Daintree ferry shutdown: What you need to know
DAINTREE FERRY
THE Daintree Ferry is being towed to shore this morning as traders prepare for a week of uncertainty.
The ferry will be closed from February 28 to March 5 as it undertakes an inspection from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
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WHAT WORK IS BEING DONE:
Dry-dock airbags will be placed on concrete ramps on the southern side of the Daintree River at high tide and inflated slowly to help tow the ferry to shore.
Inflation and deflation of the airbags will be regulated by gauges to control lift capacity, ferry height and airbag pressure.
The ferry will then be washed down and inspected with light sanding and a repaint of surface scratches expected.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR COMMUTERS:
Douglas Shire council has arranged a 50-person passenger ferry to take people across the river during the five-day closure.
Shuttle buses will operate on both sides of the river, while a single-vehicle barge will transport fruit and vegetables.?
Shuttle bus timetables
There is also limited availability on this barge for single-vehicles use by calling Council on 4099 9402.
Security to protect parked vehicles has also been organised.
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY:
The ferry operators will have a vessel on site able to transport people across the river in an emergency. You must call 000 to activate this service.
“It is vital that residents call 000 in an emergency,” said Mayor Julia Leu.?
“Emergency services personnel are incredibly prepared so the community north of the Daintree River can be certain they are in safe hands.”
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Leu said Council had ‘worked tirelessly’ with the community, emergency services and ferry contractors to deliver practical solutions ‘within an extremely tight timeframe’.
Emergency services and Queensland Health have also put measures in place to ensure the community is well-equipped.
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