Daintree Ferry back after maintenance and repairs
FERRY OPERATIONAL
The Daintree Ferry is back in operation after eight days in dry dock for maintenance, extra repairs and mandatory safety inspections.
Extra repair works were needed at the weekend, extending the planned shut-down period from five days to nearly eight days.
The shut down caused controversy in the community, especially among businesses in the north Daintree who were shut off for more than a week.
Douglas Shire Council said staff and contractors worked around the clock to ensure the vessel could return to the water as quickly as possible.
“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has renewed the vessel’s operating certificate and the vessel is safely running across the Daintree River,” a Council release said.
“During the inspection crews were also able to complete various maintenance tasks on the vessel to ensure continuity of access for locals and visitors.”
The ferry was successfully floated on Sunday, and test runs were successfully completed.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said ensuring safety for locals and visitors was paramount.
“The community has been incredibly patient during the past few days while Council completed vital repairs to ensure a safe river crossing and I personally would like to thank them,” he said.
“As one of the last cable vehicle ferries in tropical Australia, the Daintree Ferry is a unique service that transports about 230,000 vehicle movements between the southern bank of the river and the world’s oldest rainforest each year and will remain to do so.
“Council will continue to invest in the iconic river crossing which is a fundamental aspect of the tourism economy of this region. We need to ensure this necessary transport link maintains long term reliability, high level of service, improved travellers’ experience, enhances local community, and importantly complies with relevant safety requirements.”
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