Council announces Reef company will operate the Daintree Ferry

Cairns-based reef tour company, Divers Den, will operate the Daintree Ferry from 1 July after it was awarded the ferry services tender in a Special Council Meeting in Mossman today.

It comes after the Douglas Shire Council resolved to purchase the current cable ferry and associated equipment earlier this week from current operators Sirron Enterprises (QLD) Pty Ltd.

Divers Den was one of two companies to apply for the tender when Council released an Interim Daintree Ferry Contract to the market in February.

Divers Den beat out the newly established local company, Norcoast Enterprises, for the recommendation, based on a set tender evaluation process which ranked Divers Den’s offer superior both technically and financially.

The criteria is based on each tender’s service model, capability and capacity, environmental sustainability and business profile.

Divers Den is owned by Entrada Travel Group – a company which operates New Zealand’s largest passenger transport network, as well as the North Island bus express, and a variety of vessels for tourism experiences.

As well as operating the vessel, the Divers Den multi-million-dollar proposal featured customer service improvements over the first year of the contract including online ticketing, free public Wi-Fi, publishing real-time information and social media updates.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the Divers Den team would bring a wealth of tourism experience and expertise to the crossing.

“We are thrilled to have an opportunity to work with such a reputable company that has been delivering world-class tourism experiences in Far North Queensland since 1974,” he said.

“As an eco-certified business, we expect Divers Den to relish the opportunity to operate this fantastic entry into our majestic world heritage rainforest.

“Council looks forward to working closely with the successful tenderer and the current operator over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for our community.”

The motion to award the contract was passed three votes to two with Mayor Michael Kerr, and councillors Lisa Scomszzon and Peter McKeown voting in favour while Roy Zammataro and Abigail Noli voted against.

“What is happening to our local contractors? What is happening to do it in Douglas?" Cr Noli said during the meeting.

While Cr McKeown said he would support the recommendation given by Council staff based on the business case, the money this option would save the Shire, and the greater experience of the operator.

“I understand it is not a local company, but…this is an extremely important bit of infrastructure in the Shire."

The single-ferry services contract will be divided into multiple increments to give Council flexibility while staff obtain permits for a two-ferry crossing and the associated land-based infrastructure.

These increments are designed to give Council an ability to switch to a two-ferry crossing as soon as practicable.

Council has hired a Project Manager to co-ordinate upgrades to the land-based infrastructure required for a two-ferry system. A concept design is nearing completion.

A tender for a two-ferry service will be released once these concepts and permits are applied through the relevant departments.

Council will officially take control of the Daintree Ferry on 1 July 2021 after signing an asset sale agreement with Sirron Enterprises (QLD) Pty Ltd this week.