Election candidates weigh in on the conceptual design of Flagstaff Hill walking trail
Published Friday 26 February 2016
The proposed Flagstaff Hill walking trail 
conceptual design was presented by Glen Jacobs and Daniel Snelgrove from World Trail Pty Ltd at the recent information session held 8th February and received an overall positive response from locals.
World Trail provides trail designs for all types of recreational trails, from the earliest conceptual stage to the final design stage. They can construct walking trails of all types, from urban tracks to remote wilderness treks.
Following earlier community consultation, the revised conceptual design presented had allowed for an additional 10 metres distance away from residential housing along the trail. However there was some concerns voiced at the information session that there still may be some impact on residents.
Mr Jacobs explained that visually from the track the residential housing was not in view, though in some places there was a very slight view of some roofing that could be seen from the track. He also advised that there would be foliage screening used as barricades to keep the visual separation between the track and residents.
The conceptual walking trail is relative flat with only a 5% incline at a width of around 1.5 metres that weaves in and out of the terrain with approximately 200 steps spread out over the track. It also has an ocean view the entire length. There are linked access points from the lookout car park and the light house. The surface is a decomposed granite, which is durable and solid and fine for jogging. Bikes are not permitted on the trail.
There were also some concerns regarding security and a suggestion made for a lockable gating system at each end of the track to be installed. Council explained that due to the track being on reserve land for public use, public access must be made available at all times.
Further suggestions and concerns for consideration offered by the attendees were lighting, security and CCTV, viewing platforms, historical signage, seating, fencing, traffic management and additional break in points for access in cases for emergency services.
Restoration of the rescued flagstaff to be returned to its original location at the lookout has been factored in to the final design and will be considered under a State Government program available to improve lookouts, advised Council.
The estimated cost of the conceptual design will be around $500,000 to $650,000, depending on the final design.
Chief Executive Officer, Linda Cardew, said officers are currently assessing feedback received following the information sessions and community consultation.
“Once this is completed, a report will be prepared for the new Council to consider the final design, costings and construction timeline.
“It is anticipated this will be ready in time for the new Council to factor in construction costs for the 2016/17 capital works budget, if they wish to do so,” said Ms Cardew.
Mayor Julia Leu said she was pleased with the turn out at the information session.
“A number of people came up to me at the end to say how fantastic the trail concept design looked, one saying she had been waiting for this for 23 years.”
Cr Bruce Clarke said this is an important project for Port Douglas.
“I do think a lot more discussion, consultation and planning could be done. This would ensure that the greater majority of the residents, including those residents who live on the hill overlooking the ocean to the North, will be happy with the outcome.”
Candidate Councillor Michael Kerr said the walking trail only adds to the other attractions in the area.
“This project which is to be funded by infrastructure grants will be the catalyst to also repair and beautify areas on both ends of the trail which have both been let deteriorate over the years.”
Candidate Councillor Donna Graham said the exact path that the trail will take should be carefully considered.
“It appears that there is reasonable separation between the proposed trail and residences at the Southern end and room from screening, fencing etc if needed. The potential impact at the Northern end both on residences and the adjoining park seems much greater.”
Cr Terry Melchert said the walking track consultants have done a fantastic job.
“Community consultation has been very helpful and while some modifications of the plan have been suggested, all comments have been very positive.”
Cr David Carey said the trail has huge potential.
“The walking trail has the potential to become one of the iconic trails of Far North Queensland and will present a substantial asset to the local community as well as visitors to Douglas. In addition it advances the Port Douglas waterfront masterplan.”
Cr Abigail Noli also said there is great potential for the trail to be a beautiful and relatively easy trail in a great location.
“I have walked the trail and the views it provides out into the Coral Sea are second to none. There are some concerns by some residents that are trying to be resolved.”
Candidate Councillor Vivienne Ruffles said "there will be no horrendous maintenance factors because it is not a wooden boardwalk."
Candidate Mayor Roy Weavers said again, he can only comment from the sidelines stating that "Councillors should be the driving force behind these projects, not the executive administration."
Candidate Councillor Peter McKewon said the flagstaff Hill walking trail is another great project and will give another feature to Port.
“I believe there are some issues with residents privacy along the walk but with some discussion and common sense from those involved, I would think a positive outcome is achievable.”
Candidate Councillor Roy Zammataro said the walking track on Flagstaff Hill is a step in the right direction to making the Port Douglas waterfront more visible and accessible to locals and visitors alike.
Newsport contacted all election candidates for their comment.