by Mat Churchill

Feasibility consultants for the Port Douglas lagoon are mulling over the information gained through last week's public meeting in preparation for a second round of talks to be held after Christmas.


As the final design and location of the lagoon remains unclear, questions regarding the construction and maintenance costs are unknown, and even whether the community as a whole would support the project is yet to be determined, Cairns Regional Council say it's not too late to have your voice heard.


Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu said public opinion is invaluable to ensure the finished product, whatever it may be, reflects the wishes of the majority of residents.

"We've got to listen to a whole range of opinions. This is the most significant project we've had in Port Douglas so we want to get it right," she said.

While there were a number of people at the public meeting who dismissed the merit of a lagoon pool in Port Douglas, others who supported the concept were adamant that the finished product should not detract from the character of the area.

"People are keen to see a naturalistic type pool with attractive landscaping and an ambiance that suits the existing environment," Cr Leu said.

Concern about potential rate rises for Port Douglas residents have also been prevalent. Cr Leu said the cost of the proposed lagoon would be shared amongst the Cairns region as the benefits to the area would also be shared.

To provide your feedback to Council regarding the lagoon visit the Cairns Regional Council website, or their new Your Say site.

Here are just some of the pros and cons of Port's "most significant project" we've heard aired:

Pro - The Pool will enable summer swimming which will, in turn, attract tourists
Con - Every resort and most residences already have a pool
Pro - More safe to swim in a supervised lagoon pool than in the natural swimming holes around the area
Con - The cost of construction, maintenance, and security is prohibitive
Pro - The lagoon pool will create a meeting point for socialising and community activities
Con - Council rates will rise to account for an increase in costs
Pro - Swimming in the lagoon pool will take the pressure off the indigenous swimming holes, some of which are considered sacred
Con - The pool will need to be fenced and policed to ward against hooliganism after hours
Pro -  Local businesses will benefit from an increase in visitors during Summer
Con - The pool could have significant environmental impacts if rushed through

Can you add to this list? We'd love to hear what you think a lagoon could bring to Port Douglas - good, bad, or otherwise.