Splash park on cards
A WATER park for Port Douglas could still be in the works despite its absence from the ledgers in the Douglas Shire’s recent budget.
Mayor Michael Kerr said providing the Far North community with a safe swimming alternative was still top of mind and had been factored into the operational plan for 2020/21.
But plans for an Australian-first chemical free swimming lagoon along Four Mile Beach, presented to residents under previous mayor Julia Leu, look increasingly unlikely given the economic climate and lack of costings associated with the original plan. It’s estimated the development could cost upwards of $30 million.
Douglas Chamber of Commerce president Liz Ross said a Muddy’s-style splash park in Port Douglas would be an invaluable asset to the region.
“We need to have additional facilities for people to do with their children here, both tourists and residents,” she said.
“We need something like Cairns, which is popular with families because kids can have birthday parties and lunch gatherings, and plenty of fun splashing around.”
Cr Kerr said his council would investigate the feasibility of a public pool and zero depth water park at the site previously occupied by the Oaks Resort on Port Douglas Road.
“Port Douglas needs a safe swimming option,” he said.
“That site is the main option we are currently looking at but if that’s not appropriate we will investigate others.”
The lagoon design slated for next to the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club was originally pitched to double as a training venue for nippers. Cr Kerr said the shire was not yet in a position to build such a facility.
“At this stage, council’s focus is to concentrate on critical infrastructure, and that’s water coming out of the taps, roads that we can drive on, and parks that we can use,” he said.
“This is why we are looking at an alternative safe water area to become a usable public facility with a cafeteria that local kids can ride to, and that is accessible by the Bally Hooley train.
“This will facilitate the need for a safe water park area until we get to a point where we can afford a tourist style lagoon.”