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Jasper flooding impacts on Council’s finances

The delayed payment transaction of a vital Federal Government grant and the enduring impacts of Cyclone Jasper has seen Douglas Shire Council record a $6.2 million deficit for 2023/2024.

A $5.1 million Financial Assistance Grant (FAG) was transferred to Council in early July, missing the June 30 deadline for the financial year by only days.

The delayed payment meant the money could not be factored into Council’s 2023/24 operational income.

There was also an unexpected loss in revenue due to Cyclone Jasper and the damaging December flooding.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the 2023/24 deficit was largely out of Council’s control.

“It’s unfortunate the Federal Government grant was deposited after June 30, however the funds were still received, albeit in the following financial year,” Mayor Scomazzon said.

“No one could have predicted the damage we suffered due to the devastating flooding in December either. The region’s entire tourism industry suffered and that included an unheralded closure of the Mossman Caravan Park and a very quiet start to 2024 for the ferry.

“While Council would prefer not to be in deficit, we hope the community understands it has been a challenging year of recovery, rebuilding and healing.”  

Disaster recovery update – costs exceed $37m

Council’s commitment to disaster recovery continues, with the emergency and counter disaster costs incurred following Cyclone Jasper and the December flooding exceeding $37.3 million.

$21.5 million dollars of that figure has been spent on road repairs, while $5.7 million has been used repairing the shire’s water network.

Council has so far received $35.8 million to complete these works from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said government support had been critical in the repair and recovery process.

“Council is appreciative of the QRA for providing the funds necessary to fix the roads damaged by floodwaters and landslips and the water network which copped a battering in December,” Mayor Scomazzon said.

“Council officers continue to work on funding applications (under the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements) as the hard work continues.”

“Without that ongoing support there’s a significant risk the recovery process will slow down or even stop.”

Major pipe upgrades at Whyanbeel and Rocky Point

Council’s commitment to improving water security is ongoing with plans to renew the water network at Whyanbeel and Rocky Point.

Two contracts, totalling $677,000, have been awarded for the replacement of ageing water mains on Miallo Bamboo Creek Road and Mossman Daintree Road.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said work was due to begin in late November and be completed in February 2025, weather depending.

“In recent times these cement pipes have required regular repairs,” Mayor Scomazzon said.

“The main challenge for Council and the contractors will be to complete the work with minimal impact to Miallo State School and residents’ driveways.

“It is expected the works will reduce maintenance in these areas over the next 50 years.”

Shaping the future of Douglas Shire

Douglas Shire Council is currently reviewing its Corporate Plan, a crucial document that will guide our annual budgets and Operating Plans for the next five years.

The draft Corporate Plan lays out our long-term vision, core values, and medium-term priorities, organized around four strategic themes:

  • Enhance liveability
  • Drive economic diversity
  • Deliver outstanding service
  • Focus on recovery and rebuilding

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the community would have an opportunity to have their say on the plan in November.

“This plan is not just a formality; it is the blueprint for our community’s future,” she said.

“Your input on the draft Corporate Plan’s vision, mission, values, and strategic themes is invaluable.

“There’ll be an opportunity for people to share their views directly with myself and the other councillors in the near future.” 

Tenure secured for Gorge tourism walks and sporting clubs

Indigenous walking tours at Rex Creek, Mossman Gorge will continue under another 10-year trustee lease between Council and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC). Council also endorsed the Land Management Plan for the reserve land that includes the lease area.

The Port Douglas Outrigger Canoe Club has entered into another 10-year trustee lease with Council, thereby ensuring their continued use of their shed located at Four Mile Beach Park. Similarly, the Port Douglas Rugby Club has also secured a ten-year trustee lease for the clubhouse overlooking the rugby field at the Port Douglas Sports Complex.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Council was pleased to endorse the ongoing commitments.

“The Mossman Gorge walking tours are popular with visitors and we were keen for those to continue while it was important we could provide these two sporting clubs at Port Douglas with a secure future, given the value they provide to our community,” she said.


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