Douglas community water reference group

The community in Douglas has a strong affinity with their water supply and has expressed the view that they should be involved in any decisions about the future of the water supply. The Council recommended that a community advisory group be established to assist Council in managing these and other water quality risks in the future. The Douglas community has expressed the view that they desire a chemical free water supply. In maintaining a chemical free water supply, difficulties may arise in meeting legislated Health Standards and requirements under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act.

To assist Council in managing the water supplies in the area, the Douglas Community Water Reference Group (DCWRG) has been established in December 2008 with the following three key objectives:

  1. To provide advice from a community perspective to Council on water supply and water quality issues.
  2. Provide an avenue for community members to have input into discussions and decision making about water supply and water quality issues.
  3. Assist Council in providing feedback to the community on water supply and water quality issues.

The group has an advisory role only. The scope is to provide advice to Council for consideration when making decisions with regard to the management of the Mossman/Port Douglas and Whyanbeel water supplies. All final policy and operational decisions will rest with Council

Group Members

The following members have been appointed to the Douglas Community Water Reference Group.

Name
Representative Group
Cr Paul Gregory
Group Chairman
Cr Julia Leu
Divisional Councillor
Peter Bradley
Mossman community representative
Vacant
Whyanbeel community representative
Dennis Berzinski
Mowbray community representative
Michael Gabour Port Douglas community representative
Robert Archbold Port Douglas community representative
Terry Hooper
Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce
Ian Florence
Queensland Health (Advisory Capacity Only)

Term of appointment for an initial period of two years based on nominations from the community. No remuneration will be provided but any reasonable costs will be reimbursed.