by Mat Churchill

Around 25 enthusiastic locals attended a public meeting at the Port Douglas Community Hall yesterday which aimed to address the look and feel of, and concerns surrounding, the long-awaited lagoon pool project.

The meeting was part of the community consultation process which will help shape the feasibility study commissioned by Cairns Regional Council to be undertaken by Strategic Leisure Group.

Mark Upson from Strategic Leisure Group had the unenviable role of chairing the two hour meeting, which at times seemed to stray from the meeting's primary purpose, and highlighted two very different sets of opinions among attendees as to the worthiness of the project.

While many supported the construction of the lagoon (while questioning the time it has taken to reach this point in its development, an equal number were opposed to the project, and believed not only would it have no impact on tourist numbers, but would also see a rise in costs to residents and businesses in Port Douglas.

While the exact location of the proposed lagoon has not been finalised, four likely locations have been identified including Rex Smeal Park and an area adjacent to the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club on Four Mile Beach.

One resident said we needed to learn from mistakes of the past, referring to the failed Stinger Park. "Living in the topics which we can't lose sight of  the fact there's a prevailing SE wind which makes swimming on the ocean beach very unattractive. We don't want to go down that track again, we've been there done that."

Another passionate resident said "The last thing we need is a pool that's going to cost locals more money in rates. It's not going to attract more people here at all."

And from another, "There is considerable merit in a project….it can create a village atmosphere again. We need something that compliments the reef and rainforest."

Others in attendance included Division 10 councillor Julia Leu, Cairns Regional Council's project manager for the implementation of the Waterfront Masterplan Sandra Bourke, and members of the Waterfront Committee.

Mr Upson acknowledged the need for something unique to Port Douglas, a point that was raised at Tuesday night's workshop.

"It came through clearly last night (Tuesday night) that Port Douglas doesn't want a lagoon like every other lagoon." he said."You want to maintain the natural feel and you don't want a manufactured entity that will look like Waterworld. The creative use of moving water still makes it very attractive for families and visitors."

Yesterday's public meeting was one of three planned, with the next due to take place after Christmas when Strategic Leisure Group will deliver a recommendation on the site of the proposed lagoon, and why that site was selected.

The feasibility study is due to be completed in March 2011.

Main points to come out of the meeting were:

• The perceived lack of need for the lagoon due to the large number of pools at residences and resorts in town.
• The cost of maintenance and security and its affect on rates.
• The opportunity to create a social hub and meeting place in town.
• Traffic movement and car parking considerations.
• Very little discussion based on two of the three key areas that the meeting centred around; 'Why do we need a lagoon?', and 'What activities should it provide?'