Port Douglas lagoon: Councillors disagree with mayor Michael Kerr’s water park vision

A push to build a Far North water and adventure park has suffered a major setback.

A PUSH to build a water and adventure park in Port Douglas has suffered a major setback with councillors disagreeing on the suitability of a proposed location and design.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr’s aim to start the multimillion project at Reynolds Park next year – which would include an Olympic sized swimming pool and splash area – has been met with resistance from councillor Abigail Noli.

She said the community “deserves a unique tropical lagoon”.

A design used as an example by Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr for a water park at Port Douglas.

“The community has always been given their opportunity to address their opinion on the location of such an important decision,” she said.

“Research and community consultation for over 10 years demonstrates that the community wants, needs and in this beautiful area, deserves a unique tropical lagoon.

“Not a rectangular concrete pool which duplicates pools found anywhere in the world.

“This decision is too important to get wrong.”

It comes as prominent architect Gary Hunt has called for his design of a lagoon next to Rex Smeal Park be revisited.

Cr Kerr said his council “cannot afford a lagoon” and was frustrated by the lack of support from councillors.

Michael Kerr is frustrated at a lack of support for the project. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It beggars belief why people are so adverse to this council actually making progress with a safe swimming precinct for Port Douglas,” he said.

“As long as I have lived here in this region it has constantly been asked by the community that they want one.”

He said the dream of a “fancy lagoon” was wonderful, but not practical.

“I also dream of having a RAM truck, but I can’t afford one.,” he said.

“It’s that simple.

“Much like this shire cannot afford a lagoon.

“We don’t have the rate base.”

Cr Kerr vision includes building an adventure playground and splash park next to a 50m swimming pool.

It would include a cafe.

Cr Noli put forward a motion at an ordinary council meeting in Mossman on Tuesday to invite public consultation on the preferred location of a lagoon, not a “swimming pool”.

It was passed after Cr Roy Zammataro and Cr Lisa Scomozzon agreed.

Originally published as Port Douglas lagoon: Councillors disagree with mayor Michael Kerr’s water park vision