IMPROVED ACCESS TO FOUR MILE BEACH 705 Voices: Shaping the future for Shire’s youngest

THE thumb suckers, finger painters and sandpit dwellers of our community are indirectly having their say on Douglas Shire planning, even though most of them are still mastering their ABCs.

A new boardwalk and stairs are making it easier to get to Four Mile Beach via Sand Street in Port Douglas.

Douglas Shire Council has replaced the old wooden stairs with composite fibre stairs and a boardwalk. Further work on Port Street including realignment of a beach access track, general path maintenance and fencing has been completed.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the upgrades improve access to the beach and help rehabilitate the foreshore.

“Four Mile Beach is one of the best coastlines in the country and any investment making it more accessible is fantastic news for locals and visitors,” he said.

“The new beach access and coastal rehabilitation forms part of Council’s Resilient Coast Strategic Plan which helps us manage the risk of coastal hazards.”

“I am very pleased Council received funding and appreciate the support of the State Government and Local Government Association of Queensland to help our communities prepare for the impacts of climate change.”

Council has received $188,000 under the QCoast2100 Program for a Community Coastal Rehabilitation & Education Project.

The QCoast 2100 Program is funded by the Queensland Government and administered by Local Government Association of Queensland.

The 705 Voices project is currently surveying young families, with parents, carers, grandparents, neighbours and community members taking part on behalf of the region’s babies, toddlers and school newbies.

According to the 2021 ABS census, there are 705 children aged 0-5 living in the Douglas Shire and Julatten township.

The information collated through the 705 Voices project – which is an initiative of the Douglas Early Childhood Network - will be used to create an “Early Years” plan. Whyanbeel mum Ebonie said finding activities for children all year round can prove a challenge.

“I would like to see indoor activities during the wet season when it’s rainy and too hot outside,” she said.

“Sometimes you are left wondering what to do but overall I’m happy with the support services we have and playgroups like this one (Mossman).”

Jennifer and her oneyear-old daughter Ezra also attend the Mossman Playgroup and said entertaining children becomes tougher in the wet season.

“We need more activities for children with air conditioning or at least bigger under cover parks,” the Cooya Beach resident said.

“Sometimes families head to Cairns for activities like Inflatable Word but then it becomes a day trip.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the survey would provide important information for Council.

“The census already highlighted what we already knew – the Douglas Shire is increasingly becoming a place where young families want to settle and live,” he said.

“These young children ensure the vibrancy of the community and Council wants to create an environment that ensure they stay in the region for years to come.

“I look forward to finding out what 705 Voices reveals.”