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THE long-term outlook of the Daintree River ferry, which came under much scrutiny and criticism from Mayor Julia Leu following a closed meeting in the Daintree on March 20, could be turning a corner if Council endorses funding to analyse ferry operations. 

A report will be presented to Councillors at tomorrow’s Council meeting in Mossman where support will be sought for a funding submission to the State Government's Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program (MIPP) to enable strategic planning studies and investigations around the Daintree River Ferry operations.

The submission is for a $100,000 grant to supplement the Daintree River Ferry Capacity Analysis Project.
“The investigations include a transport study to determine the road carrying capacity, peak- hour demand and duration of the peak.

“A traffic assessment of the ferry operations will be undertaken to quantify the delays to traffic and queue lengths during peak and off-peak periods. The results of this project will form part of report detailing the current congestion issues and modelling of some high level solutions – a second ferry, bridge or other travel demand initiatives. 

“The funding will support strategic asset management activities, support Council to form a strategic view of infrastructure requirements and inform infrastructure planning at the Daintree River crossing,” the report says.

At the Daintree forum, held at the Heritage Lodge and Spa, much was made of the regular two-hour delays during the tourist season and there was general consensus a second ferry was a sensible option. It was also argued that a one or two-lane bridge would not impact the environment.

The report adds that the community north of the Daintree River and Tour Operators have approached Council with concerns regarding traffic congestion and delays during peak periods. This analysis will quantify the delays and will enable Council to review its level of service at this location.

The Administration has begun their planning to establish a project strategy regarding the renewal of the Daintree River Ferry contract which is to occur on 1 July, 2021.


COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA:

- Approval extension request 40 Murphy St Port Douglas for a house

- Minor change to display facilities 2 Mill St and 5 Mossman St, Mossman

- Maturing the infrastructure pipeline program 2 - submission - Daintree River ferry capacity options analysis project

- Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) 2018-2019 funding application

- RADF advisory committee terms of reference and guidelines

- CEO report for December 2017 - February 2018 

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