FERRY SUFFERANCE: Refreshed calls for quicker process to update Daintree Ferry

The latest Daintree Ferry breakdown has generated widespread frustration and anger across the Douglas community, and brought renewed calls for quicker action to replace the run-down vessel.

The ferry was shut down late last Wednesday night until about 1pm the next day after its drive wheel chain – the key component in making the vessel move – failed and had to be replaced.

Dozens of local residents, commuters, visitors and tradespeople were left stranded on both sides of the river as result of the unexpected closure.

While ferry owners, Douglas Shire Council apologised “for the inconvenience” and said it was the first major disruption to services since the ferry was impacted by post-Cyclone Jasper flooding in January, many businesses and members of the community were clearly unhappy at the breakdown.

“How much money wasted on this ferry is an outrage !!!” one social media user responded, while others again brought up the controversial topic of building a permanent bridge as a option.

“Well we did have a vote on a bridge and it got voted out,” another reader said.

“I wonder how much this repair bill will cost rate payers,” asked one post. “I see the $272k budget surplus for 2024/25 being eroded very quickly. No one with foresight will lobby to build a federally funded bridge to avoid locals funding this rust bucket ferry.”

Council was criticised by a group of travellers for an apparent lack of communication about the breakdown: “Five of us - including two children- got to the north side of the ferry at 10 pm Wednesday night. No ferry. We called the ‘after hours’ Council number on the sign. No information. No help with anything.”

Recently Newsport reported that Council still intended to go ahead with allowing the Daintree ferry service to be completely privatised (and probably a new ferry obtained or built).

Mayor Lisa Scomazzon told us then: “Council sought EOI (expressions of interest) and received three responses. The matter will be brought before Council’s elected members in the coming months.” she said at the time.