- Disaster resilience in Daintree Coast communities will be buoyed by the Albanese and Crisafulli Government’s investment to improve crucial access links in the area.
- Works will include a new barge access point and upgrades to Daintree Ferry facilities.
- Having safe, secure access and resupply options for Cape Tribulation residents will help keep the community connected during severe weather.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments will fund new barge access infrastructure for the Daintree Coast and strengthen existing local resupply points to improve safety, flood resilience and disaster readiness.
Delivered as part of the Crucial Access Links Program, funded under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the project will boost access and resupply options for Daintree communities when roads in the region are cut due to severe weather.
Planning and construction will be prioritised for a new barge access point for Cape Tribulation so supplies and services can continue to reach residents in times of crisis, and evacuations can be carried out more efficiently.
Critical upgrades will also be undertaken at the Daintree Ferry precinct to improve vehicle access and traffic control, introduce priority lanes for emergency vehicles, and enhance ferry mooring and maintenance facilities.
Douglas Shire Council will manage delivery of the project, which has been informed by community feedback and the lived experience of recent disaster seasons.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said keeping access open during severe weather was crucial for the wellbeing of residents in remote communities.
“It doesn’t matter where you live, every Australian deserves safe and reliable access for their community, all year round,” Minister McBain said.
“Strategic resilience investments like this, directly informed by the unique needs of a region, will prove invaluable for Far North Queensland during future monsoon seasons.
“For too long, isolation during disasters has been a pain point for Daintree residents, and we are determined to fix the issue with more marine access options for resupply and public safety.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said improving access and resupply options for isolated Daintree communities was critical to strengthening disaster resilience in Far North Queensland.
“Severe weather can cut off communities very quickly in the Daintree, which is why these upgrades are so important to keeping residents connected and safe during disasters,” Minister Leahy said.
“This investment will improve emergency access, strengthen resupply options and help ensure Cape Tribulation residents can access essential services and support when they need it most.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the investment would bring tangible benefits for the community.
“I recently visited the Daintree with Patrick Gorman MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister. We heard from locals first-hand how frustrating it can be for communities of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation when they are cut off by extreme weather,” Mr Smith said.
“The new marine access points will mean that next time a flood comes or the ferry is out of action, locals will still be able to maintain supply routes for groceries, supplies and emergency services.
“Core infrastructure such as this is essential for these communities, and it is a moral imperative that the Government do the right thing to keep Australians safe.”
Queensland Member for Cook David Kempton welcomed the announcement after this year’s intense wet season.
“Cyclone Jasper, and more recent flooding has again indicated how vulnerable communities are north of the Daintree River in the Cape Trip area,” Mr Kempton said.
“It’s important that we investigate measures to ensure there is accessibility post natural disasters in areas like Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation. That’s why I welcome this funding as an ongoing resilience building in the Daintree.”
