Locally made and crafted – change ahead for Port Douglas markets
The Port Douglas Markets will strengthen their focus on handmade arts, crafts and local produce under an updated policy.
A key change is the removal of a long-standing “grandfather clause”, which allowed some stallholders to sell products outside the markets’ traditional focus on locally made items.
Existing stallholders operating under the clause will have an opportunity to transition to products that meet the market’s eligibility requirements.
The policy will ensure that all products being offered at the Markets meet the “artisan markets” definition, providing equity and support for local creators, and ensuring that products offered for sale are unique and distinctive.
Ancient rainforest, digital future
The world’s oldest tropical rainforest could soon get a high-tech boost, with Council seeking $600,000 in State Government funding to help Daintree businesses strengthen their online presence and better connect with visitors.
If successful, the project would bring together around 75 small and family-owned businesses across the Daintree region through a collaborative digital platform designed to improve how visitors discover, plan and experience the destination.
The initiative would also support the creation of digital content showcasing the region’s cultural, environmental and tourism experiences.
New incentives to boost housing supply
Housing developments could benefit from substantial savings under a proposed Council incentives policy aimed at increasing housing supply.
The policy would provide discounts or waivers on infrastructure charges for approved and future developments. Eligible projects including dual occupancies on a single block, apartment and townhouse developments, and retirement living communities. Potential savings range from about $29,000 for smaller developments to up to $1 million for retirement living projects.
The initiative, which begins in December and runs until November 2028, aims to unlock new housing opportunities and encourage investment in diverse housing options.
Council to update growth blueprint.
Council to update growth blueprint
There’ll be a major review of Council’s Local Government Infrastructure Plan to ensure the region is well prepared for future development.
The review will examine projected population growth, future housing areas and the infrastructure needed to support them, including water, sewerage, roads and parks. The updated plan will help guide infrastructure investment and determine how development contributes to the cost of growth.
Council has committed $200,000 to begin the project, which is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.
Kitchen boost for youth centre
Two community organisations are set to receive a funding boost after Douglas Shire Council endorsed more than $14,000 through its 2026/27 Community Grants Program.
More than $4000 has been allocated to upgrading the Mossman Youth Centre kitchen and outdoor area.
The Port Douglas Community Service Network will receive $10,000 for its Resilient Spaces project, which includes installing new storage and cabinetry and enclosing a rear deck to create an additional air-conditioned multipurpose room.
Arts funding to support teen concert, heritage art and mural workshop
Three community arts projects will share $15,000 through Douglas Shire Council’s 2026/27 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program.
The successful projects are:
* NextGen Noise 2027 – a professional-quality pop concert showcasing emerging local teenage musicians
* DAB Heritage Art Project – a community arts initiative that will build creative skills through workshops, heritage-site sketching activities and public exhibitions
* Circle of Plenty Community Garden Mural Project – a series of design and mural workshops involving local young people and the broader community, while creating a collaborative public artwork.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a long-running partnership between the Queensland Government and local councils that supports arts, culture and heritage projects in regional communities.
Backing our students – school sponsorship renewed
Council has agreed to continue its long-standing support of Mossman State High School’s Annual Awards Presentation, entering into a three-year sponsorship arrangement from 2026 to 2028.
The $500 contribution each year, reflecting our ongoing commitment to local young people and education.
