Jardine River Ferry delayed again for maintenance issues

A ‘lifeline’ travel route connecting Cape York to the rest of Far North Queensland will not reopen on time, after further maintenance issues were identified, locking out visitors.

The Jardine River ferry has been closed for maintenance by the Northern Peninsula Area Council. Picture: NPAC

The Jardine River Ferry remains closed due to ongoing hull repairs despite promises it would be operational this week, as businesses claim to have lost up to $200,000 in revenue.

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council closed the ferry for repairs between April 23 and May 23, but water testing on the vessel on May 22 revealed further repair work was needed.

NPARC Mayor Robert Poi Poi said the ferry completion had been scheduled for testing in service by May 23 before full operations resumed.

“Council had aimed to meet the original relaunch schedule of 24 May, but a short delay may be expected while safety compliance is complete,” Mr Poi Poi said.

It comes after reports Cape tour operators and business owners were frustrated with the month-long closure, which would delay visitors from returning to the area during tourist season.

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. Picture: Supplied.

Cape York Motorcycle Adventures director Renae Kunda estimated the closure had cost her business up to $200,000 at the time.

“All of these small businesses on the other side of the river rely on us to come in early,” Ms Kunda said.

“Chopping into one of those months and taking touring money away is crippling for some businesses.”

The ferry is the only legal passenger vehicle access to the tip.

A Bamaga resident, who did not wish to be named, said people had been lining up on either side of the crossing since Friday morning.

“There are lots of people on the other side that are a bit stranded now, and everbody’s ordered extra food and put on extra staff that they don’t need now,” the resident said.

“There were people this morning that were going out, ready to get on it, and we even heard on the radio that it was open.”

While the resident expressed disappointment in the delay, he said it was something residents were used to.

“I would think a bridge would make more sense, and then we wouldn’t have these issues, but it’s just something you get used to up here,” he said.

Originally published as Jardine River Ferry delayed again for maintenance issues