by Mat Churchill

There has been a twist in the allegations from Mayor Val Schier directed at Federal MP for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, over the Port Douglas' long awaited lagoon pool.

Mr Entsch agreed with Cr Schier who claimed he was "playing politics" after his involvement in a private meeting held last week between him and a number of concerned residents.

"Of course I'm playing politics, I'm trying to get it done," Mr Entsch said.

When questioned why no action was taken on the lagoon pool during his decade long term in office from 1996, he said that it was never raised with him.

"It wasn't my role to Google every town to see what their problem was and what plans they had," he said. "It's not my role to tell you what you need, it's my role to tell you how to make it happen quicker."

"Anybody who suggests I had that time while in office is playing destructive politics, Val Schier should know better."

Mr Entsch said that the concept of the lagoon was raised with him at a public meeting at The Wildlife Habitat during his election campaign earlier this year.

"At Habitat I made a comment that I was aware that Port Douglas was struggling and I was made aware that the Sheraton needed to be sold, and the lagoon needed to be built."

Mr Entsch added that any plans presented to him prior to the campaign weren't bedded down, and accurate costings of the project had not been submitted.

"I was frustrated that any time there was an election there was nothing from Port Douglas. I said the other day that Port Douglas had forgotten how to ask for help."

He said that he was pleased with the progress which has been made in delivering the project to a patient, yet expectant town.

"In two months have a look where we've come. I've already talked to Simon Crean (Federal Minister for Regional Development) about the lagoon. I spoke to him at length and he's indicated to me that he's quite happy to work with me. Simon is prepared to put politics aside."