Douglas Shire Council has today released a report outlining the transport options for the Daintree River crossing ahead of public consultations which will bring to an end the long-running bridge vs ferry debate.

The Daintree River Crossing Options Assessment Report examines a two-ferry service and bridge option across the Daintree River and compares them to the current single ferry service.

Currently, with just one ferry, wait times to cross the river during peak periods can be significant.

The Report may be viewed and/or downloaded here.

Council is encouraging the community to thoroughly read the report before giving feedback during the consultation period which opens on 14 September 2020.

The community will have six weeks to voice their opinions on if they prefer a bridge or a two-ferry service. The closing date for feedback is 26 October 2020.

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Feedback can be provided via an online survey on Council’s website or a survey card which all residents will receive in their letterbox. Extended comments can also be sent to communityliaison@douglas.qld.gov.au or dropped into Council offices, once consultations open.

Mayor Michael Kerr said this public consultation will allow everyone in the community to have their say in what choice they want for the crossing.

“Armed with this information, Councillors will make the final decision on the Daintree River Crossing, guided by community sentiment,” Mayor Kerr said.

The report provides detailed information about the bridge and the two-ferry service as well as potential sites, time frames, expected costs, forecast costs, and benefits and challenges of each option.

“The two-ferry option is based on the preferred tenderer’s proposal and includes estimated costs for the land-based infrastructure such as new ramp, mooring pylons and new road on the southern bank, to support the improved service,” Mayor Kerr said.

“The bridge options were developed in-house by two Council engineers with bridge construction experience. It involved a desktop review of possible locations and estimated construction costs and associated infrastructure including approach roads.”

Hard copies of the report may be viewed at Council's Admin office in Mossman, at both Council libraries, Croc Espresso in Daintree Village and at Mason's Cafe in Cape Tribulation. There will be a few copies for viewing at Rainforest Village in Diwan and the Daintree Discovery Centre in Cow Bay by early next week

There will also be community meetings in Port Douglas, Mossman and Daintree area. Venues, dates and times will be announced shortly.

View the report here or visit the project webpage for more information.