After leading the high-profile, but ultimately unsuccessful, campaign against de-amalgamation, local businessman Wes Connelly spoke with The Newsport about the result, and his future in the political landscape of the Douglas Shire.

"The result was obviously not how we wanted it to go, but the result is encouraging. I don't think it's a clear majority vote," Mr Connelly said, adding; "The new council can't let down one person in the new Douglas Shire."

Mr Connelly said he believed all ratepayers of the Douglas region, regardless of where they reside, should have been allowed to cast a vote in Saturday's poll.

"I think what is missing in our Shire, particularly in the voting system that we currently experience, is the high percentage of eligible ratepayers that are absent from our Shire, particularly in the Port Douglas area.

"I'm sure if the polling had have been ratepayer-based rather than resident-based, we would have had a totally different outcome."

He took the time to thank the supporters of the People Of Douglas campaign which created as much awareness as it did controversy.

"I'd like to sincerely thank them for the time and effort they've put in to help us try and get the message out there for the betterment of the Shire," Mr Connelly said.

"Although we were unsuccessful, I'm sure a lot of those helpers will be long-term residents of the Shire and they won't be going anywhere soon."

When asked if he was considering running for a position on the new council, Mr Connelly replied "Not at this stage."

"I think it's a job for those who put their hand up and said they can deliver the goods as promised, and I sincerely hope over the coming years that the people of the Shire and their support group actually see that happen because if it doesn't happen our Shire is destined for not such a good future."

Mr Connelly said the People Of Douglas group was initially formed to spread an alternative message to that of Friends Of Douglas Shire, but added that the future of the group was yet to be determined.

"We probably just need to see what the new CEO's position is and see how things pan out over the next couple of months."

Mr Connelly said he felt it was important ratepayers knew exactly what their rates were going to be prior to voting in councillors for the new Douglas Shire Council, and that the new Council have little choice but to adopt the financial model promoted by FODS.

"It doesn't have to necessarily adopt it, but it would be a disaster if it doesn't because the people voted for the FODS model.

"The people voted with the FODS model in mind that that was going to be the true reflection of the new Council’s levying.

"As I've made out clearly before, FODS haven't got any accountability to anybody so they can't be held accountable if their model is incorrect, but I think they (Council) would have a revolt on their hands if when the first rate levy comes out it isn't exactly what the FODS model reflected."