Plan to sand and deliver

A PLAN to keep the Port Douglas region’s beaches “the best in the world” has been hatched by a Far North council determined to make the most of its stunning natural assets.

Douglas Shire Council has launched five foreshore management schemes for Four Mile Beach, Cooya Beach,

Wonga Beach, Newell Beach and Oak Beach they hope will help improve the liveability of the coastal stretches.

Improving the access and ways residents and tourists “can have fun on the beach”, monitoring turtle nesting sites and safeguarding sand dunes and foreshore vegetation are among the beach management targets.

Mayor Michael Kerr said proper foreshore planning was a critical objective for his council and would ensure beachside communities “became better places to live”.

The initiatives will also reduce impacts of coastal hazards.

“Council believes our beautiful beaches are the best in the world and these plans provide a pathway to keep it that way,” he said.

“The plans were developed with the community over a number of months, so they reflect the desires of each unique beachside suburb and the need to protect the environment.

“For example, some people enjoy fishing at Wonga Beach, stand-up paddle boarding at Four Mile Beach or enjoying a nice walk along Cooya Beach.”

Cr Kerr said the plans also identified special interest areas such as, the foreshore area between Helmet and Cowrie Street in Port Douglas.

The beach is popular with residents living in the Four Mile area.

“Council will also be able to use the plans to seek further funding,” Cr Kerr said.