Lagoon key to Port Douglas' revival

Port Douglas business interests have identified a lagoon development as being key to the resort's revival as a haven for tourists and investors.

Cairns Regional Council has called for tenders for a feasibility study to determine the exact place, cost and benefit of the lagoon, as the centrepiece of the Port Douglas waterfront plan.

The process is expected to be completed early next year.

However, the Cairns Post has reported that Tourism Port Douglas Daintree Executive Officer Doug Ryan, who is also on the waterfront plan advisory board, as saying that too much money was being spent on plans, quoting Ryan as stating âwe wanted the lagoon upgraded to be a two-year-plan rather than a 10-year plan and I think that's doable.

"We are heading in the right direction but I think there are probably a lot of ways to save some money."

Area councillor Julia Leu disagrees, saying a detailed report would also help to source much-needed outside funding for the project.

"You can't just call in a contractor and say Dig a whole here' and that is that," Leu stated, adding âwe will be advertising for tenders ⦠and are moving very quickly ahead on a tight timeline to get this completed as quickly as possible."

The engineering report will determine a number of factors including life-time costs and economic benefits to the community as well as making sure the infrastructure was safe and would not be affected by the tides.

Manager of the Court House Hotel, Jason Andersen, said he hoped the community would be able to band together to get the project completed as soon as possible, adding "it is going to be sensational and I'm sure it will attract people into the centre of town again."

19th August 2010 - $15 MILLION DAINTREE RAINFOREST HUB PLANS