Douglas Shire opens review of river ‘icon’

EXPRESSIONS of interest are open to gauge market appeal and encourage new ideas for managing the Daintree River Ferry, with tenders to open in the next few months.

The ferry is currently under contract until June 30, 2021, however expressions have opened well in advance to see how the service could be improved on.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julie Leu, whose council manages the contract, said the expressions of interest would be followed with a formal tender process.

“We want to understand the full scope of potential out there and see what the market may be able to offer to improve this unique ferry service,” she said.

“Our officers will be undertaking early market engagement with a real mix of potential suppliers from not only across Australia, but across the globe.”

Cr Leu said it was time for the council to turn to the public to gather innovative ways to improve the service.

“We want the market to help us solve some of the challenges we face with the current ferry service and come up with cutting-edge ideas for this iconic piece of Australian tourism infrastructure,” she said.

She said council intended to invite tenders by June 30 this year and to award the contract by December 31.

The ferry is currently operated by a commercial contractor on behalf of the Douglas Shire Council. It carries up to 27 cars at a time on the five-minute crossing.