Community
3 June, 2024
Council splashes out
PORT Douglas is to get an aquatic precinct splash park that will blow the budget by $1.5 million.
The $2.27m proposal at Jalunbu Park at Garrick St, behind the Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club, was unanimously endorsed by councillors at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Councillors voted for the larger option which covers 400sqm with “superior multidimensional design and inclusions (such as) more footpaths, picnic shelters and barbecues and a carparking upgrade”.
A council report said the budget overrun would have to be taken into consideration during 2024-25 budget discussions as well as the estimated $283,043 annual maintenance costs.
“Option B, the larger, more complex designed splash park would be multidimensional and have many more inclusions and attractions for all to enjoy,” the report said.
“It is surrounded by picnic areas and barbecues and car parking improvements will be included.
“With more landscaping and footpaths, themes that tie into local Indigenous culture, rainforests, beaches and Mossman Gorge, it could be an iconic destination for tourists and residents to frequent.
“After years of consultation within the community, it is clear that a splash park in Port Douglas would be a welcome addition. Not proceeding with the project would bring potential reputational damage.”
The report said if the smaller splash park was selected as the preferred option, the council “will meet its objective of supplying a splash park, however, it will not be an iconic tourist attraction and the community may be disappointed”.
Port Douglas-based Cr Damian Meadows said the water park was, not just for Port Douglas, but for the entire shire to use.
He said it would be “a massive step forward for the community and major drawcard for visitors”.
Cr Meadows said it would benefit the local construction industry and was “the best possible outcome”.
Cr Michael Rees, also of Port Douglas, said it was “great bang for the buck” and double the smaller proposal. “It will put Port Douglas on the map … it’s fantastic”.
Cr Abigal Noli said ratepayers were expecting a splash park in the town and the design had to be the right one. She said the wrong design would be to the detriment of the shire.
“Port Douglas deserves a splash park,” she said.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said it would be “great for Port Douglas” and close to the beach and restaurants.
