To :                   

Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Shire Council
Manager, Water and Wastewater Department, Douglas Shire Council
Mayor and all Councillors of the Douglas Shire Council

Water Supply Issues – Demand for Action 
                         

Since the beginning of 2024, Douglas Shire has experienced multiple pipe breaks (with more unidentified) and multiple closures of treatment plants due to turbidity.    All of this is being blamed on heavy rain in 2024.  Our water system must be able to deal with monsoonal conditions and the fact that our water system is not coping with heavy rain, with pipes breaking and treatment plants unable to cope with the turbidity, is deeply concerning.
At 7.30 am today, 22 January 2024,  Douglas Shire reported that the water capacity at Port Douglas was 12%, Craiglie 7%, Whyanbeel 26% and Mossman 15%, which is alarming.  

We respect that all staff involved in working tirelessly to repair multiple malfunctions and breaks in our water system, have been admirable in their efforts, but we ask those responsible for water supply management to accept that these efforts are not working.

We are calling on the Douglas Shire Council to immediately:

• Seek urgent assistance from the Queensland State government 

for what ever is required to fix the multiple problems with our water system – whether it be expertise and or funding for an upgrade, or part thereof.

• Supply water from the Mossman Gorge with clear safety instructions for its use

Whilst you find a long-term solution, at least enable residents to flush their toilets and have a shower, by supplying water direct from the Gorge (i.e unpotable water).  Residents safely lived on this natural water supply for years and as long as it is boiled properly for any impurities, it was also safe to drink.

Switching to this natural water supply will also enable those appointed to fixing the multiple waters supply issues, time to be proactive – to plan, consult, review and upgrade, rather than continuously being reactive to emergency repairs.

We are further calling on the Douglas Shire Council to immediately:

• Improve communication with its' residents and visitors to the region 

If you are about to switch off residents’ water, please ensure you provide them with advance notification via SMS.  

If you have any other information to impart (such as please conserve water, or your water supply will be switched off) please again provide notification via SMS.

Please sign this petition if you believe in the importance of restoring essential services like water supply to communities like ours who are still struggling post Cyclone Jasper.

Your support will make a difference for thousands of people living and visiting the Douglas Shire.