Liveblog: Daintree Ferry now open
Live updates on Daintree Ferry
Update Tuesday 26 April 2.15pm
After a tumultuous weekend which was dominated by exceedingly high rainfall and flooding and forced the closure of the Daintree Ferry – Daintree Village recorded 54mm since 9am on Sunday, bringing the total rainfall recorded in the Daintree River catchment since 9am on Thursday to 634mm – the ferry is back open after the ferry operators cleared debris from the cables this morning.
Council said in a statement today that staff have worked on site since first light to ensure the river was safe for vehicles to cross. Conditions in the Daintree River have eased and at this stage there are no significant rainfall forecasts.
Council singled out their operators for their outstanding work over the past few days at the Daintree River and working in extreme conditions and over long periods of time.
Meanwhile, Barratt’s Creek Bridge, south of Daintree Village, which was originally closed, opened mid-morning today.
It was closed due to fallen power lines and large amounts of mud on the crossing.
Council said people can keep an eye on road conditions and river levels via flood cameras at the Douglas Dashboard.
You can also follow the Douglas Disaster Information Facebook page, or tune into ABC Far North on 639AM for local updates.
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Update Monday 25 April 1.00pm
Douglas Shire Council said due to flooding and heavy rainfall forecasts, the Daintree Ferry will remain closed until at least Tuesday morning, 26 April 2022.
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting further periods of heavy rainfall today and into Tuesday, which may cause higher river levels as catchments are now saturated.
Douglas Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is working closely with the ferry operators to monitor river conditions and ensure a safe crossing.
Council said in a statement that the river will be assessed at first light tomorrow and a further update provided at 8am on 26 April 2022. The Daintree Ferry operated until just before 4pm Sunday when rising flood water caused mechanical issues to the vessel.
“The operators had anticipated this was probable before the severe weather event and were able to repair it this morning. Once river conditions have eased, debris will need to be cleared from the cables and the vessel will need to complete a test run,” the statement said.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said ensuring a safe crossing was the priority.
“While it is operational, the river height and velocity are stopping us from returning the ferry services.
“We are working closely with the ferry operators and will re-open the crossing as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Stay updated
Residents and visitors can stay updated by visiting the Douglas Dashboard, following the Douglas Disaster Information Facebook page and tuning in to your local radio station.
Latest river heights data has the Daintree River above the moderate flood level at Daintree Village. During flood events, ferry services are impacted by the height of the river, tide times, velocity of floodwaters and the location and level of rainfall.
Residents can keep an eye on road conditions and river levels via flood cameras at the Douglas Dashboard. You can also follow the Douglas Disaster Information Facebook page, or tune into ABC Far North on 639AM for local updates.
- Cape Tribulation Road remains closed at Noah’s Range due to a fallen tree. A crew is attempting to clear the road.
- The road to Daintree Village is flooded at Barratt’s Creek Bridge, south of the village, and can’t be driven on.
Weather observations:
- Daintree Village has recorded 54mm since 9am today, bringing the total rainfall recorded in the Daintree River catchment since 9am on Thursday to 634mm.
- The Daintree River is currently above moderate flood level at 6.60m at Daintree Village and likely to rise further.
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Update Monday 25 April 11.50am
The Daintree Ferry will remain closed until flooding eases and the Daintree River crossing is safe to use.
The Douglas Local Disaster Management Group is working closely with the ferry operators to monitor river conditions and ensure a safe crossing.
Council said in a statement today: “Our ferry operators inspected river conditions early Monday morning and deemed the flooded river too dangerous to operate in.
“The Daintree River is at moderate flood level and rising on Monday morning, with more than 550mm of rainfall recorded in the catchment since 9am on Thursday.”
Next Update at lunchtime today
And Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said people must be aware of the current weather conditions
“People must be water-wise. If there is flooding, they must stay away. We live in a tropical area and we are faced with rising water levels,” he said.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the long weekend following widespread rainfall totals of 125-240 mm across the Daintree and Mossman River catchments in the 48 hours to 9am on Saturday.
Since 9am Saturday, rainfall totals of 110-160 mm have been recorded in the Daintree River catchment, with much of this recorded since late Saturday evening.
Council said in a statement today that the Douglas Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is working closely with the ferry operators to monitor the river conditions and is encouraging everyone to avoid travelling in the area.
“The ferry operators will secure the vessel, monitor the situation, and advise when it is safe to operate again. The road to Daintree Village is flooded at Barratt’s Creek Bridge, south of the village, and can’t be driven on. Catchments are now saturated, and river levels are expected to remain high over the next few days.
“Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it. Residents can keep an eye on road conditions and river levels via flood cameras at the Douglas Dashboard. You can also follow the Douglas Disaster Information Facebook page.”