Official Cairns Regional Council Media Release.

Cairns Regional Council today voted unanimously to endorse the various projects for implementation under the Port Douglas Waterfront Master Plan, allowing further detailed design and applications for funding to be developed.

The Master Plan includes the redevelopment of the waterfront park area, improved road network and carparking, relocation of the public boat ramp, extensive landscaping and the construction of a lagoon-style pool adjacent to the Combined Club. “This is a significant step toward making this project a reality,” Mayor Val Schier said.

“This is about looking at the big picture – Port Douglas needs to be refreshed. It’s an internationally-recognised town and we need to do all we can to keep it looking spectacular.

“We can now work toward securing funding for these projects, which will be staged over 10 years.”

Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu said the projects contained within the Master Plan would provide an economic boost to the town and further enhance the laidback lifestyle and tourist qualities.

“We have an amazing location but we do need this project to revitalise our waterfront,” Cr Leu said.

“Anything that improves Port Douglas will benefit the whole region.”

The public consultation program on the Master Plan attracted 530 responses through various methods.  The comprehensive consultation process undertaken by Council demonstrated between 75 per cent and 85 per cent awareness by the community of the Master Plan project.

More than two-thirds of respondents were generally supportive of the Master Plan projects and a clear majority were in favour of the location chosen for the 2000 square metre lagoon pool.

Cr Leu described the lagoon’s proposed location as “stunning”.

“There is a fabulous Daintree rainforest backdrop and the lagoon will be surrounded by tropical gardens and I’m confident it will be loved by visitors and residents,” she said.

Following the collation of public consultation feedback, amendments were made to the lagoon design and adjacent landscaping to remove any potential conflict with St Mary’s By the Sea.

“The children’s splash and play area has been moved to the other end of the lagoon – well away from St Mary’s – and there will be a significant buffer zone created through landscaping.

“St Mary’s will also get its own access road and carparking and increased gardens areas surrounding the chapel.”

The Master Plan is expected to be implemented in stages over a 10-year period, commencing once funding has been secured.