It can be difficult at times to consult and come to consensus on infrastructure development in the region and please everyone with decision-making. The Port Douglas Waterfront Master Plan was agreed after two years of consultation; however, opinion is divided over the location of the lagoon pool which was seen as a priority project to implement.

Strong passions and diverse views have meant that the community consultation processes have been challenged and some people want to go back to the view that Port does not need a pool at all. Others argue that it should be located in the tidal zone and that it doesn't matter how long it might take to get Dept of Environment approvals for this to occur. Others want to just get on with the consultants' recommendation and take advantage of possible state and federal funding opportunities.

At the moment council officers are collating all the views that have been articulated both in formal submissions and through surveys, letters to the newspaper and web-based comments, and a recommendation will come to council after it's been workshopped with all councillors.