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General News

1 October, 2021

Douglas Council and developer at odds

DOUGLAS 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.

By Peter McCullagh

Douglas Council and developer at odds - feature photo

Douglas Shire Council this week unanimously voted 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 Councillors 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.”

Council’s decision to refuse the development application is of concern to the Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.

The developers have entered into a partnership agreement with Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to provide jobs during construction and within the hotel as a key part of the company’s reconciliation plan for First Nations People.  

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