NEWSPORT NEWSFEED: Shire gets its spook on for Halloween

Thursday, October 31

STAFF WRITERS

Email
Last updated:
All set for the spooks, scares and trick or treating tonight are Rattle 'N' Hum's Cel Vergara, Lani Dickson and Alannah Micallef. Picture: Bryan Littlely

Get set for all kinds of spooky tonight across Douglas Shire as young and the young at heart head out for Halloween. Getting set to welcome some creepy customers for Trick or Treating are the Port Douglas Rattle ‘N’ Hum team, ….., ….

See where you can enjoy some fun spooky entertainment over the next couple of nights HERE

 

Four Mile Park trees lopped over safety fears

Contractors at work in Four Mile Park. Picture: Bryan Littlely

Contractors have sparked more concerns among residents expressing anger at trees being felled across the Douglas Shire, particularly in Port Douglas where significant trees have been dropped to make way for development in recent weeks.

This morning, Thursday, October 31, tree fellers were at Four Mile Park to fell and chip a number of trees, including a dead tree and a strangler fig.

After being contacted by Helen Wallace, who’s Letter to the Editor on what she described as ruthless destruction of significant trees in the Shire, garnered plenty of online support from ratepayers, Newsport has confirmed with Douglas Shire Council the nature of the work and reasons why.

In a statement to Newsport, Mayor Lisa Scommazon said a dead tree overhanging a picnic table was removed due to safety concerns.

“A large Melaleuca located between the car park and picnic tables had begun to decline and was overtaken by a strangler fig,’’ she said.

“The tree displayed signs of poor health, with dead wood and some dead branches in its canopy. To support the Melaleuca's health and potentially extend its lifespan, Council arborists arranged for a contractor to prune back portions of the strangler fig, allowing the Melaleuca an opportunity to grow and recover.

“This pruning also allows for more thorough ground inspection of the Melaleuca to assess its condition and ensure its long-term safety with the reduction of the fig.’’

READ HELEN’S LETTER HERE

 

 

Wangetti Trail faces more pressure

The already troubled Wangetti Trail is in the spotlight again, newly elected Member for Cook David Kempton saying he needs to be very satisfied it is value for money before he is happy to see it continue to be built into his electorate.

It comes as mountain bikers say the trail is not suitable for them to use and with parts of the trail, opened last month, need repairs. FULL STORY

 

 

Mayor’s Christmas appeal launched

The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal has officially begun, with the goal of assisting numerous families facing hardships during the holiday season.

This year, the initiative aims to provide Christmas hampers that will be distributed within the community.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said all funds raised will be directed towards purchasing essentials for those experiencing difficulties. FULL STORY

 

 

Book Clubs filling fast

The popularity of book clubs and reading in Port Douglas is so great, a third Neighbourhood Centre led book club is being started… with places filling fast. FULL STORY

Support public interest journalism

Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.

Got a news tip?

Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here.

Comments

Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.