General News
10 July, 2025
$41m-plus from budget
MORE than $41 million has been allocated in the Queensland Budget 2025-26 for the Douglas Shire.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the funding would be used to deliver critical infrastructure, tourism, water security and disaster resilience projects across the region.
“The investments reflect a strong commitment to the region’s recovery and long-term growth following the devastating flooding in late 2023,” he said.
“Douglas Shire has faced enormous challenges over the past year and this budget delivers on our promise to support communities in rebuilding stronger, safer and more sustainable.
“From protecting water supply and strengthening disaster resilience to enhancing tourism and education infrastructure, this is a budget that delivers real outcomes for our region.
“We’re investing in the things that matter – clean water, resilient power, safe schools, and smart tourism – because this is how we build a stronger future for Douglas.”
Mr Kempton said the combined funding across sectors ensured the Douglas Shire was better equipped to grow, recover and thrive.
Key budget highlights for Douglas Shire:
Wangetti Trail – $18.3m in 2025–26 to construct the world-class Wangetti walking and mountain biking trail between Palm Cove and Port Douglas, with public and eco-accommodation as a flagship project under the government’s Destination 2045 tourism strategy, aimed at making Queensland the nation’s premier holiday destination over the next two decades.
Cooya Beach Reservoir: Construction of a 3.6ML reservoir to boost firefighting capability, improve water pressure and support population growth.
“This project is vital to ensuring water security and emergency response capacity as our communities continue to grow,” Mr Kempton said.
Mossman River Intake – $6m: New intake infrastructure for Mossman and Port Douglas to enhance water supply reliability.
“This investment secures safe, reliable water access for families and businesses across the region,” Mr Kempton said.
Mossman substation – $9.9m upgrades to substation and feeder lines to improve energy supply and performance.
Mossman Gorge Microgrid – $350,000 in 2025–26 (part of a $6.1m fund), delivered under the Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund to build regional energy resilience to extreme weather.
OceanSpark Port Douglas – $523,200 in 2025–26 (part of a $1.6m total) to build a custom aluminium power catamaran to grow high-end marine tourism.
Port Douglas - $229,500 has been allocated to develop a nature-based splash park in Port Douglas, featuring zero-depth water play elements, recycled water systems and enhanced community amenities.
Daintree National Park Jindalba boardwalk – $2.4m replacement to improve visitor access and environmental protection.
Daintree State School – $339,000 for a new, all-ages, safe playground to support learning and wellbeing for local students.
“Investing in local schools means investing in our children’s future – and this new playground will provide a safe, inclusive space for all,” Mr Kempton said.
Enhanced emergency communications – $375,000 in 2025–26 (out of $3m total) to deliver 10 AirBridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) communication trailers to improve regional response to natural disasters.
“This was a core election promise and I’m proud to deliver emergency communication tools that will help save lives during disasters,” Mr Kempton said.
Daintree - $2.7m has been allocated by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation to construct a cultural and tourism hub in Daintree National Park, including a cultural interpretive visitor centre within the Wet Tropics World Heritage area.
Mossman - $12.5m will be invested to support the future of the Mossman sugarcane industry, providing targeted assistance to local cane growers and strengthening the region’s agricultural sustainability.
Mossman - $6999 has been provided to support the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation in preserving and sharing First Nations stories, knowledge and culture while raising awareness of Indigenous arts and heritage across Queensland.
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