A permanent, outdoor water bottle refill station has been installed at the entrance to Market Park, home of the Sunday Port Douglas Markets.
The contactless refill station will automatically track the number of water bottle refills and sets a standard for Port Douglas on the world map in a world heritage environmental area to be a leader in sustainable tourism. We are encouraging both tourists and locals to Bring Your Own (BYO) reusable water bottles each and every time they come to the Markets.
It’s an important habit to teach not only future generations, but tourists whether you’re from Australia or overseas. You can bring your own or purchase a reusable water bottle during your stay to refill multiple times while you’re visiting protected world heritage great barrier reef and rainforest habitats.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said it was important Council played its part in reducing plastic waste.
“Too often people think that plastic pollution is a problem overseas, but a number of local beaches have plastic washed up every day and from plastic being sold in Australia as well. Cape Kimberly in the Daintree is probably the most shocking,” Cr Kerr said.
‘We have the best quality drinking water right here in Douglas Shire, you’re drinking water from the rainforest.”
The refill station features a photo of Mossman Gorge, and is located adjacent to the pedestrian crossing on Macrossan and Wharf Street.
“We want to provide the necessary infrastructure that sets the standard of Port Douglas/Douglas Shire as a world class, Eco Certified sustainable tourism destination, one that works to protect and preserve the natural habitat and animals that it depends upon,” Cr Kerr said.
Other tourism destinations, tour operators, as well as cafes and events are being encouraged to help build and use the Water Bottle Refill Network of Douglas Shire. For more information, visit www.plasticfreecairns.org/watermap including how to join the map and set up a water refill station.
Council will be improving its website and tools to encourage more refill stations to be provided to support plastic free events in the region.
