The Daintree Gateway Master Plan was endorsed by Cairns Regional Council yesterday.

A statement released by Council said the plan aims to make the entry points to the Daintree Wet Tropics area "more welcoming and informative for visitors."

“As people are heading north from Mossman to the Daintree area, signage will be provided inviting them to head towards Daintree Village or to explore the Daintree Coast across the river,” Mayor Val Schier said.

“By endorsing this master plan, Council now has a guiding tool to develop the precinct into an attractive, welcoming and functional transit point for the Daintree Rainforest and the region’s businesses.”

Works will occur at the Lower Daintree intersection; the area in which tour operators have their booking offices; at the southern access to the ferry; and on the north shore landing of the ferry.

The works will be staged and conducted under the guidance of a project manager. A report outlining the project management approach and activities and works to be conducted this financial year is expected to be tabled at a Council meeting in September.

Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu said she was pleased that the project was nearing practical implementation.

“The Daintree is Australia’s oldest coastal rainforest and a drawcard for thousands of visitors every year,” she said.

“We have to ensure their first impression is a positive one that whets their appetite for a thorough and enjoyable journey throughout the Daintree Village, Rainforest and Cape Tribulation region.

“This is a thorough and exciting plan that will vastly improve the area and further enhance visitors’ experiences, while reflecting the World Heritage status of the region.”

However the master plan, which is available for viewing on the Council's website, has had its critics.

"The existing plan is flawed as there will be nowhere near enough parking for visitors (and) buses if the private businesses remain," said one concerned local who did not want to be named.

"Leave alone the rightful users being the rate payers who have property only accessible by boat downstream from (the) ferry and the recreational boat users who Jason O’Brien gained $500,000 in funding to improve this facility for them.

"If the plan went ahead as it stands, there will be no improvement to visual amenity as the roadside could end up with 30-50 “visitor” cars/buses and a further 44 boat trailers with cars."

What are your thoughts? Do you think the Daintree Gateway project will be good for the region and its businesses?