Jardine River Ferry closure to cut off the Cape

Cape York Concerns

Bryan Littlely

Journalist

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The Jardine River Ferry at the top of Cape York will be closed from April 23 to May 23. Picture: Bryan Littlely

Concerns have been raised by residents at the tip of Cape York that the Jardine River Ferry will be closed for a month for safety repairs and maintenance, cutting off the only access to the northern Cape.

Cook MP David Kempton has received several calls expressing concerns that the Jardine Ferry will be closed from April 23 to May 23.

“It should be stressed that whilst the ferry is the responsibility of the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority must undertake repairs,’’ Mr Kempton said.

“The maintenance and repairs are part of the ongoing certification to ensure the ferry remains safe and operational and meets its insurance requirements.

“I have spoken to the CEO of NPARC, who assures me the closure has been timed to cause the minimum disruption to the locals over the Easter period and to both tourist operators and visitors in the upcoming tourist season.’’

Mr Kempton said he had received an assurance from the CEO that the council and the contractor will do all they can to have the repairs completed within as short a time frame as possible.

It is not a state issue, but Mr Kempton says he is working closely with the Transport and Main Roads Department (TMR) to keep the public advised in relation to the opening of the Peninsula Development Road.

At present, the Laura River is down, and there is five-tonne access to Weipa. Depending on the weather, it should be fully open by the ANZAC Day holiday.

When the Cook Shire Council road from the Weipa turnoff to the Jardine Ferry will be open depends on the weather and when council crews can access it for inspection.

"I will continue to monitor the closure and keep people updated," Mr Kempton said.

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