Councils tracking towards conflict

A WAR of words has erupted between the Douglas Shire and neighbouring Cook and Wujal Wujal councils over a controversial feasibility study into the sealing of the Bloomfield Track.

Douglas Mayor Julia Leu has slammed her Far North counterparts for failing to consult and “get the facts right about our road”, saying her council had been ambushed by the paper into the potential paving of the Daintree stretch.

“We are in the truly bizarre situation where an economic analysis was completed about our infrastructure in our own backyard and no one thought to pick up the phone or drop into our office,” Cr Leu said.

The iconic four-wheel-drive track, which runs for 28km from Cape Tribulation to Wujal Wujal, falls within Douglas Shire boundaries. The report, commissioned by Cook and Wujal Wujal shires, suggests the council boundaries and ownership of the road be transferred over to the Aboriginal shire.

A key finding in the report, completed by Cairns economist Bill Cummings, said Douglas could save $700,000 a year on maintenance costs if it handed over its section of the unsealed Bloomfield Track. Cr Leu disputed the figures. “Council spends about $130,000 per year on maintaining the track,” she said.

“Regardless of the politics involved, if Cook Shire and Wujal Wujal were serious about getting this project completed, surely they would have wanted accurate data.”

The sealing of the road and boundary realignment has been endorsed by Cook Mayor Peter Scott, who is in “constant dialogue with Wujal”.

“Douglas council has resolved to not consider the project in this term of government,” he said.

Wujal Wujal Mayor Desmond Tayley believes his council is in a strong position to negotiate the transfer of ownership given it sits within the Native Title Claim.

“We totally respect it is within Douglas Shire Council, this is why Wujal wants to have discussions with them as soon as possible,” he said.

Former Daintree blockade spokesman Mike Berwick said the idea of the road becoming a major thoroughfare was “turning back 40 years of history”.

“A bunch of us got arrested over 30 years ago to stop that road,” he said.

The report said sealing the World Heritage-listed road would cost about $119 million.

NO ONE THOUGHT TO PICK UP THE PHONE OR DROP INTO OUR OFFICE DOUGLAS MAYOR JULIA LEU