More than 150 local residents are prepared to absorb a potential spike to their annual rates bill to enjoy the long term spoils of their very Douglas Shire lagoon pool after a Newsport poll reached its conclusion just a short time ago.

Last week, through a story and online poll we asked our readers:

If you knew in advance the construction, implementation and regular maintenance of a new port Douglas lagoon would incur a $200-300 increase to your annual rates bill would you still want the project to go ahead and become a permanent asset locals and tourists could enjoy for many years to come?

The results were telling; 63% of respondents, or 153 people voted yes, to being willing to accept higher rates to have a lagoon built in Port Douglas.

91 respondents or 37% of voters, chose no to absorbing a rates spike that directly relate to a lagoon project in Port Douglas.

In Council’s very own brochure released to Douglas Shire residents between February 17 to March 3 last year it said  any future lagoon in Port Douglas would have an approximate $25M capital cost, be around $2M annually to operate, and have a 5.3% impact on Douglas Shire rates.

Newsport has reached out to Douglas Shire Councillors for comment about the poll results.