Over $100,000pa is extracted from stall holders at Port Douglas cotter’s market and it is time some of this income is returned to the markets themselves.
Firstly, more needs to be done now to both irrigate and drain the ever expanding markets domain. Secondly, money needs to be spent marketing the markets themselves. Thirdly, more options for food sales at the markets are warranted, to make the locals more inclined to regularly return each Sunday.
When the waterfront redevelopment is underway, care must be taken to insure the market stall holders have uninterrupted operational dates.
The waterfront redevelopment must focus on developing better grounds, more shade, better drainage with more power and water availability. The nearby toilets need a make over. Hopefully if the boat ramp is moved upstream, the area of the markets will be able to extend over what is now asphalt, and what will hopefully be more shaded lawn, in a few years.
My personal view is that the Council, with its $100K pa income, should also subsidize more entertainment in and around the markets.
As a one time market stall holder myself, I look to markets in northern NSW to see how a market can become a locals meeting place, with more music, food and produce than we are currently seeing at Port Douglas and I am determined to try and build more of this community building fun and sparkle into our already terrific Sunday. I would also like to float the idea of a separate evening food market, for all our fantastic chefs and foodies who have not got a half a million dollars to open another restaurant. Again, my motive here is to create a space where locals can mix with each other and chat. A community that meets, greets and eats together, ends up caring for each other. Markets to me are more than just about sales. Markets are a meeting place  for the whole community.

CONTACT ROD DAVIS: vote@roddavis.org

MOBILE: 0418 235561 or HOME: 0740 994434

MAIL: PO BOX 714, Port Douglas, 4877.