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A DRAFT plan to capitalise on a growing sports tourism market and improve facilities for the local community is now open for public comment.

Douglas Shire Council is seeking feedback on the Port Douglas Sports Complex & Coronation Park Master Plan until Wednesday, July 22.

Local sporting clubs and other key stakeholders have shaped the document, which will be used to attract investment from State and Federal Governments once finalised.

The draft document is available for viewing on Council’s website where members of the public can complete an electronic questionnaire to provide a submission.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the plan identified an exciting future for local sport.

“The Port Douglas Sports Complex is strategically placed to become a hub of sports tourism with key visitor attractions a stone’s throw away,” he said.

“Like the wedding industry, regional sporting events have the potential to deliver significant economic benefits by attracting swarms of out-of-towners into the region.

“Planning projects like this are absolutely vital in progressing our local infrastructure and driving our post-Covid recovery.

“New and improved facilities will also support our local clubs and help us meet their needs.”

Port Douglas Sports Complex

Some key projects slated for the Port Douglas Sports Complex include an indoor sports and entertainment centre, an extension to the clubhouse and a new synthetic hockey surface field.

Council’s Sports and Recreation Officer Renee Ker said the draft master plan was developed through extensive consultation with the community and facility users, as well as analysing sporting trends and growth.

“We had excellent input from a range of user groups. The focus of the masterplans was not only to support sport but also to activate ‘recreational users’. Cycling and walking paths, fitness stations, BBQ areas and a youth park all feature in the draft plan,” she said.

Coronation Park (Mossman Showgrounds)

“Coronation Park (Mossman Showgrounds) is the heart of the community with long-established sporting clubs and the annual show bringing our local community together.

“The park was widely acknowledged during consultation as an important, central part of the current and future development of Mossman and surrounds.”

A new multi-use amenities and storage facility with disability access has already received funding through the Mossman Show Society.

A number of small-scale projects are also recommended for Coronation Park (Mossman Showgrounds), to ensure future site development is delivered in a consistent way that continues to provide for the site’s main activities.

A new field to support junior rugby league and hockey is featured in the field with more open, safer and welcoming spaces.

Ms Ker said the final document would show funding bodies that Council is committed to investing and shaping the future of sport in Douglas Shire.

“It is really great to see that the plans are working with funding opportunities already “she said.

“The idea of a masterplan is not only for planning reasons and develop sport through infrastructure; but it is also gives Council a better chance for funding opportunities.

Lighting upgrades have been recommended at both sites.

To find more information, please visit here.

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