General News
26 November, 2025
Due to hefty flood grants
DOUGLAS Shire Council has made a $46.7 million surplus, mainly due to disaster grants to help rebuild the Shire after the flooding impacts of ex-Cyclone Jasper two years ago.
According to the 2024-25 annual report, the Shire’s income was $115m, including disaster grants of $41.83m.
But its operating surplus is far more realistic at $839,400, up from a budgeted deficit of $534,800.
In the report, Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said there was “a collective sigh of relief across Douglas Shire when Mother Nature spared us a Cyclone Jasper encore during the 2024-2025 wet season”.
“That reprieve gave us the space to continue the vital work of rebuilding and future-proofing our region,” she said.
“It is work that began in the wake of Jasper and remains ongoing. Thanks to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), we’ve been able to keep critical roadworks at Noah and Alexandra ranges moving forward. These upgrades have improved safety, reduced travel times and supported tourism and emergency access in some of our most remote areas.
“The scale and complexity of these works reflect our commitment to maintaining vital connections across the shire and providing greater confidence to our communities north of the river.
“The formation of a dedicated disaster management unit has also proved important, ensuring our community has a full-time team focused on recovery and preparedness.”
“This year has been about rebuilding and reconnecting.
“Council had progressed planning for the Daintree ferry replacement project and had splash park construction well underway by the end of the 2024-2025 financial year. Together, with creative recovery programs and community grants, these initiatives have helped lay the groundwork for a stronger, more connected Douglas Shire.”
Highlights include:
Completion of major upgrades to Noah and Alexandra ranges, improving safety and access
Progress on the Daintree ferry replacement project, with tenders received and landside works awarded
Establishment of a disaster management unit (DMU) to lead recovery and preparedness efforts
Port Douglas splash park opening in September
Delivery of water infrastructure upgrades in Miallo, Rocky Point and Port Douglas
$1.5 million funding agreement with Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) to support destination marketing and tourism development.
Chief executive officer Scott Osman said water security remained a challenge.
“In November, Queensland’s water regulator toured our facilities and commended council’s improved practices and significant upgrades to the pipe network,” he said. “While this recognition is encouraging, water security remains a critical challenge – particularly during wet weather events, which cause high turbidity levels in our supply and impact service reliability.”
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