Shire quits Qantas deal
Talks over carbon offset project stalled
THE wings of a carbon neutral partnership between Douglas Shire Council and Qantas have been clipped.
Negotiations for a proposed offset project involving the national carrier and council have broken down with the parties aborting their arrangement.
The Healthy Reef Partnership was announced by Mayor Julia Leu in June as an Australian first, with Qantas set to enter a three-year deal to help offset council’s carbon footprint.
The airline’s stamp was a major selling point of the deal.
However, Cr Leu said talks had stalled.
“Unfortunately, the partnership does not appear to be moving forward and we have been unable to complete the deal,” she said.
Council is now looking to buy land in the Douglas Shire to host carbon-offset projects such as tree planting, habitat and wetland restorations.
These activities were originally planned outside the region.
It’s believed that giving long-term value for ratepayers was at the forefront of the decision.
Cr Leu will formally put a motion to stop the Qantas talks at an ordinary council meeting on September 10.
“Despite this, council has snapped into action on a plan to invest in a local project that will offset our carbon footprint as we continue to work on reducing our emissions,” she said.
“Investing in local regeneration projects will give the most long-term value for ratepayers and we know the broader community wants council to work on projects that protect the environment and develop the economy.
Cr Leu said council would now broaden its community consultation.
Residents and groups will be asked to register their interest to receive information about the project and consultation opportunities.
“Council’s goal is to see the SCHOOL drop-offs, pick-ups, footy training, netball and dancing. There’s a lot going on for Port Douglas father of three Blair Ziesler.
It’s Father’s Day this Sunday and Mr Ziesler might get the usual socks and jocks, or some golf gear, but he says the best gift of all is his children. “I’m very lucky,” he said. “Sometimes they drive me crazy but they’re great kids. If the kids are happy, that’s the main thing.”
Mr Ziesler said one of the best things about being a dad was seeing his kids live happy lives.
“I enjoy coaching Jed’s under 8s footy team. I love watching them do what they love and especially when they succeed.”
His kids Jed, Sophie and Alexandra reckon he’s a pretty cool dad.
“I like that he loves me,” Jed said. “We love kicking the footy around.” Douglas Shire become Ecotourism Australia’s first certified eco-destination and the first carbon neutral region,” Cr Leu said.
“By aiming for carbon neutrality and encouraging our tourism industry to do the same, we will further position Douglas Shire as an ecotourism powerhouse.”