Douglas Shire Council has outlined the next steps required to restore full operations of the Daintree Ferry, with several key repair activities now underway or nearing completion.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said crews had been working hard to progress multiple tasks at once, with the aim of returning the ferry to service as quickly and safely as possible.
“Assessments of the ferry’s damage are largely complete and we are now well into the process of ordering parts and replacing the components that need attention,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“The repairs are a priority for Council – we know how important this service is for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Council is now preparing to request a temporary operating permit from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This permit would allow the ferry to be used for essential services only — including clearing debris from the riverbed and transporting machinery associated with installing the new anchor point on the northern bank — but will not allow the transport of passengers.
“One of our immediate priorities is removing hazards along the ferry’s path and resupplying the community,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“We believe the pontoon gangway is lying to the north of the ferry, along with several large submerged trees. A long‑arm excavator will be deployed on the ferry to safely remove these obstacles once permitted.”
Engineering teams are also finalising solutions for new cable anchoring on the northern side of the river. Once AMSA approval is granted, equipment will be transported via the ferry to install the new anchor point.
The final stages of the repair process will include a full sea trial and systems test, followed by a request to lift the restricted‑use permit so normal scheduled services can resume.
Mayor Scomazzon said many of these tasks were happening concurrently to minimise delays.
“We understand the community needs an accurate timeframe for planning purposes,” she said.
“We are doing everything in our power to move through each step as quickly and safely as possible.”
At this stage the ferry is not expected to be operational as a ferry service for at least another 14 days.
Further updates will be provided as works progress.
