Category: Politics

Lans use planning has been the foundation for thirty years of local Douglas prosperity and nature conservation. Urban expansion will undermine economic growth.

When the Government announced this week its $80 billion increase in military spending over the next decade to $270 billion, there was no chorus of “Where is the money coming from?” that usually accompanies pre-election promises of, say, increased dental services or childcare subsidies.

The Douglas Shire Council commenced its ordinary meeting at 11.00am on Tuesday 30 June 2020 and these are the key issues >

DouglasNews.Network breaks down the 2020/2021 Douglas Shire Budget discussions

Cairns Regional Council has not increased fees and charges this year to assist residents, businesses and ratepayers due to the financial impacts of COVID-19.

Revelations in the past week of branch stacking in the Labor Party in Victoria and misuse of travel allowances across the political spectrum come just as voters’ confidence in politicians and politics was increasing as a result of their handling of COVID-19.

⟼ Daintree conservation block likely to be sold by Council
⟼ Council threatens legal action
⟼ Shire’s ecotourism reputation under threat

The process of Council meetings can be overwhelming at times, particularly given the substantial amount of legislation governing them. Today we break down the Mayoral Minute and how it differs from a Notice of Motion put forward by a Councillor, and motions relating to general business. In doing so, the analysis questions whether in certain circumstances, Mayoral Minutes circumvent the democratic process, and asks readers to consider if the new Mayor of Douglas Shire has broken his key election promise of public consultation, transparency, and openness.

A Special Council Meeting to adopt the 2020 / 2021 Schedule of Fees and Charges was held this afternoon with a motion to pass the proposed Schedule carried.

⟼ When will the public gallery re-open for Council meetings?