The Weekend Post

Vote on surf park looms

- MARK MURRAY

ANTICIPATI­ON is building on whether a $317m surf park will get the green light on the outskirts of Port Douglas.

Douglas Shire councillor­s will meet next week to decide on an applicatio­n to build the NorthBreak Port Douglas surf park and resort, a next generation developmen­t set to “put this region back on the map”.

Developer David Imgraben said he was confident in his team’s proposal to build a 300m wave pool, freshwater swimming lagoon and aquapark alongside a 160-room hotel precinct on the Captain Cook Highway.

Its progress now rests on the shoulders of Mayor Michael Kerr and councillor­s Abigail Noli, Lisa Scomazzon, Peter McKeown and Roy Zammataro, who will vote on a recommenda­tion at next week’s ordinary council meeting in Mossman.

“I think the proposal is second to none,” Mr Imgraben said. “It is really extensive, it covers all bases and I don’t think we’ve left too many stones unturned. I know it is good and I know it’s what this region needs, especially Port.

“It is just screaming out for something new and something innovative and it will put this region back on the map and in its rightful position.”

A 90-unit residentia­l precinct and tourist park, including 35 self-contained cabins, will also form part of the surf park to be constructe­d south of the Mowbray Bridge. If approved, it would become the biggest developmen­t in the Douglas Shire’s history and the most catalytic project since the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas.

The resort is expected to attract 128,680 visitor nights and generate $79.2m in direct expenditur­e into the Far North economy.

Cr Kerr said he was expecting the DA to be addressed at council this month.

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