Douglas News

15/01/2024

Also looking for people at 6am St Mary's!!!

WE NEED YOU - TOMORROW at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina - Port Douglas

As part of our getting people back to Port Douglas, Channels Nine's 'the TODAY show' is in town this Tuesday 16th January, to nationally broadcast their live weather crosses!

With our seasonal weather, we need to make certain that rain doesn't deter people looking to book their holiday in the months ahead. The bigger the crowd we can get standing behind 'Tim the Weather Man' the better Port Douglas will look.

Our plan is simple...despite the weather Tuesday morning, let's 'flood' the background with local people proudly waving their favourite businesses banners.

Arrive at the marina at 7.30am, grab a coffee from Choo Choos at the Marina and join us to celebrate Douglas!

This is a celebration that Port Douglas, Mossman and Daintree Village are ready and waiting for more visitors to book their next holiday to our region in the month ahead!

Getting the TODAY Show here has been thanks to Tourism Tropical North Queensland and TEQ as we continue to ask of them to support Port Douglas and the Daintree.

Douglas Shire Council l Douglas Chamber of Commerce l Do It In Douglas l Whatsoninport

29/12/2023

PLEASE READ. As you know there are a few problems that have occurred and this is why there is no water.
1. The main intake is blocked by boulder/s. A crane will be used to remove the boulder/s but this takes time. This hasn’t been able to occur because of water levels. There is also work on bypassing the main intake.
2. Because of the intake blockage and greatly reduced flow, air is entering the system and causing air pockets etc which cause their own problems in the line and treatment plant. The air must be removed by ‘bleeding’ the system but once again this takes time.
3. High levels of silt have caused havoc in the filtration system causing another set of problems.
So what is happening?
1. Bypass intake.
2. Clear intake.
3. Looking at how to pump untreated water to community. This obviously has its own set of repercussions.
All these things take time but I will get back to you with some time estimates when I know more.

27/12/2023

19/12/2023

Anyone need a hand cleaning up? I have volunteers who want to help and I can make connections for you. Use this space to ask for or offer assistance. Swop details in comments section below. If there is any hint of abuse of this space I will delete it, I don’t believe this will occur though.

10/12/2023

Douglas Shire Sustainability Group (DSSG) believes the proposed Daintree Microgrid is “green wash” and that it may even lead to an increase in fossil fuel use, rather than a decrease.

"DSSG president, Didge McDonald said that upgrading standalone solar systems in the Daintree is a far more environmentally and cost-effective solution, and would have huge community support. This would virtually eliminate their need to use diesel-powered back-up generators....."
READ ON ⟼

Douglas Shire Sustainability Group (DSSG) believes the proposed Daintree Microgrid is “green wash” and that it may even lead to an increase in fossil fuel use, rather than a decrease.

07/12/2023

With the uncertainty currently around Cyclone Jasper, now is the time to make sure you are following Douglas Shire Council's, Douglas Disaster Information page and that you are singed up to their disaster dashboard (https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/). These valuable resources should be your first stop to keep up with the latest news including 👇

🌀Weather warnings
🚗 Road conditions
📷 Flood cameras
‼️ Emergency news

It is also a good time to make sure you are prepared for the upcoming storm season using the following steps

✔️ Review your disaster action plan and refresh your team on processes;
✔️ Check your business and household emergency kit, replace food and batteries that may be out of date and refresh your water supplies;
✔️ Clean out your gutters;
✔️ Check your roof and organise repairs if needed;
✔️ Clean up green waste around your property that could contribute to flooding or become a projectile in strong winds;
✔️ Cut back trees and remove damaged limbs that could fall on your or a neighbour’s home in strong winds;
✔️ Stock up on sandbags. If you have sandbags from previous years, check they are still sound (the bag may deteriorate over time).

Do It In Douglas l Douglas Chamber of Commerce l Whatsoninport l Newsport Daily l Douglas News

06/12/2023

New Councillor Intention for Douglas Shire

PORT DOUGLAS RESIDENT SARA MULCAHY has announced her intention to run for Douglas Shire council at the local government elections in March 2024.

Resident of four years and holiday maker of 12 before that, she plans to bring a fresh eye to council business. Her focus is on safeguarding the future sustainability of the Douglas Shire, while remaining sensitive to its history and traditions.

READ ON⟼https://bit.ly/3Ngxitk

04/12/2023

🎄🎁 The holiday season is almost here, and Mossman Youth Centre is asking for your support.

Join us in making a difference this Christmas. Every contribution, no matter its size, is a step towards making our community stronger. 🤗🎅

Donations can be dropped off at the center from Monday to Thursday, between 10 AM and 6 PM. For large or bulky donations please call or email beforehand.

29/11/2023

Four crew members were last night rescued from a sinking trawler in Weary Bay, off the coast of Bloomfield. The…

24/11/2023

23/11/2023

MEDIA STATEMENT | Former Mayor Mike Berwick on Douglas' Agricultural Future

❝Cane growing, the industry that built the shire as we know it is about to disappear altogether. Becoming a one industry town should set off the alarm bells for all of us with the exception of those eying off agricultural land for subdivision, housing and hobby farms for short term profit...❞

READ ON ⟼.

Cane growing, the industry that built the shire as we know it is about to disappear altogether. Becoming a one industry town should set off the alarm bells for all of us with the exception of those eying off agricultural land for subdivision, housing and hobby farms for short term profit.

20/11/2023

BREAKING NEWS / Mossman Sugar Mill Appoints Voluntary Administrator

Douglas Shire cane growers have just received news announcing the appointment of a voluntary administrator for the Mossman Sugar Mill.
Despite record high global sugar prices, supply challenges and adverse weather conditions are being blamed for interrupting the mill's ability to operate viably.

FULL STORY ⟼ https://bit.ly/3G4UqH4

17/11/2023

AMSA's decision to not renew the contract of their maintenance provider has been described as inexplicable and threatening to Australia’s defence, trade and environmental national interests...

❝The maintenance of Australia’s critical maritime shipping and navigation network is now under threat because the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has refused to renew the contract of the existing maintenance provider, AMS Group, and apparently has no back-up plan and no other tenderer to turn to...❞
FULL STORY VIA LINK BELOW ⟼

AMSA's decision to not renew the contract of their maintenance provider has been described as inexplicable and threatening to Australia’s defence, trade and environmental national interests...

16/11/2023

16/11/2023

FAR North Queenslanders can Do It In Douglas for free over the next four months with the annual Douglas Card promotion underway.

16/11/2023

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Glen Hingley as Tourism Port Douglas Daintree’s new chief executive officer (CEO).

With an extensive background in destination marketing and business events, Glen brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the leadership role.

Familiar with the northern Australian visitor economy, Glen’s most recent roles were with NT Major Events Company and Tourism Top End.

As general manager of the peak industry body Tourism Top End, Glen led the organisation in supporting members and the region’s visitor economy, ensuring collaborative relationships with key stakeholders including government agencies and Traditional Owners groups.

Cam Charlton, chair of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said having someone of Glen's callibre step into the role is a great opportunity for the local tourism organisation. “Glen’s wealth of experience and proven leadership skills make him the ideal choice to guide us into the next phase of growth and sustainability

Glen will officially start with TPDD on the 27th of November 2023.

Read the full press release here 👉https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/media

Douglas Shire Council l Douglas Chamber of Commerce l Do It In Douglas l Newsport Daily l Whatsoninport l Douglas News

13/11/2023

This afternoon, Wonga Beach State School hosted an afternoon of family entertainment to raise money for beloved local charity KIND Inc and to celebrate World Kindness Day.

Giggles were provided by none other than the aptly named "The Giggles", a delicious Bake and Cake sale was hosted by the School Council, and lots of fun activities including face painting and games rounded out a highly successful afternoon of kindness and family fun.

The Student Council raised a wonderful $830 for KIND Inc who assist local Douglas Shire children needing support after diagnosis with a terminal or chronic illness or injury.

Take a look at the fun-filled afternoon at the link below.
Congratulations Wonga Beach State School students for a successful and entertaining afternoon!

GALLERY ⟼ https://bit.ly/49B3rFe

13/11/2023

05/11/2023

Garage Sale Trail is Australia's festival of pre-loved stuff with over 300,000 Australians hitting the trail each year in the hunt for the perfect pre-loved bargain...and the NicNak Shed in Port Douglas is on board, and welcoming others to get involved.

FURTHER INFORMATION ⟼https://bit.ly/3QJ5LCS

Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre | NicNak Shed - Op Shop | Garage Sale Trail

02/11/2023

What's On this weekend around the region?

https://douglasnews.network/2023/11/02/douglas-shire-week-end-guide-5/

30/10/2023

𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 || An Ordinary Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 31 October 2023 at 10am 📝

🎥 The meeting will be live-streamed online via Council's website.
View the agenda here 👉 https://bit.ly/3KyKLfx

30/10/2023

𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲-𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

After two terms as both a councillor and Mayor of the Douglas Shire, Michael Kerr has announced that he will not be standing for re-election in the upcoming Local Government election. In a statement released today, Councillor Kerr cited personal reasons for his decision to step away from the role of Mayor.

"It has been an incredible honour and privilege to serve as both a councillor and Mayor of the Douglas Shire over the past two terms," said Mayor Kerr. "I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the community and proud of all that we have accomplished together over what has been a challenging tenure.

https://douglasnews.network/2023/10/30/douglas-shire-mayor-announces-decision-not-to-stand-for-re-election/

25/10/2023

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK/END?

This weekend, we suggest you head for the hills! Yungaburra, in particular, is hosting their monthly markets, the annual Folk Festival, and a car and bike show. The Tinaroo Barra Bash is also being held this weekend.

Closer to home, enjoy live music at Paddys, Central Hotel, Court House Hotel, up at PK’s Jungle Village, and also up at Mount Molloy National Hotel who host a weekly Jag the Joker and live band on Fridays. Also enjoy live music for Saturday evening and Sunday lunch at Daintree Siesta in Cow Bay.

FULL REPORT ⟼

Your guide to events in the Douglas Shire and beyond...

24/10/2023

🔌⚡️ Curious about the Electric Vehicle Tax?

Crispin Hull shares today's opinion piece on the recent High Court decision on the Victorian imposition of electric vehicle tax.

❝The High Court’s decision should be a catalyst for a total tax rethink. Before long the whole fleet will be electric and fuel-tax revenue will not be enough to pay for roads. They do not pay for all road spending now. It can only get worse.❞

❝Obviously, EVs should attract much less tax than fossil vehicles. They might do similar road damage and require similar road upgrades, but they do not incur other environmental costs like pollution and extra global heating.
But some form of road-use charge will be needed, and it will have to be a national one. The High Court says so.❞

Read more on our website and share your thoughts below.
⟼ https://bit.ly/47004pw

💬🚗