Developer encouraged to work with Council
COUNCILLORS have encouraged the developer of a proposed resort development on Port Douglas Road to work with Council to address its development application which has 18 points of non-compliance.
Douglas Shire Council today unanimously decided to refuse a development application for a 253-room resort complex due to significant non-compliance with the bulk, scale, facilities provision, and character of the proposal when assessing it against the 2018 Planning Scheme.
The Councillor decision followed multiple discussions between Council staff and the applicant in a bid to reach appropriate changes to the development.
The application sought approval for the resort with 253 rooms, food and drink outlets, function facilities, basement car parking and recreation facilities configured within a single building at up to six storeys in height.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Council would continue to encourage suitable development that complied with the planning scheme.
“Our planning staff are currently working closely with a number of developers to get some amazing projects across the line in Douglas,” he said.
“Ultimately this proposal is currently too far outside requirements of the Planning Scheme and community expectations.”
“My message to this developer is clear – we want to work with you. You only need to look at the great work done at Langley Rd development, Craiglie subdivision and plans for a retirement facility on Port Douglas Rd to see it can be done in Douglas.”
New Gear to Pump Sewage to Our Plants
NEW electrical switchboards will be installed to help pump raw sewage into our wastewater treatment plants.
Council has awarded a $261,300 contract for SPS Switchboard Upgrades to Closedane Pty Ltd to manufacture and install electrical switchboards at various sewerage pump stations in the shire.
The project will replace four out of nine outdated and aging switchboards that are currently in operation.
Council has recognised the requirement to upgrade some sewerage pump station switchboards and remote terminal units due to obsolescence and age.
Construction tender for Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Awarded
LOCAL workers and materials will be used to build Safe Places Emergency Accommodation in Mossman.
Douglas Shire Council awarded the $547,850.36 contract to MAC Constructions to build one two-bedroom unit and one three-bedroom unit.
In their submission, the contractor stated an intention to source material and workforce from the local area where possible.
The Australian Government Department of Social Services has provided $760,400.00 for the design and construction of the project.
Council purchased the property in Mossman in November 2020.
Deputy Mayor to Be Douglas Waste Rep
DEPUTY Mayor Lisa Scomazzon will fly the flag for Douglas at a waste management group for Far North Queensland.
Councillors unanimously voted to appoint Cr Scomazzon as Council’s elected member representative on the FNQROC Regional Waste Management Group, which will develop a Regional Strategic Waste and Materials Recovery Framework.
The development of a Framework provides the opportunity to move the region from its current ‘risk management and mitigation’ approach to resilience planning and investment attraction around waste management.
New Caretakers for Beachside Caravan Park
NEW caretakers will operate the Wonga Beach Caravan Park, located north of Newell Beach, from 29 September 2021.
Council awarded the one-year caretaker contract to Steve Matterson and Jackie Thomas, with an option to extend for further 12-month periods.
The preferred applicants have their own caravan and are prepared to live on site until the fully furnished one bedroom unit is constructed.
Mossman High School Awards night
A $500 sponsorship will help Mossman State High School celebrate our outstanding students.
Douglas Shire Council has continued its support as a gold sponsor of the annual awards presentation to be held on 17 November 2021.
Mossman State High School conducts an annual Awards Presentation acknowledging and celebrating students’ academic, cultural and sporting achievements; and outstanding leadership and citizenship.
In 2019 and 2020 Douglas Shire Council financially supported the awards as a gold sponsor.
Mossman State High School’s Concert Band staff and students have assisted Council, volunteering their time to rehearse and play music at annual Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day civic functions.
Backing the Douglas Business Community
DOUGLAS businesses stand to benefit from Council’s $40,000 commitment to the Douglas Chamber of Commerce.
The investment, over a three year period, will support the Chamber to provide necessary tools, events and resources to support and empower local businesses.
Council will continue to work with DCC to track progress and ensure a coordinated approach to economic and business development in Douglas.
Daintree Ferry Advisory Committee
A DAINTREE Ferry Advisory Committee will be established to help enhance efficiency and improve the delivery of service.
The committee will provide advice and recommendations to Council on project planning, prioritisation, and delivery of the Daintree Ferry Service.
Council will seek expressions of interest to join the committee and bring back a Terms of Reference for Councillors to vote on.
Options Report For Retirement Style Living Houses
AN OPTONS report for Council to consider developing retirement style living houses will be presented at a future Council Meeting.
In 2016, Council issued a Preliminary Approval for a retirement village on the lot next to the Kubirri Aged Care Centre.
This 2.849-hectare lot is owned by Council as is a 1.87-hectare block in Craiglie.
A report detailing options for both sites will be tabled at a future Council meeting for consideration.
Read the full Notice of Motion here.
Re-watch the Ordinary Council Meeting below:
