Douglas Shire officials are pinning new hopes on the marine industry boosted by new funding from the Queensland Government.
The state is giving $300,000 to Douglas Shire Council to carry out a scoping study into a proposed marine precinct at Port Douglas as it moves on from the closure of Mossman sugar mill.
And a Mossman Advisory Committee is backing the proposal, saying there is real need for such infrastructure to drive future growth.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett claims there is strong interest in the Mossman community for the precinct.
“It wasn’t only farmers that were hit when the mill closed; workers lost their jobs and this partnership with council is expected to create employment opportunities for locals and drive further investment,” he says.
“Sugar remains a vital and important part of the Far North but we need to embrace opportunities for diversification and develop concepts like this that offer jobs and security.”
DOUGLAS SHIRE GROWTH
Council believes the precinct could service tourism, fishing, cruising and recreational vessels which are having to travel as far as Brisbane for servicing.
The study funding will be provided through the Mossman Transition Plan, set up to help the community move on from sugar after the mill closed in 2024.
The current state government gave more than $12 million after the mill was liquidated that year; $6m to help Mossman growers take their 2025 crop to Gordonvale and the balance spent on the regional industry and community; click here for more details.
MP for Cook and chairman of the committee, David Kempton says the project will spark jobs and growth and reinvigorate the shire economy.
“This funding announcement today supports the regional economy to transition away from sugar cane after 130 years,” he says.
“The proposed marine facility, while not directly related to agriculture, will provide employment opportunities for many workers in the cane industry.”
Shire Mayor Lisa Scamazzon says the funding will help them unlock new economic opportunities for the region.
“Our region has long been powered by tourism and agriculture. Expanding into new industries is essential for the shire’s economy to grow,” she says.
“Once fully investigated, I’m confident Port Douglas will prove to be an ideal location for a vibrant, multi‑use waterfront precinct — a hub for marine enterprise and new employment for our community.”
MILL’S CLOSURE TIMETABLE
June 13, 2023: Far Northern Milling (FNM) tells growers it can pay for the 2024 crushing season without government help.
November 20, 2023: FNM enters voluntary administration.
March 22, 2024: Mossman Mill placed into liquidation.
2024-25: Mill liquidated and sold off.
2024: State government gives $6m to growers to take their crop to Mulgrave Mill.
2025: the government gives $6m for Mossman growers’ crop to be crushed at Mulgrave Mill. Source: Queensland Government.
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