Safer school walk for Douglas students
Port Douglas parents will have another reason to leave the car at home and walk/ride with their children to school.
$345,000 will be spent building a second footpath on St Crispins Avenue, linking Agincourt Road to the school crossing on Endeavour Street (see diagram below).
For some students it will mean one less road to cross before and after school, ultimately improving the safety for all road users.
The project received 100 per cent funding from the Queensland Government, Department of Transport and Main Roads, under the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP) and is due for completion by December 2024.
Tackling Douglas’ housing challenges
The Douglas Shire is the destination of choice for many seasonal workers and young families but in recent years it’s been challenging to find an affordable to place to live.
In response, Council has created a Douglas Shire Local Housing Action Plan.
What we already know:
- About 60 per cent of housing in Port Douglas and Craiglie is being used for short-term accommodation
- Housing stress is on the rise, with rental prices typically outpacing wage growth
The plan is a joint initiative, involving the Queensland Government and Local Government Association of Queensland, which aims to respond to a range of immediate, emerging, and longer-term housing challenges.
Infrastructure snapshot for April/June
There are some busy times ahead for Council’s infrastructure department, with TC Jasper recovery funding opening more opportunities to make improvements for our community.
As of 30 June, Council approved a capital works program of 116 projects; an increase of 29 projects in the space of a year.
The overall budget is $23.67 million and comprises of:
- 50 projects and $11.72M carried forward from the prior financial year(s), some with additional funding added this financial year
- 43 projects and $11.24M of new projects
- 23 emergent projects, with $712,000 currently budgeted and $5.68m in actuals and commitments. State Government funding is expected to be received for cyclone recovery works. 10 emergent projects have been setup as a result of Tropical Cyclone Jasper
Douglas to have its say – the latest appointments
A key transport group – that focuses on regional roads of significance – has a new Douglas Shire Council representative.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon has been named DSC’s delegate for the Regional Road and Transport Group.
Deputy Mayor Roy Zammataro will represent Council on the Local Authority Waste Management Committee and Councillor Abigail Noli is joining the Local Marine Advisory Committee.
Meantime plans are in place to develop a disaster recovery project for the region’s youth.
A project advisory group has been established to implement Kuku Bakal Kaykayanda – Giving Voice to Children and Young People, with Council’s Arts and Cultural officer to be involved.
