NEGOTIATIONS for a two-ferry contract at the Daintree River crossing can now resume, with a focus on gaining permits and approvals for the works required to create the second crossing.
Douglas Shire Council today resolved to resume Daintree Ferry 2021 contract negotiations after a six-week consultation period that included eight public meetings, six focus groups, a survey which attracted 3902 responses and a 105-page submission report featuring 61 submissions from the public.
The Compass Research Report results revealed 66% support for a second ferry crossing, in comparison to the 33% of respondents who preferred a bridge.
Key points from the negotiated Daintree Ferry contract, including costs, time frames and key performance indicators, will be brought back to a Council meeting before a contract is formally entered into.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Council was given a clear mandate to move forward with the contract negotiations.
“The community now has a deeper understanding of the financial impacts of a second ferry and community sentiment about the preferred option, which means we can prioritize finalising negotiations and gaining permits for the two-ferry crossing,” he said.
“Staff will pick up negotiations from where they left off and work towards creating a better ferry crossing for tourists and locals.
“We will keep the community informed of the progress of the permit and approval process, as well as advise when a contract is ready to be signed.”
A design of the second ferry channel crossing and land-based infrastructure will need to be completed before an application for permits is made.
For the detailed Council report, please visit here.
