Fruit barge possible for Daintree

A SPECIALIST barge to transport fresh fruit may be brought in to support residents north of the Daintree River during a five-day shutdown of the ferry.

About 30 people attended a community meeting on Sunday night to discuss issues related to the shutdown which will run from February 28 to March 4. Residents have raised their concerns over the closure which will mean vehicles will be unable to cross.

Douglas Shire Council mayor Julia Leu and Cr Roy Zammataro attended the meeting.

A council spokesman said the council would continue to consult the community leading into the closure to look at “practical measures” to minimise disruption for locals.

“Council is investigating the possibility of securing a barge to transport fruit and extending the shuttle bus service to Cape Tribulation,” he said.

“These will be dependent on demand for the services.

“The aim of the next four weeks is to continue to collect feedback from impacted stakeholders and look at practical measures to minimise disruption to their day-to-day lives.”

Anyone wishing to request the service is urged to contact Gaye Scott at gaye.scott@ douglas.qld.gov.au or telephone 4099 9414.

The ferry is being closed for the first time in more than a decade to allow for an out-ofwater safety inspection.