Mayor Lisa is resolute for 2025

New Year's Mayoral Message

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Mayor Lisa Scomazzon has given her Mayor's message as we enter 2025. Picture: Bryan Littlely

After a challenging 2024, I'm filled with optimism for the year ahead in our beautiful Douglas Shire. I am looking forward to some sense of normalcy and tranquillity returning to our community. 

The recovery of the Douglas Shire will continue throughout 2025. Council has a committed team working with the community across all of the recovery areas including human and social, economic, environmental, building and roads and transport. I recognise the hardship in 2024 but look forward to new opportunities in 2025.

Everyone displayed incredible resilience!

Now, as we begin 2025, let’s hope it's a time for a well-deserved respite – a year where we can focus on growth, celebration and community spirit without the constant reminders of past hardships.

One of the first events I'm eagerly anticipating is our Australia Day Awards. It's a wonderful opportunity to recognise those outstanding individuals who contribute so much to our shire. These awards celebrate the unsung heroes who make Douglas Shire such a special place to live.

Following the tremendous success of Carnivale's 30th anniversary in 2024, I'm excited to see what the 31st edition will bring. The pride in this event has reached an all-time high, with its economic impact surpassing $5 million last year. As planning for 2025 is already underway, I'm confident it will be another spectacular celebration of our region's vibrant culture and community spirit.

Throughout the year, we have a fantastic lineup of events to look forward to. The Gran Fondo, Port Shorts Film Festival and Mossman Show are just a few highlights that showcase the diverse talents and interests of our community. NAIDOC Week, as always, will be a significant celebration of our Indigenous culture and heritage.

Council and contractors will resume work on the rehabilitation and road reconstruction works at Noah Range following the conclusion of wet season. I am hopeful this will provide visitors with renewed confidence about travelling to Cape Tribulation and other Daintree Coast destinations. Tourism operators faced some tough times last year and deserve a change in fortunes 12 months on.

I’m looking forward to seeing our young families having fun at Port Douglas’ new Splash Park in the second half of his year. Do yourself a favour and cast your eye over the concept images of this project – they are sure to get you excited about what’s in store for Jalunbu Park. Don’t be surprised if it fast becomes the place to be on a balmy evening at Port!

As we move forward, we'll continue to prioritise our water security. The commencement of work on the Mossman intake is a significant step in ensuring our shire has reliable water sources.

Let's embrace the opportunities for growth, celebration, and connection that 2025 brings. Together, we'll continue to make Douglas Shire an even more incredible place to live, work, and visit.

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