The keys to the newly constructed Port Douglas cyclone shelter will be handed to the State's Education department and Council's Disaster Co-ordination Centre a week before Christmas.

The final touches are being applied to the shelter by construction company Northbuild, and project manager Arlene Robb said she was pleased with the progress despite the handover taking place a few weeks later than expected.

"It got (off to) a slow start along with all the others because of the rain at the start of the year, but they're belting along now so hopefully it'll all be good and ready for occupation before Christmas," Ms Robb said.

According to Ms Robb, the building's ongoing management, including maintenance requirements, will be handled by the Port Douglas State School.

The Newsport believes a meeting is being held today involving Principals of all schools where new shelters have been built, and discussions will take place on a variety of issues including public access to the facilities.

Council's acting CEO Peter Tabulo told The Newsport in September that the shelter should be considered a last resort for residents and visitors in the event of a cyclone.

"Activation of evacuation centres will be made known via media and other resources at the time when the threat becomes imminent and centres should be treated as a last resort when there is nowhere else to go," he said.

Cyclone and emergency information can be accessed via Council's website.

Related article
Cyclone shelter "a last resort"