Daintree Ferry should stay council owned
Peter Mckeown letter
Former Douglas Shire councillor Peter Mckeown has made a case for council to retain ownership of a new Daintree River Ferry, pointing to the history of the debate and why he believes privatisation of the service is a bad idea.
Here’s Peter’s take:
As a former councillor it is with great interest that I follow the current progress of the new Daintree Ferry contract.
At the Douglas Shire Council meeting of May 17, 2021, (available on YouTube), a motion was passed 3–2 for DSC to purchase the existing ferry and outsource an operator, with Council becoming the vessel’s owner. This was not a decision taken lightly, as the price was inflated — but ownership was essential to secure the future of this vital service.
Mayor Michael Kerr supported the motion, noting staff advice that this was in the best interest of ratepayers and would give Council stronger negotiating power, staff recommended this option, and we can dictate to the operator.
Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon stressed that the ferry is critical infrastructure, needed by locals and tourists alike, and should always remain a Council-owned asset and we will be in a worse financial position than what we are now without this asset.
I stated that while the purchase was short-term pain, it would deliver long-term gain, keeping the ferry in DSC’s control, and we should not be put in this position again.
Council’s own business study confirmed ownership would leave DSC in a stronger financial position.
Historical records also show the ferry has returned significant income to Council each year, except in years when vessel purchase or major inspections were required.
By contrast, when private operators own the vessel, DSC has far less control.
In 2006, for example, the previous operator walked away, leaving Council to pay $500,000 over 101 days until a new contractor was ready.
The ferry is too important to leave in private hands.
A Council-owned ferry ensures the service runs in the public interest, with profits reinvested locally — not directed to external companies.
This revenue, largely generated by visiting tourists, should help fund new infrastructure and protect the Daintree environment, benefitting the whole community.
I believe the DSC had the capacity to fund the building of a new ferry to be held in its control from funds from the Daintree reserve fund that DSC holds and assistance from Qld Government loans at minimal rates of interest.
For these reasons, I firmly believe the ferry should remain in DSC ownership, guaranteeing security, accountability, and long-term benefit for ratepayers.
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