More than 50 companies have shown some interest in designing, building and operating the new Daintree Ferry since a public request for tenders was issued in mid December, according to Douglas Shire Council.

A report tabled in today’s full council meeting included an update on how the search was going for a firm to supply a new four-lane ferry to replace the current three-lane service.

“As of January 8, 51 suppliers have viewed the request for tender,” the report stated.

The new larger Daintree River Ferry will be privately owned and operated, with waiting times and queue lengths predicted by the Council to be reduced by as much as 90 per cent.

The DSC made the decision to outsource the ferry service, which is vital for tourists and residents north of the river, during a Special Council Meeting in October.

The successful tenderer will operate the service for at least 15 years.

The existing vessel, which is at the end of its life cycle, will be replaced no later than November 2027.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said last year she was “happy we are moving forward for our community”, and she was “quite excited” to see what the new ferry would look like.

The request for tender was advertised on December 19 through a public vendor panel, and is due to close on Wednesday, March 26. 

Council officers briefed potential tenderers during a mandatory meeting held this month.

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Josh Paterson says a community consultation session held last week about a proposed at-risk youth “training village” has “alleviated many of the locals’ concerns”.

“We had about 20 people come to the meeting,” Mr Paterson told Newsport this week.

“I’d say it went really well. FULL STORY