A number of new Local Laws, which include an extension to the off-leash area at Four Mile Beach and a new zone at a popular park in Mossman, were approved at this week’s open Council meeting.

Douglas Shire Council has adopted the new Local Laws to ensure the region’s growing communities are sustainable, safe and harmonious.

Mandatory de-sexing of cats and dogs and provisions for keeping miniature horses and goats are some other key changes adopted.

Mayor Julia Leu said the proposed local laws were revitalised, contemporary and designed to work for the community. “This is a comprehensive tailoring of local laws to suit our residents,” she said. 

“These local laws are written to ensure Douglas Shire is the most sustainable, safe and harmonious region it can be for locals and visitors.”

Council is also nearing completion of the Mossman Pound upgrade. The final stages include a cat enclosure with purpose-built pens and new trees in the exercise yard for shade. The completed works include an exercise pen and outer perimeter fence, a storage container has been anchored for high wind weather events and the floor has been re-coated to create an impervious surface for disease mitigation.

New off-leash areas:

• Southern end of Four Mile Beach, south of Four Mile Park, Barrier St entrance
• Northern end of Cooya Beach (north of the public toilet block)
• Northern end of Newell Beach (including the foreshore area to the end of Marine Parade, north of Phillip Street)
• Diwan Reserve, (behind Douglas Shire Council Depot)
• North Wonga Beach (starting at Giblin St to Vixies Rd)
• Cow Bay beach (south of Buchanan Creek Rd car park area)
• Foxton Avenue, Mossman (Northern section of George Davis Park, north of the fitness equipment).

Sponsorship opportunities

Meanwhile, a document outlining annual sponsorship opportunities in Douglas Shire will help businesses plan for their future community involvement, also got the go-ahead.

The Douglas Shire Council Sponsorship Prospectus has been produced to encourage participation with Council-run events and projects.

It seeks to provide information on how to become a sponsor and encourage the community and businesses to present their own projects that Council may be able to assist with.

Visit the Council website for more information.