General News
3 December, 2025
Future of Douglas Gazette
THE Douglas Gazette will cease as a standalone publication with the last newspaper being published on 17 December 2025.
However, it will be incorporated as a liftout in Cairns Local News each week from Friday 16 January 2026.
Paper managing director Carl Portella said it was not an easy option.
“The newspaper, as readers know, will cease from December 17 2025 and be incorporated into Cairns Local News as a supplement lift-out,” he said.
“This has been a difficult decision on our part and I want to speak directly to our readers and businesses across Douglas Shire.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to deliver consistent, independent local news.
“Your support has meant a great deal to us and it’s something we have never taken for granted.
“Over the past year we’ve had to take a close look at how we continue providing reliable news coverage in a region facing a fluctuating local economy, our own operational challenges and with rising operating costs have all made it harder to sustain a standalone printed paper in the Douglas Shire without compromising the long-term stability of the broader business.
“Rather than stepping back from the region, we’re taking a different approach,” Mr Portella said.
From January 16 2026, Cairns Local News will include a dedicated four-page supplement each week focused entirely on Douglas Shire stories.
“This transition allows us to keep covering local issues, council matters, community events, sport and public-interest news while operating in a more sustainable way.
“This also has an added advantage to businesses that advertise in the supplement with a huge boost in exposure from 3500 to 13,000 on a weekly basis from Mossman to Cairns.
“Our commitment to the Douglas community hasn’t changed.
“This shift simply gives us a better structure to continue reporting on the stories that matter to you.
“Thank you for your support over these two years.
“We look forward to continuing to serve the Douglas region – now as part of Cairns Local News each week.”
Read More: Douglas Shire
