a result of The Reef Marina’s Waterfront Redevelopment Plan.

Miss De Ross also voiced Chamber’s support for a sustainable Commercial Fishing Industry, and welcomed the recent decision by the Fishermen to re-locate to the southern end of the Marina adjacent to Lot 96.

The Reef Marina proposes to construct a dedicated Trawler Berthing Facility, which will be leased to the Fishermen on a long-term basis. These berths will have a long-term lease with a Commercial Fishing caveat that is only accessible by Council controlled land.

“We feel this secures the tenure of the Commercial Fishing Industry in Port Douglas, negating the requirement for Douglas Shire Council to purchase Lot 146 at an expense to the community. Given the security of the Commercial Fishing Industry, we do not support the unprecedented, forced acquisition of land from one business to be gifted to another business. This sets a dangerous precedent for other industries expecting the same support going forward,” she said.

The Commercial Fishing Industry will in turn seek to acquire or lease the land adjacent to Lot 96, and establish a base from which to sell fresh and cooked seafood, as well as support Trawler operations.

“This is a win-win for all parties, and seems to be the perfect solution to secure the future of the Commercial Fishing Industry, and at the same time add the Seafood Precinct, as yet another reason to visit Port Douglas and the Shire,” said Miss de Ross.