Daintree crossing debate: Postcards to hit every mailbox in Douglas
BRIDGE V FERRY
The future of the Daintree River crossing is in full swing and Council has announced that postcards will hit every mailbox in the Douglas Shire when consultation about the future of the Daintree River crossing starts later this month.
Douglas Shire Council has published a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers to help clarify any concerns about the upcoming process.
Mayor Michael Kerr is encouraging everyone to read the Daintree River Crossing Options Assessment report before the six-week-long community consultation officially starts on 14 September.
The report has been downloaded from Council’s website almost 200 times and hard copies are available for viewing at various locations across the shire.
“Council has presented the report in good faith with plenty of facts and costings to help the community decide,” Mayor Kerr said.
“The report also contains a high level overview of the benefits and challenges of each option, which will be explored in more detail through the extensive consultation period.
“We have six weeks of consultation to gather further insights into the environmental, social, economic, and cultural heritage implications of each option.
“At the end of the day, we will make the decision based on the results of community consultation.”
The report examines a two-ferry service and bridge option, and compares them against the current single ferry arrangement.
Development of the bridge options involved a desktop review of possible locations and the shortlist of locations assessed were:
- Bridge at current ferry location
- Bridge at Martinelli Road
- Bridge adjacent to 2874 Mossman Daintree Road
- Bridge at Daintree Village.
You can access the full report here.
People will have the choice of completing the survey online or filling in the survey and popping it in the mail.
The engagement process is designed to find out where the community sits on the issue and what their concerns and aspirations are.
Key Dates
14 September – Consultation opens, survey released; post cards delivered; letters sent
26 October – Closing date for responses
Dates and venues for community meetings will be posted on Council’s Facebook page and website.
Submit a letter to the editor here.
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