Disaster Risk Reduction – Council endorses local resilience action plan
Douglas Shire Council has endorsed a plan aimed at long term resilience by prioritising critical projects that mitigate risks from future hazards.
The Local Resilience Action Plan identifies projects that align with state, national, and international resilience and disaster risk reduction strategies.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the plan has been developed by the Douglas Recovery and Resilience Group who coordinate recovery at the local level for specific events and provide long-term strategic resilience planning for the shire.
“This plan ensures Douglas Shire is ready to seize opportunities from future funding opportunities as they arise that enhance community safety and disaster resilience,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
Support for next stage of Wangetti Trail
Douglas Shire Council is helping move the Wangetti Trail project forward by giving consent to lodge updated development applications.
Council’s consent is a procedural step that allows the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to lodge updated applications reflecting proposed changes to the trail alignment.
The two parcels of land in question are located north of Ellis Beach to Wangetti.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she welcomed the move.“The Wangetti Trail is an exciting project which will celebrate the region’s beauty and strengthen our tourism economy,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
New plan targets recycling, landfill reduction
Douglas Shire Council has endorsed a new Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2025–2030.
The plan sets out clear targets and actions to reduce landfill, increase recycling, and transition to a circular economy. It responds to regional challenges such as long transport distances, limited infrastructure, and low economies of scale, which have historically hindered resource recovery in Far North Queensland.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the plan aligned with Queensland’s updated waste strategy and legislative requirements under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
“By working together with our community and industry, we’re building a smarter, more sustainable future for the shire,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
Douglas joins regional push for battery safety
We want to make battery disposal as easy as possible.
That’s why Douglas Shire has taken the lead, applying for a $100,000 Local Government Battery Collection Program grant on behalf of neighbouring Councils.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the program enabled councils to increase battery collection points and provide education about safety battery disposal.
“Several recent waste truck or transfer station fires were likely to have been caused by batteries,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“We know people want to do the right thing with their used batteries and we hope the extra drop-off points will change disposal habits .”
