Local markets lead sustainable tourism

A PERMANENT, outdoor water bottle refill station has been installed at the entrance to Market Park, home of the Sunday Port Douglas Markets.

The contactless refill station will automatically track the number of water bottle refills and sets a standard for Port Douglas on the world map in a world heritage environmental area to be a leader in sustainable tourism. We are encouraging both tourists and locals to Bring Your Own (BYO) reusable water bottles each and every time they come to the Markets.

It’s an important habit to teach not only future generations, but tourists whether you’re from Australia or overseas. You can bring your own or purchase a reusable water bottle during your stay to refill multiple times while you’re visiting protected world heritage great barrier reef and rainforest habitats.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said it was important Council played its part in reducing plastic waste.

“Too often people think that plastic pollution is a problem overseas, but a number of local beaches have plastic washed up every day and from plastic being sold in Australia as well. Cape Kimberly in the Daintree is probably the most shocking,” Cr Kerr said. ‘We have the best quality drinking water right here in Douglas Shire, you’re drinking water from the rainforest.”

The refill station features a photo of Mossman Gorge, and is located adjacent to the pedestrian crossing on Macrossan and