While flooding of the Jardine River has hampered repair efforts, the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council says it is “confident” it will have the region’s embattled ferry back in the water on 23 May. Photo: Facebook (Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council).
The council repairing the only road link between the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) and the rest of the country says it is on track to return the Jardine River ferry to operation next week, but frustrated residents want a backup plan, not hollow assurances.
The Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) was forced to pull the embattled ferry out of the water last month to undertake repairs mandated by the maritime watchdog, and told Cape York Weekly it was “confident” of having it back in the water by 23 May.
“Work has commenced and progressing as planned, with some delay caused by flooded roads, prolonged flooding at the river repair site and crocodile risk,” acting chief executive officer Lew Rojahn said on 8 May.
“However, council is confident of meeting the original work completion deadline of 23 May.”
The council has been slammed by Cape York tourism operators after the announcement of the repairs caused thousands of southern visitors to postpone or cancel their northern adventure this dry season.
But NPA locals say they concerned there is no backup plan being formulated should the vessel not be deemed fit to return to service by next Friday, or at all.
One resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said their plan to travel south for an employment opportunity at the beginning of June was now up in the air.
“I’ve been offered a job in Cairns for the rest of the year and was planning to drive out the first week of June, but how can I be confident the ferry’s even going to be running by then?” they asked angrily.
“There’s talk around it won’t even be let back in the water; what am I meant to do then – spend money I don’t have flying out, then need to fly back and drive my things down eventually?”
Croc Tent owner Lea Webb, who has lived in the NPA for about 20 years, said while she was worried about the hit her business was taking due to the ferry not operating, she was more concerned about the impact a prolonged closure would have on the community.
“We aren’t reaching a long-term solution,” she said.
“We don’t have a reliable ferry and we don’t have reliable freight and, right now, if one more boat breaks down, we have no way of getting fruit and veg, resources and medical supplies to five communities that are being overlooked by the rest of Australia.
“When [the Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek] was cut off, the army was there in a minute building a temporary bridge.
“We can’t have this turn into a full-blown disaster before they come up with a Plan B.”
Mr Rojahn said the council had spoken to Cook MP David Kempton, who “has offered full support to NPARC”, but Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said his office was yet to be contacted.
“NPARC has not sought assistance from the Queensland Government during this period,” he said.
Cape York Weekly was unable to contact the Federal Government for comment about potential Australian Defence Force intervention due to the 3 May election.
