In his interview with Fab FM’s Paul Makin, Mayor Kerr raised the annual dredging of the Daintree River to sustain the Ferry operation. The impact of this annual dredging on the environment will no doubt be a consideration during the review into the Ferry / Bridge options. Some have questioned why the ferry service is managed, and at the expense of the Council and not a State Department of Transport and Mains Roads responsibility as is the case for many other Ferry services in QLD.

The Mayor also announced that the 2020/21 Fees and Charges Schedule was to be tabled at a Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday 2^ndJune with an increase of 2.2% proposed. The motion was not passed with Councillor Zammataro proposing that there be no increases in Fees and Charges. Councillors unanimously agreed that the motion be deferred for further consideration. Now is not the time for increases in Fees and Charges. It is a time for Council to undertake a diligent review of all expenditure and focus on the provision of essential services. Mayor Kerr also announced that a playground in Craiglie would be built. Over half a million dollars has been allocated to a playground renewal program across the Shire. Should the Council be proceeding with this type of expenditure before a full assessment of the budget has been undertaken. It is reasonable to expect that Council take all necessary action to enable a freeze on rate increase for 20/21 i.e. a freeze on headcount or be able to demonstrate a cost neutral impact where an additional position is proposed.

The appointment of the new Tourism and Economic Development Office Position was also raised by the Mayor. It would be reasonable to expect that the costs associated with this new position will mean at the very least, a reduction in funding to TPDD to offset this additional cost.

We are hopeful that a full review of how the Council spends ratepayer money to support tourism in the region will be undertaken. The return on a significant investment over many years supporting TPDD, has not been evident. Perhaps a funding model that aligns with quantitative measures of performance and benchmarked against other comparable tourism regions is in order. It’s time for a change in approach particularly with the challenges ahead.

Have your say on these important issues, send us your thoughts to info@douglasratepayers.org.au

To hear the full interview with Paul Makin and Mayor Kerr, go to:

https://fabfm.podbean.com/e/should-qlds-borders-be-re-opened-mayor-michael-kerr-has-his-say-plus-a-new-playground-in-the-wind-and-a-special-dsc-meeting-tomorrow/

The renewal of the TPDD 3 year contract is pending and due for renewal on June 30 2020. We note that this is an item for discussion at the Douglas Shire Council meeting tomorrow.

DSC has provided TPDD with around $9million funding since 2005-2006. Tourism has barely increased in the Douglas Shire by 7% in that time ($511 million in 05/06 to $549 million in 18/19 - refer https://economy.id.com.au/douglas/tourism-value?sEndYear=2006)

By comparison, Tourism Noosa has increased by 41% during that same period ($850 million 05/06 to $1,200 million in18/19 – refer https://economy.id.com.au/noosa/tourism-value?sEndYear=2006)

Regional QLD Tourism has increased by 40% in that period ($127 million 05/06 to $179million in 18/19 – refer https://economy.id.com.au/noosa/gross-product?BMID=20}

Is it time to consider an alternative approach to the distribution of this significant amount of funding?

THE DOUGLAS SHIRE COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY 26 MAY 20 AT 10:00 AM

AGENDA NOW AVAILABLE AT https://douglas.qld.gov.au/council-meetings/

THE MEETING WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE COUNCIL’S FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/douglasshirecouncil

SOME OF THE AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION – FULL AGENDA IS AVAILABLE ON THEIR WEBSITE

Tourism and Economic Development Officer (TEDO)

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has commenced the process of recruiting for a TEDO which has seen a high calibre of applicants. It is envisioned the position will work within the Community and Economic Development Section and work closely with other departments to find innovative ways to support the economy.

Consideration of Playground proposed at 49 Milman Drive Craiglie

The Public Spaces Team have proposed the construction of a Junior Playground consisting of a swing set, seesaw, junior climbing apparatus and rubber softfall safety matting (the ‘Playground’) on land at 49 Milman Drive, Craiglie. The land is currently owned by Council Douglas Shire. The proposal to locate a playground at this location is a result of the local community requesting a playground within the estate via a petition received in 2017 and again in 2018.

Water and Wastewater Quarterly report For Period Ending 31 March 2020

Whilst the results are generally positive the areas for improvement are noted and will be the focus of the branch over the next quarter. Notable capital improvements include the completion of the Mowbray River Road water main renewal, water treatment plant pump overhauls, Daintree water treatment plant backup generator structural renewal, new permanent sewer pump station generators, sewer pump station lid replacement and sluice valve renewals.

Warner Street Footpath

Stage 1 of the Warner Street upgrade project has been substantially completed, with the kerb & channel, stormwater pits / pipes and car parking areas improved. These works have improved the amenity of the area and increased stormwater drainage efficiencies in the street. Pedestrian access is an important issue in Warner Street. In order for the footpath works to be completed, it is necessary to transfer savings from other funded projects within the 2019/2020 capital budget. If the budget is transferred, Council will be able to complete the footpath works this financial year.

Macrossan Street - State Road Designation

Macrossan Street, Port Douglas is a State Controlled Road and whenever Council plans improvements along the street it must seek approval from the Department of Transport and Main Roads approval (DTMR). At the Council Workshop held Tuesday 3 December 2019, Councillors discussed the idea of negotiating ownership of Macrossan Street with the Department of Transport & Main Roads and agreed that the Executive Manager Infrastructure was to discuss the idea with the DTMR corridor manager to gauge their appetite for relinquishing State Control of Macrossan Street.

Capital Works Progress Report For 3rd Quarter 2019 – 2020

Council Officers are currently project managing 149 individual capital works projects with a combined value of approximately $25 million. Additionally, there are approximately $20 million in disaster recovery projects currently under management.

Covid-19 Waive Charges For Backflow Registration And Ferry For Year Ending June 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on many businesses and individuals in the Douglas Shire. Council wishes to offer various measures of relief to assist in supporting affected community members for the period up to 30 June 2020. Further measures will be considered by Council during the preparation of the Budget for 2020/2021.

Monthly Financial Report April 2020

The Financial Report details the progress of the 2019/20 revised budget for the period ended 30 April 2020. Key points to note include the following:  Operating revenue is behind budget by $474k.  Operating expenditure is under budget by $1.8m.  The Operating Surplus is currently $4.5m, compared to a budgeted Surplus of $3.2m.

Operational Plan Progress Report For Period January To March 2020

The Operational Plan 2019 - 2020 was adopted on 25 June 2019 in conjunction with the Annual Budget 2019 -2020. Under section 174 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, a written assessment of the progress of implementing the Operational Plan is to be presented to Council on at least a quarterly basis.

CEO Report For Period January To March 2020

The reports present an outline of the operational initiatives and progress made by Council's Administration from January to March 2020. As part of the administration's review and continual improvement in the way the business of Council is communicated, the "Organisational Report Card" was developed to provide a regular snapshot for Councillors and the community on a selection of operational indicators.

Notice of Motion by Cr Noli re TPPD Contract Renewal

That:

1) all correspondence to TPDD since Monday 13th April be provided to all Councillors;

2) details of all meetings (including online meetings) between Council and TPDD since 13th April and meeting attendees be provided to all Councillors;

3) the future contract arrangements between TPDD and Council become a public and community conversation.

Notice of Motion by Cr Noli re Tourism & Economic Development Officer

That Council suspend immediately with the recruitment and employment for the position of Tourism and Economic Development Officer until at least the formal acceptance of the 2020/2021 budget when financial implications of this position have been considered and calculated.

On Dec 3rd 2019 the previous Council held a Closed meeting, on the premise that a contract was being discussed i.e. Contractual Matter S275 1 E Local Government Regulation 2012 - 2019-084 Daintree River Ferry Contract 2021. In fact, it appears that the primary purpose of the Closed Meeting was to make a decision on whether to have a bridge, two ferries or stay with one ferry. At that meeting it appears that a decision was made to proceed with the two-ferry option despite very little if any full disclosure of the facts in regard to cost/ benefit analysis or meaningful community consultation. The CEO (Mark Stoermer) was instructed to undertake contract negotiations for the two ferry option.

The Council went into “caretaker mode” before contract negotiations could be finalised. The new Mayor (Michael Kerr) is now seeking to give us a chance to have a say on this important decision by proposing that Council:-

Temporarily suspend contract negotiations for contract 2019 – 084 Daintree Ferry Contract 2021 while it:

1. Explores the option of a bridge crossing at various locations and the possible economic benefits to the region;
2. Conducts further community consultation including the bridge option and details of the costs of the two ferry solution provided for in the currently negotiated contract; and
3. Brings the results of the community consultation back to an Ordinary Council Meeting (not a Closed Council meeting).

We welcome the opportunity to have a say on this important decision for Douglas Shire.

To read the Mayoral Minutes for more details, click on the link below

https://douglas.qld.gov.au/download/council_meetings/meeting_agendas/3.1-Mayoral-Minutes.pdf

The DSRA is offering our member small business owners the opportunity to promote their business on our website. We want to support our small businesses who are doing it tough by offering the opportunity to promote their products and services on our website. We encourage all members to support our local businesses through these challenging times.

Members who wish to be involved please send an email to info@douglasratepayers.org.au .

DSRA President Sylvia Healy, talks to FabFMs Paul Makin on rates, the Douglas Shire Economy and DSRA's plans after the election

https://fabfm.podbean.com/e/douglas-shire-ratepayers-associations-president-sylvia-healy-with-the-dsra-s-priorities-leading-up-to-this-weekends-local-government-election/

Regular updates from Douglas Shire Council

https://douglas.qld.gov.au/council-information/coronavirus-covid-19/

The ECQ has determined that, based on current advice available, the elections should proceed.

https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/2020-local-government-elections-covid-19-protection-measure

Early voting is now available until Friday, 27 March 2020. To find your nearest early voting centre and check voting times, search for your address on Find your polling booth

https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au

Former Candidate Bruce Clarke told FAB FM on Saturday evening that he is back in the race. Last week Bruce explained to the Shire that due to ill health he had to pull the plug on his campaign. But with a clean bill of health from his doctor and being told he CANNOT pull out has put him back on the campaign trail. Bruce explains the turnabout to FAB FM's Paul Makin and how he wants to proceed towards March 28th.

https://fabfm.podbean.com/e/local-government-election-shock-bruce-is-back-and-he-tells-us-why/