Significant milestones in Daintree Ferry replacement project
Council has received offers to design, construct, deliver and operate the new Daintree ferry while more than $9 million has been committed to upgrading surrounding roads and infrastructure on either side of the river crossing.
The landside infrastructure design will include priority lanes, dual waiting and exit lanes that will aim to reduce queue lengths and wait times.
It has been recommended a contract for the work – which aligns with the planned introduction of a new larger capacity ferry – be awarded to south-west Queensland company Durack Civil.
The tender process for the ferry itself closed on April 9. An evaluation report will be prepared subject to evaluation and negotiation with tenderers.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the completion of the tender process and the contract for landside infrastructure was significant.
“The Daintree River ferry upgrade and associated landside civil works will provide quicker access for locals and tourists across the Daintree River and reduce queuing congestion and potential blockages during peak tourism season,” she said.
Community Grant recipients announced
$38,000 in grants will be awarded to four community groups.
The Douglas United Football Club is receiving a grant for solar power installation.
Goobidi Bamanga will receive funds for NAIDOC 50-year celebrations, the Douglas Shire Community Services Association is receiving $10,000 for Light up the Park events and money received by the Mossman & District Show Society will be used to hold the Mossman Show Ball.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she was pleased Council could assist these organisations.
“I look forward to seeing all of these events on our social calendar in the coming months and the Douglas United Football Club can look forward to lower power bills thanks to their Community Grant,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
For more information on Community Grants head to the DSC website.
Fees and charges changes
Most of Council’s fees and charges are set to increase by 3.9 per cent in 2025/26.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the changes were proposed with “a focus on cost recovery” for Council.
“The increases will assist Council in its long-term objective of delivering balanced budgets and mitigating the risk of financial constraints restricting capacity on Council operations,” she said.
For more information on changes to fees and charges refer to item 6.5 of this week’s Council agenda.
Disaster Management leaders to converge on Brisbane
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Cr Damian Meadows will be attending a Queensland Disaster Management Conference in Brisbane next month.
It’s an opportunity for Council’s Chair and Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group to learn from other local government leaders, with the focus being on disaster preparedness.
Corporate Plan adopted
The Douglas Shire Council’s five-year Corporate Plan has been endorsed.
The new plan includes Council’s vision, mission and values, strategic themes and key areas of focus.
It provides a set of guiding principles and themes which will assist in developing policies, strategies, capital work plans, operational plans, budgets and initiatives.
