Month: November 2020

“I think this vision for the Shire is a nightmare.
Can anybody seriously think that subdivisions of cottages on 350sqm lots are going to benefit the residents of this Shire?
The costs of additional infrastructure required to service these “retirement” developments will far exceed their contribution to the economy.”

At Tuesday’s Ordinary Council meeting, Item 5.8 on the Agenda was a request for funding by Cape York Weekly to establish a news platform in the Douglas Shire.The recommendation was that Council approves $10,000 towards supporting the Cape York Weekly to commence a community newspaper. Council staff would develop KPI’s for the allocated funding that would focus on strong support for advertising for not-for-profit and community groups in the Shire. The proposal for Council to fund a newspaper comes only after an advancement from Cr Kerr, and no other alternatives were sought.

It has been apparent for more than a decade that fuel tax is an unsustainable and inequitable way to fund Australia’s roads and that it should be replaced by a road-user charge.

A new app will help to ensure we’re safer in crocodile territory, tracking the ancient reptiles as they travel through local waterways.

James Cook University scientists are celebrating two wins at last night’s ‘Oscars of Australian science’, the Eureka Prizes. The Eureka Prizes are Australia’s most comprehensive national science awards, honouring excellence in research and innovation, leadership, science engagement, and school science.

In this edition, Dr Doug from International SOS shares the very latest insights on the development of COVID immunity and vaccine development:

The definitive guide to Whats’ On in the Douglas Shire this weekend.

A ceremonial blessing at Parliament House yesterday marked the first time in Queensland’s history that three First Nations peoples have been sworn in as Members of the State’s Parliament.
Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for the Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum were part of the traditional blessing this morning to celebrate the important milestone at the commencement of the 57th Parliament.

In October 2020, Douglas Shire Council approved its Interim Wonga Beach Foreshore Management Plan which provides for resident-only beach driving permits for almost the entire 10.5 kms of this Great Barrier Reef Marine Park shoreline between 8am and 6.30 pm every day….

We asked local property expert Callum Jones from The Pink Real Estate, for an update on the local market. “With the increase in new owners to the region there will be a demand for other services and businesses in Port Douglas. We have seen a lot of businesses shut during the last six months- some will re-open but others will remain vacant. There will be new opportunities arise and I believe we will see commercial rents become more affordable in the near future before growing again as the economy recovers in the wake of the pandemic.”