LETTER TO ED: TNQ Transport Services, Entrada equally responsible for Daintree Ferry operations as Douglas Shire Council - Reader

LETTER TO ED

Last updated:
A Newsport reader believes other bodies' should be mentioned when it comes to the running of the Daintree Ferry. Picture: Supplied

Dear Editor,

I wish to write to you about the Daintree Ferry.

Without throwing petrol on an already inflammatory subject, it is worthy to point out a small but essential matter that many seem to overlook regarding Douglas Shire Council (DSC) and the ferry operations. 

The Daintree Ferry is operated by TNQ Transport Services, a division of Entrada Travel Group, on behalf of the Douglas Shire Council. 

For those who aren’t aware, Entrada Travel Group is a 100% New Zealand owned and based company. They operate the ‘Spirit of Cairns’ charter boat out of Trinity Inlet in Cairns as well. 

While Douglas Shire Council own the Daintree Ferry, TNQ Transport Services lease the Ferry from the DSC and operate it under a commercial agreement including a mandatory WHS policy. 

TNQ Transport Services have a duty of care to ensure their employees have a safe working environment and passengers have a safe trip, so if it is deemed under the conditions of the existing WHS policy that the operation of the ferry is dangerous due to environmental reasons (Logs, debris in the river or a very low tide), then it is incumbent on TNQ Transport Services to cease operations until it is deemed safe for the vessel and ferry personnel to continue operations.

Yes, Douglas Shire Council advertise any ferry issues through their web portal but that is on the recommendation of the Ferry operator who have a very basic website.

Don’t you think it strange that TNQ Transport Services don’t have a dedicated website specific for an essential service such as the Daintree Ferry and its daily operations? They have a glossy one after all, for the ‘Spirit of Cairns’.

It is understood from conversations, that it is the Ferry operator who advises the Council on daily operations or dangerous conditions leading to suspension of services – not the other way around. That would be like the tail wagging the dog!

It is pointed out again, Yes, Douglas Shire Council advertise any Ferry issues through their web portal but that is on the recommendation of the Ferry operator not the DSC.

Many people take great delight in the perceived aggressive attacking of Daintree Ferry operations yet you never, ever read or see any reference towards the Ferry operator - TNQ Transport Services, or the parent company, Entrada Travel Group.

This is the same as criticising Hertz Rentals for leasing a car to an incompetent driver. It’s the driver behind the wheel who is the operator responsible, not the owner of the car (Ferry) and it is they who need to be taken to task!

The point here is – If you truly want to make your concerns about the ferry visible, make a difference to the ferry operations and most importantly, be heard, write your concerns to the actual operator of the Daintree Ferry and the parent company. 

Regards

Name withheld by request

 

Support local journalism

If you’d like to support our journalists and independent journalism in the Douglas Shire please support Newsport by hitting the Support Us button on the top of the page. 

Thank you!

Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.

Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.