Community
16 July, 2025
Mossman’s positive people
WITH the new financial year now underway, it’s a reasonable question to ask how our local towns will fair over the next 12 months?
The future of Mossman is probably one that is most in the spotlight with the mill still for sale, or at least no confirmed buyer as yet, plus what is almost certainly the last sugarcane harvest currently ongoing.
A drive down Mossman’s main thoroughfare, Front Street, may also suggest an undesirable situation currently, with roller doors permanently down at some locations and previously open shops empty and up for sale.
Overall, the world economy is not at its best and people are generally doing it tough. With the cost of living on the rise, the effects of Cyclone Jasper still apparent and the previously mentioned sugar mill situation on people’s minds, one may feel somewhat disheartened.
What I have experienced personally, however, is that there is still a great passion amongst locals in Mossman, from both the residents and local business owners.
This was evident at the recent evening meetings, set up to discuss behavioural issues in the area. Over 40 people attended each meeting, each striving to help the town remain a desirable place to live and work.
Indeed, amongst the negatives, there are still many great things about Mossman, including the fact that it is the gateway to the world’s oldest rainforest and sits on the beautiful Coral Sea. Locals and visitors only have to look up to enjoy one of the most beautiful backdrops in Queensland.
Then, of course, there is the unique Mossman Gorge, a location of great culture and a renowned attraction for people from all over Australia and the world. Apart from the day-to-day activities of this beauty spot, just recently the Gorge played host to the Yalanji Raw Reconciliation Run and Walk, which once again enjoyed a large community turnout.
There are also amazing organisations like Mossman Support Services offering great support to the local community. This includes their youth group, responsible for events like the popular ‘Light Up The Park’ held regularly at George Davis Park. Much is also being achieved by the Mossman Elders Justice Group, with a range of help and activities provided for locals.
I have always thought of Mossman as the heartbeat and the work engine of the Douglas Shire. There is no better place to find a buzzing café for a coffee, breakfast or lunch and there are many thriving businesses with owners revelling in the fact that they both live and work in paradise.
While house prices continue to rise way out of reach in many Australian towns, Mossman still offers relatively affordable options for those keen to enter the housing market.
Above all, Mossman is still simply a wonderful rural farming town with a whole range of options beyond just the sugar industry.
Driving from Port Douglas to Mossman or vice versa, it is apparent that local farming families are already taking up the challenge and moving on.
Residents who have lived in the area for say 40 or 50 years, or in some cases longer, will tell you that tough times in Mossman have not been uncommon over the years and history has proved that the future often becomes much brighter again, if we all work together.
I’m off to test my bowling skills at the wonderfully renovated Club Mossman, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
