Forget the referendum, the biggest issue facing our region is just how we are going to live together, work together, and progress Douglas AFTER 9 March.

As you've probably noticed if you've been reading The Newsport over the last couple of months, the level of discussion and debate in the Have Your Say section of our articles has been running hot on the issue.

Let's look at the worst case scenario. On 10 March, 49.9 per cent of voters are left bitterly disappointed at the referendum result, while the other 50.1 per cent wallows in their victory.

The rifts that were developed between neighbours and friends as the debate raged in the months leading up to the poll remain, resulting in grudges being held and a general breakdown of communication across the region.

Any effort the Council makes to progress the region is met by vocal opposition from the dissatisfied voters and community consultation becomes farcical, resulting in...well...nothing much happening.

The Melbourne Business School recommendation of 'Shared Vision, One Voice' seems further away than ever.

So why so glum, Glummy?

Well, in my three and a bit years of living in Port Douglas (making me a touch under 27 years away from being someone who is formerly allowed to comment on the area) I've noticed that we have a slight issue - that we can't agree on very much at all.

But there is one real positive to come out of all of this debate - and that's the motivation behind it.

For such a relaxed place the people who live here can get pretty riled up and passionate when we believe someone, or something, is jeopardising the reasons why we live here. That's a good thing. It shows that we care.

Whether you're a supporter of the People Of Douglas, or Friends Of Douglas Shire, or neither, 10 March has to represent more than a win or a loss. It must be the time we make the most of our opportunities, to work harder to foster positive relationship, not foster grudges.

We don't have to agree on everything, and those who make the decisions need to remain accountable, but we must embrace a level of change to stand any chance of once again experiencing the halcyon days of the past.

The creation of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce and the Douglas Economic Development Group is a good start.

Like it or not Cairns is important to Douglas, not just because of its airport, but because it contains business knowledge that can be shared, and it contains potential visitors to our region.

So if we can make a promise to ourselves to embrace whatever result comes out of the referendum we are taking a step towards achieving future prosperity.

I'm often reminded of Monty Python's 'Life of Brian' when listening and writing about the issue of de-amalgamation, particularly the scene where Brian puts his case forward to become a member of an anti-Roman group.

"Are you the Judean People's Front?"

"F*&# off! We're the People's Front Of Judea."

Sorry about the language, but two groups, similar names, both working towards the same goal of a better future. Sounds familiar doesn't it?

Maybe we're not that different after all.