The council says it is removing a long-standing “grandfather clause” that allowed some existing stallholders to sell goods outside the markets’ traditional local and handmade focus. Stallholders operating under that exception will have an opportunity to move to products that meet the updated eligibility rules, the council says.
The policy is intended to make the rules more consistent for stallholders and support local makers. Douglas Shire Council describes the markets as a cotters market for locally made and crafted products.
ABC Far North reported on 29 October that affected stallholders have until the end of 2028 to comply. People seeking details about their own stall should check directly with the council for the current policy and transition arrangements.
Sources: Douglas Shire Council, 27 October 2026: https://douglas.qld.gov.au/news-bites-october-ordinary-council-meeting/ ; ABC Far North, 29 October 2026: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-29/far-north-queensland-local-news-briefing/107317436
Image: AI-generated editorial illustration of a generic tropical market. It is not a photograph of Port Douglas Markets or its stallholders.
