Residents chart an investigation blueprint over Daintree Ferry damage
Daintree River Ferry
An anonymous group of Douglas ratepayers have mapped a blueprint for investigations into the Daintree River Ferry saga they want undertaken, saying Douglas Shire Council and the Shire’s ratepayers should not have to foot the bill for the ferry damage and disruption.
Headlining the complaint is a call for a full investigation to be carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Council into the events of March 5 when flooding as a result of Tropical Low 29U broke the critical Daintree River crossing, severely damaging the ferry and landside infrastructure in a multi-million dollar disaster.
Entrada Travel Group, the contracted operator of the Daintree River Ferry, has responded to Newsport to say it is working closely with Douglas Shire Council, which owns the ferry vessel and associated land‑based assets, and is committed to working collaboratively with Douglas Shire Council, regulators, and the local community to bring the Daintree River Ferry service back into operation as soon as feasible and is satisfied that all protocols were followed.
The letter demands that a clear understanding of ferry operator Entrada’s storm management plan is gained and whether action could have been taken to reduce the damage and long-term impact on the Daintree community and possible financial hit to Douglas Shire Council.
It outlines concerns that the expected weather event was forecast for several days in advance and residents, council and all emergency services were preparing for it.
Entrada offered a statement to say the ferry crew had followed protocols.
“In the lead‑up to the significant weather event on the evening of March 5, the Daintree Ferry crew worked with Douglas Shire Council on standard storm preparations, consistent with established operating procedures,’’ it said.
“As conditions deteriorated, the Daintree Ferry crew maintained regular communication with Council representatives and senior Entrada Travel Group management, responding to the rapidly changing weather and river conditions throughout the evening.
“Like many in the Daintree community, our ferry employees were directly affected by the weather event. We sincerely thank our staff for their dedication, professionalism, and effort on the night, as well as their continued work to restore ferry services as quickly and safely as possible.
“As with all incidents where damage to a vessel is sustained, necessary investigations and inspections occur including both internal and external parties. These are running in parallel with the primary effort and main priority being to have the services restored as soon as practicable.
