The MP was in Bamaga last week and met with NPARC mayor Patricia Yusia and chief executive Susan Law to discuss issues in the community and said the issue of the bridge was raised.
“They expressed an interest … their view of building a bridge has changed somewhat,” Mr Entsch said.
“There is some level of conflict within the PBC (Prescribed Body Corporation), who sound like they are opposed to building a bridge and keeping the ferry.”
The PBC for the Native Title area around the Jardine River is the Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation.
Mr Entsch said he was happy to meet with the directors and potentially organise a representative from the state’s Department of Transport and Main Roads to be in the room.
“I made it very clear to council that I’m prepared to work with them on it,” he said.
“There is $10 million in federal money that has been sitting there for seven years and if there’s no bridge we’ll need to re-direct it to another project.
“It also needs to be said that there is no point sealing any more of the Bamaga Road because that will just mean more traffic heading north, which will lead to longer wait times at the ferry.
“A bridge is the future for the NPA.”
