Daintree bridge plans
Four locations identified at cost of about $60m
FOUR locations have been identified for a bridge over the Daintree River with an average capital cost of $60 million.
Douglas Shire Council has released an in-depth analysis and comparison of constructing a bridge or implementing a two-ferry option to help ease congestion and improve access to the Daintree Rainforest.
A two-lane concrete bridge with dual-use walkway and bikeway access could be built at the current ferry crossing, Martinelli Road, Mossman Daintree Road and Daintree Village, according to the report.
A toll for users would almost certainly be needed given its estimated cost of between $53-75 million.
“Without imposing a toll, none of the bridge solutions generate revenue for council, and all will increase operational expenses to cover maintenance and depreciation,” the report said.
“Further work would be required to ascertain the likelihood of being given approval by the State Government to charge a toll.”
A bridge would provide “24 hour service” for travellers and create a jobs boom during construction, but would see 30 employees operating the current and potential second ferry service lose jobs once completed. It was estimated that design, permit process and construction would take about five years.
The introduction of the “two-ferry solution” includes a new 36-vehicle ferry with mostly solar and electric power “to operate all year round” and the existing 27-vehicle ferry operating “during the peak times” to reduce wait times and queuing.
“This option provides for a high quality contingency plan in the event that one of the ferries was out of service and includes a new e-ticketing solution,” the report said.
A second ferry would cost $2.8 million and both options are able to draw on council’s $4 million reserve ferry fund.
The current Daintree Ferry generates revenue for the council, netting an estimated $1.15 million annually.
Toll fees could be between $10 and $22 one-way.
Currently a ferry ticket is $18 one way or $31 return.