Jardine ferry repairs spark frustration as residents demand promised bridge after decade of delays

Routine safety announcements and a month long closure to the Jardine Ferry, which links Cape York to Queensland’s northern tip across Jardine River, has once again stirred frustration with residents. Read more here.

Previous work undertaken to replace the heavy cable on the Jardine River ferry. Picture: MICHAEL NAMOK

Routine safety announcements and a month-long closure to the ferry which links Cape York to Queensland’s northern tip has once again stirred frustration with residents.

The ferry, a vital transport link for the Northern Peninsula Area, will be closed for repairs from April 23 to May 23 as part of a safety mandate from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

But repeated disruptions, rising ferry costs, and the lack of progress on the bridge promised by the federal government a decade ago, have led to growing discontent.

The area is known for its popularity with campers and not uncommon for long line-ups of travellers waiting for the ferry during peak season. Photo: Facebook.

One outraged resident, who asked to remain anonymous, described the service as “old” and nearly “condemned”.

“The ferry has been taken out of the water again for the second time in a year, preventing all travel via road in or out of the Northern Peninsula Area,” one local said.

“This one month disruption will prevent tourists and tourist operators from visiting the region, robbing local businesses of revenue during the peak tourist season.

“It is time for a change, it is time for a bridge.”

Resident are also frustrated “nothing has been done” following a $10m funding promise made by the federal government in 2015 to build a bridge.

When the federal government announced its investment towards a bridge 10 years ago, it committed to delivering key infrastructure aimed at improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Far North Queensland.

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch previously told the Cairns Post the $10m in federal funding had been allocated for the bridge, with the project awaiting state government costings.

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, acting chief executive, Lew Rojahn. Picture: Supplied.

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council acting chief executive Lew Rojahn said the AMSA-regulated closure had been “carefully timed” to consider the Easter school holidays and the monsoon season.

“The Jardine Ferry is a vital service for our region, and safety is our number one priority,” Mr Rojahn said.

“These annual works are necessary to ensure the ferry continues to operate safely and efficiently as we enter the peak travel and tourism period.”

Price hikes which took effect on January 1, 2025, have also fuelled growing dissatisfaction with the contentious ferry operations.

For tourists, the cost of a single car crossing has risen to $160 for a return trip.

A bicycle will cost $40 for a return trip, a motorbike $80, and a trailer or van crossing will cost $250.

Whereas locals have benefited from a slight reduction, paying just $10 for a round trip by car and $5 for a motorbike.

NPARC Mayor, Robert Poi Poi, acknowledged the importance of the ferry for local families, service providers, and the growing number of visitors heading to the Cape and Torres Strait region.

NPARC Mayor, Robert Poi Poi, acknowledged the importance of the ferry for local families, service providers. Picture: Supplied.

“The Jardine Ferry is an essential part of everyday life in our region,” he said.

“Ensuring its safe operation is a top priority for council.

“We appreciate the community’s co-operation and understanding as we carry out these important works to maintain the service for years to come.”

Repairs to the ferry, which remains the only transport link across the Jardine River, are part of the council’s ongoing efforts to ensure its safety and reliability.

The scheduled repairs will focus on ferry hull maintenance, ensuring compliance with marine safety standards, and allowing contractors to complete the works in suitable weather conditions following the monsoon.

Services will operate daily from 8am to 5pm between April 5 and 22, 2025, with the exception of Good Friday, April 18, when the ferry will be closed.

Originally published as Jardine ferry repairs spark frustration as residents demand promised bridge after decade of delays