Smart cards entitling holders to free use of the Daintree River ferry during the summer will be available at Council’s stall at the Port Douglas Eclipse Festival in Market Park from Sunday 11 November until Tuesday 13 November.

The Smart Cards are available to residents of the Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Tablelands Regional Council areas.

The cards can be used from November 1 until February 28 to gain access to the vehicle ferry that allows motorists to visit the oldest rainforest on Earth, north of the Daintree River.

“The free ferry travel provides an incentive for local residents to explore their own region and by extending the invitation to our neighbouring local government areas, new marketing opportunities will be created,” Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said.

A total of 1638 Smart Cards have been issued under two trial periods, resulting in 1226 recorded crossings. It is estimated that Smart Card users injected almost $100,000 into the local economy during the trial periods.

Under the new program, the summer free travel period will be offered annually to Smart Card holders.

Cards can also be obtained in person by visiting one of Council’s administration centres at Cairns or Mossman with photo identification, or by downloading a form from Council’s website and mailing with a copy of relevant identification showing place of residence.