In taking into account community feedback, Council will be presented with the following comments:

 - Raising the fares will only continue to serve as both a deterrent for potential tourists considering travel north of the river and as a source of further aggravation for those that endure long queues when crossing at peak periods. 

 - With the unexpected five-day ferry closure earlier this year, Daintree tour operators lost business and revenue. Not increasing fares for the coming year would be clear evidence Douglas Shire Council supports the sustainability of Daintree businesses.

Council has also taken into account concession cards and during the month of April 2019, the renewal of concession cards will be advertised and the cards issued at that time will be valid until 30 April 2021.
This will allow for implementation of any changes required under the new ferry services contract which will come into effect 1 July 2021.

The chart shows a comparison of fares between the current financial year and what is proposed for next financial year. All fees in red indicate no change in fare between the years.

Fees and charges

The Schedule of Fees and Charges for the 2018/19 financial year – where the increase to the majority of the fees and charges is 3.90% - will be also be voted on. All fees and charges will come into effect from 1 July 2018.

The fees and charges relate to entities such as Information Services, the Mossman Library, Sports Fields and Stadia, Port Douglas Markets, Parks and Recreational Camp Grounds, among others.

Douglas Shire Historical Society

The Douglas Shire Historical Society will be anticipating approval for a trustee lease to secure the old SES Shed (Dixie’s Shed) on Wharf Street.

According to a report which will be tabled at the meeting, the Society has made approaches to Council to secure use of the shed for the purposes of housing its collection of artifacts and historical records.

At a February meeting, Council received confirmation from the Area Controller Far Northern Region, that the SES had decided to relinquish their occupation of the shed.

The Society has requested a concession be granted with respect to them being responsible for payment of rates and charges. It has been recommended that this be for a period of 10 years.

Economic development strategy 2017 - 2021 update

It has been recommended that Council note and endorse – subject to the adoption of the 2018-19 Operational Plan and budget – the Priority Action and Implementation Plans identified and agreed upon by the Taskforces responsible for the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy 2017 – 2021.

The EDS identifies the following five key focus areas: 

 1. Creating a Study, Training and Entrepreneur Incubator Centre;
 2. Further developing an Allied Health Hub and Health Tourism;
 3. Increasing the resilience of the Sugar Industry;
 4. Developing Douglas Shire as Australia’s leader in Sustainable Development; and
 5. Attracting and Facilitating Investment.

Because of the uncertainty and proposed sale of the Mossman Sugar Mill by Mackay Sugar Ltd, a taskforce has not been established regarding Increasing the resilience of the Sugar Industry.

Environmental (council operations) general policy

Council will review the Environmental (Council Operations) General Policy, which commits Council to prepare a series of environmental plans to further insert environmental considerations into day-to-day operations.

The intent of the Policy is to avoid waste and pollutants generated by Council operations at the source.

The policy builds on three of the Environmental Sustainable Principles outlined in Council's Corporate Sustainability General Policy:

 1. Preserve and restore the natural environment. 2
 2. Utilise resources efficiently.
 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity

This policy recognises Council’s commitment to the iconic and biodiversity rich environment that it operates within.

Where waste and pollutants cannot be avoided they are to be reduced, reused, recycled, recovered, treated or disposed of in line with the waste hierarchy and in compliance with relevant legislation.
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AGENDA

 1. Material change of use for a mixed development at 49 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas
 2. Lease to Douglas Shire Historical Society over part of lot 3 on ptd20936 Wharf Street, Port Douglas
 3. Land management plan - 19 Wharf Street, Port Douglas - reserve for local govt
 4. Economic development strategy 2017 - 2021 update
 5. Environmental (council operations) general policy
 6. Financial report for the period ended 31 march 2018
 7. Schedule of fees and charges 2018-2019
 8. Capital works progress report for the 3rd quarter 2017 – 2018
 9. Daintree river ferry concessional travel general policy & fees and charges
10. Operational plan progress report January - March 2018

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