THE proposed $85 million Reef Marina redevelopment has taken a significant step forward after Council today endorsed the Deed of Agreement (Relocation of a Mooring Facility) between Council, TRM and the Port Douglas Commercial Fishermen’s Association (PDCFA) following on from the endorsement of the Deed of Agreement (Preservation of Slipway) signed off by Council and TRM on 26 April.

This decision was taken today at a special meeting of Council.

The execution of the deeds will allow TRM to move forward with its Development Application to build a new commercial/residential precinct at the marina and obtain freehold over the land from the State Government and paves the way for construction to begin.

Mayor Julia Leu said this endorsement will ensure the future viability of the commercial fishing industry in Port Douglas while facilitating the redevelopment of the marina.

“Council is committed to achieving long term security for the tourism and marine industries on the Port Douglas Waterfront,” Mayor Leu said.

Reef Marina developer Andrew Hooper-Nguyen said this is a key milestone in the process.

“The Reef Marina has always been committed to supporting its commercial fishing customers. The dedicated trawler berthing facility will provide operators with long term mooring arrangements and will promote growth of the local fishing industry.

“Completion of the trawler and slipway arrangements is a result of more than three years work by The Reef Marina's team, Council, trawler operators and other parties. And I warmly thank all those involved. It also represents a major milestone in the redevelopment of Port Douglas' waterfront,” said Hooper-Nguyen.

Mayor Leu said the execution of these agreements will mean the future tenure our local commercial fishermen is assured and the slipway will remain in place for at least another three years while alternative locations are further explored.

“I would like to commend The Reef Marina and the Port Douglas Commercial Fishermen’s Association for their commitment to ensuring such a positive outcome for our communities during these negotiations.

“It’s a win-win outcome as the fishermen know their berths are secured and TRM can move forward with its very exciting redevelopment of the marina,” said Mayor Leu.

Under the terms of the agreement, TRM must build the new commercial fishing berths on the southern fringe of the marina basin adjacent to Lot 96 prior to beginning construction of the commercial/residential components of the marina redevelopment.

Council has committed to construct the infrastructure required to enable the PDCFA access to Lot 96 for storage operations, amenities and parking.

It is hoped that a commercial “fishermen’s wharf” can be established on the site of Lot 96 in the future so people can purchase and enjoy their seafood fresh off the boats overlooking the marina. 

Please comment below.

* Readers are encouraged to use their full details below to ensure comment legitimacy. Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Comments containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.