DAINTREE FERRY DEBACLE: Four poignant questions ahead of latest band aid repair works
COMMENT PIECE
The latest round of stop gap fix-it works to an already aging and sinking Daintree Ferry are expected to get underway in the coming days.
A media release issued by Douglas Shire Council a number of weeks ago noted “maintenance work will begin mid-October (most likely October 15) and run over six weeks to modify four davits which are used to raise and lower the ferry’s ramps”.
Newsport understands the works to replace the arms and davit assemblies is likely to cost Douglas Shire ratepayers close to $400,000.
Newsport felt it was pertinent to raise some considered questions before the repair works start.
1 - What specifically are the planned scope of works? Are there drawings of the proposed works, so proper, informed decisions can be made? This type of information needs to be made transparent to Douglas Shire ratepayers.
2 - What were the timeframes, scope of works and costings from the tenderers who didn’t get allocated the upcoming Daintree Ferry job? Were there other tenderers for this job?
Why, why not? In the interests of complete transparency it’s understood Council has policies in place when prospective clients can quote for jobs.
Can Council ensure it hasn’t demonstrated any bias and has been completely transparent when choosing its preferred company to complete upcoming Daintree Ferry works?
3 - Are local businesses or companies being fully utilised in regard to local projects across the Douglas Shire, including the Daintree Ferry?
On the back of the much vaunted ‘Do it in Douglas’ campaign Newsport has received numerous accounts of Douglas Shire businesses being overlooked behind similar businesses that are based in Cairns. That’s despite Douglas Shire businesses being able to carry out the exact same works and projects advertised and required by Douglas Shire Council.
4 - Do you have a plan B?
If the Daintree Ferry breaks down, yet again and repair works need to be done at short notice, who will do them?
You can only overlook local workers/ Douglas Shire based businesses so many times before they decide they won’t assist with any future last minute emergency repairs.
Who specifically behind the scenes at Douglas Shire Council is making direct decisions in relation to the future of the Daintree Ferry?
Thank you!
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