General News
11 June, 2025
Unlocking marina plan
A SEVEN-year-old plan to revitalise the Port Douglas waterfront south of the yacht club has been dusted off in a bid to draw new industries and employment to the Douglas Shire in the wake of the imminent demise of cane farming.
Douglas Shire Council is calling on the state and federal governments to support the next phase of the Port Douglas waterfront south precinct project – a transformative initiative designed to revitalise the local economy, generate employment and secure long-term economic resilience for the region.
The project seeks immediate funding of about $300,000 to conduct a feasibility study for a vibrant, multi-use waterfront precinct that will serve as a tourism, marine and employment hub for the Douglas Shire. The 2018 plan shows two marine industry sites, a fisherman’s wharf, a tour terminal, retail and commercial space, a market square, a boat yard, public and extra car parks and a public boat ramp.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lissa Scomazzon said the project was more than infrastructure – “it’s about creating sustainable economic alternatives, attracting investment and positioning Port Douglas as a destination for innovation and growth”.
“It’s about providing real economic alternatives for those impacted by the mill closure while positioning our region as a thriving hub for both tourism and marine enterprise,” she said.
Cr Scomazzon said the council was urging the state and federal governments to co-fund the feasibility study, positioning the project as a catalyst for regional recovery and sustainable economic growth.
She said pending the outcome of the feasibility study, the council would be seeking support for additional funding to undertake a detailed business case for the project.
“This is a flagship project that will create a ripple effect across the region, stimulating investment, sustaining businesses and creating futureproof employment,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“Now is the time to invest in Port Douglas’ future.”
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree executive officer Emma Tunnock is backing the initiative, highlighting its potential to revitalise the region’s visitor economy and stimulate job creation.
“We are the most tourism-dependent regional economy in Queensland and the waterfront south precinct presents a critical opportunity to secure our economic future,” she said.
Well regarded property developer and tourism operator John Morris said the precinct would “unlock new industry potential, revitalise our waterfront and create much-needed jobs in tourism, marine services and beyond”.
The council said with the closure of the Mossman mill impacting the agricultural sector, the precinct offered “a pathway to economic diversification through the development of a marine industry”.
“This includes transferable employment opportunities for workers affected by the mill closure, particularly in marine servicing, commercial fishing and superyacht maintenance,” the council said.
