Angry residents in a widening range surrounding the MainStream Aquaculture barramundi farm on Cook Highway between Port Douglas and Mossman are reporting a foul stench coming from the ponds to authorities.

Douglas Shire Council has received complaints about the smell, which is understood to follow a mass fish die off, with fish reportedly buried on the site. But it is the Department of Environment and Science that is responsible for the matter and impacted residents can contact [email protected] to lodge a complaint.

A nearby resident who wanted to remain unnamed raised his issue with Newsport on Friday, and then suggested the problem had worsened over the weekend. A second frustrated close resident, also wanting to remain anonymous, said the issue had happened multiple times and they were angered that Douglas Shire Council was not acting locally to lessen the pollution impacts for neighbours.

Others have taken to social media to voice complaint.

“Anyone know when the fish farm on the Hwy will be operating the drained pond? Getting pretty jack of the stench,’’ wrote Craig Pownall on the Port Douglas and Mossman Notice Board.

“It’s soo sooo bad! I noticed it last weekend, then I drove past again on Friday and it’s so much worse!” added Kate Green.

“They were dealing with a full pond of dead ones apparently… it smells so bad when the wind is going towards the highway!’’ Ali Lee added.

Newsport has requested an urgent update from the Department of Environment and Science in regards to its response to remediate the issue and prevent further such events.

CANEGROWERS has again secured a critical industry exemption from the Christmas transport curfew, ensuring the delayed sugarcane harvest can keep moving through the holiday period.  

Poor weather, industrial action, and the consistently unreliable milling performance in many districts will once again push the harvest into late December. 

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens expressed frustration at the situation, noting the heavy strain on growers’ bottom lines.  

"Once again, the harvest is running late, and it’s a real blow to growers," Mr Menkens said. "These delays cost money, and with the wet season approaching, the risk of severe disruption looms larger. If the wet weather hits before all the cane is cut, we could see crops left in the paddock, and no one wants that." 

The exemption, secured through collaboration with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), and the Queensland Police Service (QPS), will allow certain machinery and cane trucks to operate on public roads where necessary during the holiday curfew.  

Growers and contractors must apply for permits by 1 December through the NHVR portal. A traffic management plan must be included. CANEGROWERS district offices are also ready with support and templates for growers.