Residents of the Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Tablelands Regional Council areas are again eligible for free use of the Daintree River ferry from tomorrow.

Holders of a Cairns Regional Council smart card can use the card to gain free access to the ferry.

Mayor Bob Manning said the smart card travel program was introduced as an incentive for locals and residents of neighbouring council areas to explore their own backyard.

“We live in an amazing part of the world and we want people to have the opportunity to appreciate that,” Cr Manning said.

Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu said this summer would be an ideal time to explore the Daintree and its surrounds.

“The Daintree rainforest is in all its glory in the wet season,” Cr Leu said.

“There tends to be fewer tourists at that time of year, which means a more relaxed pace for locals to explore their own backyard.

“The businesses in the Daintree Village and north of the Daintree River would love to share their part of the world with visitors from their neighbouring regions.”

Cr Leu added that discount brochures would be made available to new and existing smart card holders.

“When you pick up a card, you will also be given a special brochure that has been produced specifically for smart card holders,” Cr Leu said. “Existing customers will receive their brochure via email.

“It includes discount vouchers for a range of businesses in the Daintree area.”

The smart card enables unlimited free travel across the Daintree River from November 1 until February 28, 2014

For more information or to download an application form, visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au