The Council report states that Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the Daintree River Crossing Options Report examines a two-ferry service and bridge option, and compares them against the current single ferry arrangement.

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

“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.”

In reference to the survey, Kerr said all ratepayers will receive a survey either in the mail for absentee landowners, or dropped into letter boxes of all households in the Shire.

Kerr said if a two-ferry solution is preferred, the time frame to obtain approvals, build a new ferry and associated land-based infrastructure, is expected to be over one year.

“If a bridge option is preferred, it is expected that design, approvals and construction of a bridge and associated roadworks could take over five years to complete,” the Mayor said.

There are three survey questions and there is provision to tick a box for what you believe is the best option:

• i) which Daintree Ferry crossing do you prefer? Two ferry service or bridge;
• ii) should the ferry ticket price or a bridge toll? Cover costs only or provide a revenue stream for DSC; and
• iii) are you a resident of Douglas Shire?