Clean-up continues in Queensland's far north

Clean-up efforts continue in far north Queensland in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper. (Brian Cassey/AAP PHOTOS)

A far north Queensland mayor says the region of Douglas Shire is open and ready for visitors following ex-tropical cyclone Jasper. 

The shire, which is north of Cairns, encompasses Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge and the Daintree.

Clean-up work in the region is continuing after major flooding in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper.

"There's a lot of work yet to be done but we're open for business and welcoming visitors," Mayor Michael Kerr said.

Tourism operators are urging holidaymakers not to cancel plans to visit the region.

"Our restaurants, cafes, tour operators and accommodation are all systems go so we encourage anyone planning to pay us a visit to please drop in and stay for a while," Tourism Port Douglas Daintree chief executive Glen Hingley said.

"I promise you won't want to leave."

Crews around Port Douglas and Mossman have reconnected more than 200km of water pipelines.

But on Tuesday the council warned residents to avoid unnecessary water consumption, including taking long showers and washing clothes.

Water levels in some reservoirs had dropped "dramatically", and heavy rain and landslides on Monday night had caused issues in the treatment process. 

"It is imperative that residents and businesses that are on mains supply reduce their water consumption immediately," Mr Kerr said.

"If the demand for water does not decrease, council will be compelled to implement rolling limitations and/or stopping of supply across the shire."

He asked people to avoid taking long showers, using the washing machine, filling pools and using the hose for cleaning or watering lawns. 

More than 4200 property damage assessments have been completed since Jasper delivered heavy rain and damaging winds.

Twelve homes have been confirmed destroyed, 126 properties are severely damaged and 554 moderately so.

Close to 9000 residents have received financial assistance payments.

A specific hotline for National Disability Insurance Scheme participants impacted by the disaster has been set up by the federal government.

Flood warnings remain in place for the Barcoo, and Paroo Rivers, with a flood watches current for parts of the Cape York Peninsula.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store