“Leading a Local Government is not something many could do well - Julia has proven, extensive experience and is well respected at all levels of government and community”
Ann-Marie Clark, Mossman
MY VISION
“My vision is for a thriving, prosperous economy, a unique sustainable destination that protects our special environment. A place for innovation and ideas that promotes our heritage, indigenous culture and cares for residents with fairness and compassion. I am committed to ensuring Douglas Shire remains a special and unique part of the world. Our environment, particularly the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, is the basis of our local economy. The balance between protecting our environment, supporting agriculture, tourism and economic opportunity, is at the heart of the Douglas Shire’s future prosperity.”
THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
A Quick Overview.
Financial Security and Management.
Douglas Shire Council has never been in better financial shape with excellent record
I will strive to continue my focus on financial security, with affordable and reasonable rates
Tourism and Economic Development.
Continued support for Tourism Port Douglas Daintree to lead the way in sustainable tourism
Maximise the potential of Douglas Shire recognised as the world’s first certified ECO Destination in December 2019
This certification has given the region a big green tick of approval. Our vision is to become the world’s leading tropical visitor destination by delivering world-class sustainable tourism experiences. Ecotourism Australia certification, through its rigorous auditing process, gives us credibility, setting Douglas Shire, and its unique natural experiences apart from everywhere else.
By focusing on sustainable interactions with nature, I want to conserve our pristine environment for our tourism industry and for future generations to enjoy:
Port Douglas Lagoon
Port Douglas Blueprint
Complete Masterplans for Port Douglas Sports Complex and Mossman Showgrounds
Complete Masterplans for Rex Smeal Park and Market Park in Port Douglas
Support indigenous tourism
“Our community is so fortunate to have had Julia Leu as our Mayor. She has been tireless in her dedication to this Shire….she shines in her positive, inclusive approach, has an incredible amount of skill and expertise in many fields of governance, and is a very kind and likeable person. Julia has been an incredible leader in getting the Douglas Shire through the de-amalgamation process as a debt free, functional Shire. Thank you Julia. You have my vote.”
— Anna Curtis
Record Capital Works.
I will continue to deliver record infrastructure improvements.
Long term water security will be my immediate priority – a second water intake and long term water security
Review local contractors policy to ensure more work for local businesses and contractors
Support innovative practices to improve our environmental performance
Construction of Wangetti Trail
Mossman Pool and Caravan Park re-development
Port Douglas and Mossman sports facilities
Streetscapes including Macrossan Street and Front Streets revitalisation and improvements, and extension of lights on Macrossan Street
Land development for residential aged care accommodation
Disaster Coordination Centre
Floodproofing of Foxton Bridge approaches
Flagstaff Hill Boardwalk improvement
A new solar electric ferry (another first) and contract to more than double vehicle transfer across the Daintree River
Solar farm at sewerage plant
Domestic and family violence crisis accommodation
Business and Industry.
I will continue to support a thriving business culture and economy by:
Streamlining internal Council permits and processes to reduce red tape
Preferencing local contractors and tradies for maintenance and capital works projects, where possible
Supporting recommendations and outcomes of the Economic Strategic Review Committee
Working with industry on programs that improve the profitability of Douglas Shire business sectors
Developing programs that will attract investment into the Douglas Shire
Developing new industries such as education, including teaching English to get more long stay visitors
“I am looking forward to new challenges and new ideas, which is one of the reasons we established the Economic Strategic Review Committee, to support small business, and to strengthen our economic base.”
—Julia Leu
Agriculture.
Continue support for cane growers and advocacy for Far North Milling Pty Ltd
Work with grower groups on programs that improve profitability of Shire agricultural sectors. This will reduce costs and improve marketing returns.
Food Tourism and other diversification directions.
Environment.
The balance between protecting our environment, supporting agriculture, tourism and economic opportunity, is at the heart of the Douglas Shire’s future prosperity.
Key projects include:
Carbon neutral future strategy
Living Coral Reef Bank project and Multi-Use Hub
Waste management including landfill closures
Community.
Continuation of my ongoing commitment to community, arts, events and cultural development including extending the popular Active8 Free Fitness Games program
Indigenous Issues.
Continuation of my ongoing commitment to :
Indigenous Language Signage program
Christmas banner project
Reconciliation Action Plan
Support for cultural activities
Support for indigenous tourism
Arts and Culture.
Continuation of my ongoing commitment to:
Improve amenity with public art programs
Support the biennial Call of the Running Tide art exhibition
Support the Regional Arts Development Fund
“Experience, Integrity, Intelligence, Compassion, Environmental, Genuine. JULIA LEU has my vote.”
— Leonie Brooks (Turbo), Port Douglas
Advocacy.
Support:
Port Douglas Lagoon, subject to a successful business case
Mossman Botanic Garden
Domestic and family violence crisis accommodation
“I fully support Julia Leu as Mayoral candidate as she has done such a wonderful job in the last two terms. Julia was always available to attend different meetings I attended and she was invited to. Julia is always ready to listen.”
— John Anich, Newell Beach
PROVEN LEADERSHIP.
REAL RESULTS.
EXPERIENCE TO GUIDE US INTO THE NEXT DECADE.
I invite you to review the achievements of Douglas Shire Council under my leadership:
THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
The future, in more detail.
The Economy.
Support for tourism, business and agriculture to foster sustainable economic growth. I want to focus on solutions needed to support local business and industries during this time of global and national uncertainty. I am looking forward to new challenges and new ideas, which is one of the reasons I am pleased to Chair the Economic Strategic Review Committee to support business and strengthen our economic base with the purpose of fostering economic growth. Committee members have achieved some fantastic work, coming up with a range of exciting proposals and ideas. The next steps involve broader consultation across the Shire, in the next term of Douglas Shire Council. We are now facing a range of unprecedented economic headwinds that we can counter through being proactive and working together with key stakeholders. Recent bushfires have caused cancellations across the country and now COVID-19 is having massive health and financial impacts across all sectors of the economy. As Chair of the Douglas Local Disaster Management Group, I have started discussions on how best to prepare and deal with this, at a local level. It is critical to take heed of health advice and work with Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, Douglas Chamber of Commerce and the wider community, to develop positive strategies to minimise the impact.
Tourism.
Tourism is the primary economic driver of the Douglas Shire, with over 1.2 million visitors per annum. I support the role of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree as an independent body working with industry and Council to undertake tourism marketing of the Douglas Shire. I have always supported and will continue to support the continued funding by Council of at least $495,000 per annum. Complementary to this, is funding for a calendar of important events such as Port Douglas Carnivale, Port Shorts Festival, Triple-R, Call of the Running Tide, Hot and Steamy Festival, to name a few. I would like to explore further opportunities with sports tourism, food tourism and well-being opportunities. Many international tourists are now diverting to destinations with strong environmental credentials.
Similarly we can counter the reluctance to fly long distances by promoting Douglas as a carbon neutral destination. I am extremely proud that the Shire has been awarded the world’s first ECO Destination Certification, as well as being in the Global 100 Sustainable Destinations for 2018, 2019 and 2020. These are very important marketing tools to attract visitors. Similarly, Douglas Shire already features eco-certified and carbon-neutral businesses and operators, and these must be widely promoted.
Agriculture.
Agriculture is critical to our local economy. I personally assisted the cane growers and successfully advocated with Far North Milling Pty Ltd for $45 million to save the Mossman Mill, and appealed directly to the Prime Minister, the Premier and local Members.
We must support the Mossman Mill Bio Precinct and leave no stone unturned to ensure that the Mossman Mill remains viable for the foreseeable future. I also want to explore opportunities to diversify our agricultural sectors, and to work with grower groups on programs that improve profitability of shire agricultural sectors:
reducing costs and improving marketing returns
diversification - cattle, tropical fruits, tea, coffee, chocolate, wine
food and farm tourism - farm stays
marketing, branding and promotion - using our unique reef and rainforest reputation to differentiate - this strategy of local branding has been very successful in many regions of Australia and the world
Business and Industry Opportunities.
Business Support - including streamlining internal Council permits, processes and reducing ‘red tape’
Port Douglas Lagoon - this will be a world class attraction and a significant drawcard for visitors with flow ons for local businesses
Indigenous tourism - has huge potential to attract visitors
Mossman Botanic Garden - can attract visitors interested in environmental tourism
Preference, where possible, to local contractors and tradies for maintenance and capital works projects
Work with industry on programs that improve the profitability of Douglas Shire business sectors
Develop programs that will attract investment into the Douglas Shire
Develop new industries such as education, including teaching English, to attract more long stay visitors
Continue working with the Economic Strategic Review Committee with the purpose of fostering sustainable economic growth
Financial Security and Management.
Council has never been in better financial shape and I want to make sure that continues. Strong and effective financial management is essential so we do not spend more than we earn. Importantly, that enables reasonable and affordable rates, while at the same time delivering core services, capital works, infrastructure improvements and maintenance.
Long Term Water Security.
Long term water security is one of my top priorities. Council adopted a water resilience strategy in 2017 and has been implementing it ever since. An example of the work achieved by this strategy is the construction of the 20 megalitre Port Douglas Water Reservoir. While the Douglas Shire has a very high rainfall, it has no dam or lake to store water during the dry season. Our Shire is reliant on the rivers and streams that flow from the local mountains. As the Shire grows and our climate changes, studies indicate that we will need a second water intake. Council has identified a second water intake on the Mossman River and is currently seeking environmental and other approvals to access it. However, a long-term solution is required for water storage. I support Council seeking funding for a feasibility study into the development of a lake for water storage purposes.
Environment.
The balance between protecting our environment, supporting agriculture, tourism and economic opportunity, is at the heart of the Douglas Shire’s future prosperity.
Living Coral Reef Bank project and Multi-Use Hub
Waste management including landfill closures
Solar farm at sewerage plant
Carbon neutral future strategy
Council has unveiled a vision to build Australia’s first chemical-free swimming hole next to Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas
Sport and Recreation Facilities.
Sports participation in Douglas Shire is rapidly growing and current facilities should be expanded to be more inclusive and catering to a wider variety of clubs and teams.
Council is currently completing a Master Plan of which developing new facilities will be a component.
I want to see more opportunities for all ages, families, kids and teenagers so everyone can enjoy our parks and open spaces.
Port Douglas Lagoon.
The Port Douglas Lagoon has the potential be a landmark icon for the Shire. It will be a drawcard for visitors and a safe year round swimming option for locals and families. I want everyone to enjoy our tropical lifestyle, so extending the popular Active8 Fitness program, improving our parks, facilitating more arts and cultural opportunities and improving our sporting and recreation precincts for the enjoyment of seniors and families.
Wangetti Trail.
The Wangetti Trail will be a global tourist attraction for hikers and mountain bikers. It will increase tourism to the overall region by providing facilities for an under-serviced market.
Ongoing development of bike, hiking and walking trails throughout the Shire.
Domestic and Family Violence Crisis Accommodation.
I have been a fierce advocate for this facility and will continue on working to make this much-needed facility a reality. Our community has been crying out for a crisis accommodation service to keep women and their children safe, while they rebuild their lives after escaping domestic and family violence. The current practice of referring women to refuges down south is ineffective and hinders recovery. Council has been working closely with Queensland Police Service and local domestic violence groups to build a strong case for this much-needed facility. Council adopted a Functional Brief in 2017 and a Supported Accommodation Operational Model Proposal in August 2019. Council has now submitted a grant application for a domestic violence emergency crisis accommodation and committed to providing a suitable property.
Mossman Caravan Park and Pool Redevelopment.
Council has performed well since taking over the Mossman Pool in September 2019, offering some great new programs. Community and user feedback has been very positive. However, I believe the facility deserves a major redevelopment to bring it into the 21st century, attract more visitors and provide residents with appropriate aquatic facilities. Upgrades will:
enable access for all ages and abilities
allow hosting of regional competitions
enable increased park capacity
entice longer stays with updated amenities
Free Active8 Fitness Program.
This free program has been very successful and we have received funding for an extension until June 2020. The Active8 program focuses on entry-level of fitness with a separate Seniors program. I am committed to this continuing.
Foxton Bridge.
Foxton Bridge provides a key link from the north end of Mossman to the communities in the northern part of the Shire. During heavy rain events the bridge is often impassable and residents are cut off. Sometimes this occurs during the school day and parents are unable to access the school to pick up their children. While this is Department of Transport and Main Roads responsibility, I support seeking a solution by building up the area via causeway.
Fishing Wharf Precinct Lot 96.
Douglas Shire Council and the Port Douglas Commercial Fishermen's Association have a vision of a Fisherman’s Wharf precinct, selling fresh seafood next to the Port Douglas Yacht Club. We have worked hard on this and there is an approved development application. I want to see this become a reality.
Waste Management.
Council is continuously working on best practice waste management, including improved recycling the ongoing landfill closures. The capping and remediation of the Newell landfill site is important to reduce the potential impact on nearby waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.
Solar Farm.
Council has identified a Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy owned parcel of land, adjacent to the Port Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant, that is suitable for solar panels and supporting infrastructure. We can potentially use solar energy for the operation of the plant, reducing Council’s energy consumption, carbon emissions and costs.
Coral Bio Bank and Multi-Use Hub.
Douglas Shire Council is actively seeking land options in Port Douglas for the prime placement of a multi-use hub and car park. The multi-use hub will support Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s project to create the world’s first Living Coral Biobank, which will safeguard the biodiversity of all known hard coral species.
Disaster Coordination Centre.
As we know, Douglas Shire experiences challenging weather events, cyclones and flooding. Whilst preparedness is essential, a state-of- the-art Disaster Coordination Centre, similar to the recently opened one in Atherton, would provide Council and the State emergency services with better capabilities.
Flagstaff Hill Boardwalk.
Opening in late 2017, the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail is a world class track that fast became an icon in Port Douglas. I support installation of decking to help formalise the trail and reduce maintenance and impact on the surrounding environment.
“I am and will continue to be a Mayor for ALL residents and ratepayers, for the entire community.”
— JULIA LEU