Newsport Daily Print’s latest edition is now on the stands, packed with the news, colour and sport shaping the Douglas Shire and Far North Queensland - along with your say on the issues that matter most.

The big stories continue to roll.

After a costly disruption, the Daintree River Ferry is back in operation, bringing relief to residents, businesses and tourists across the region.

The return follows an estimated $1.8 million damage bill after severe weather from Low 29U earlier this year knocked the ferry out of action, sweeping away a wharf and tour boats.

Douglas Shire Council confirmed the long-awaited reopening last week.

In welcome news, security surveillance across the shire could soon be strengthened.

Council is seeking up to $400,000 in State Government funding to install at least two mobile “CCTV on wheels” units, targeting key areas including Mossman, Port Douglas, Craiglie and popular tourist parklands.

There’s also movement on bike and pedestrian transport links, with work set to begin this month on a new $2.6 million cycling and walking path along Port Douglas Road.

The 3m-wide path will run from the Sheraton roundabout to beyond Barrier Street, with construction expected to take up to three years.

Meanwhile, the fallout from the collapse of Port Douglas transport company Exemplar continues to ripple through the region, with frustrated customers sharing their experiences.

On a positive note, efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef have received a boost, with a $10,000 council grant awarded to the Forever Reef Project.

Managed by GBR Legacy, the funding will support community open weeks and a guest speaker series aimed at bringing coral conservation science out of the lab and into the public sphere.

From the Newsport archives, we revisit a remarkable survival story from a decade ago.

In the end, it was a final act of sacrifice that saved Danny Gray’s life.

After plunging into the Coral Sea at more than 130km/h in a helicopter, Gray survived a desperate swim through crocodile, shark and jellyfish-infested waters, following a faint light in the darkness despite serious injuries.

He believes it was pilot Brad Maisel’s last-second manoeuvre - turning the failing aircraft - that ensured Maisel’s side took the full impact and ultimately saved his life. Read the remarkable story 10 years on.

In sport, the Port Douglas Crocs delivered a statement performance, dismantling reigning premiers North Cairns Tigers 26.15 (171) to 5.5 (35).

The Crocs dominated from the outset, with Murphy Short, Jared Petrenko, Kye Chapple, Shay Linke and Liam Bartels rating special mentions.

There’s also a full spread of social photos and your comments and letters.