Community
4 November, 2023
Ferry’s $546,000 repairs
CAIRNS-based Dawsons Engineering has been awarded the $314,118 contract to make urgent repairs to the beleaguered Daintree River ferry.
Douglas Shire Council approved the contract on Tuesday this week even though the work had already started on October 15, running over six weeks to modify four davits (crane-like devices) which are used to raise and lower the ferry’s ramps.
The council’s acting chief executive officer was authorised to approve the “critical” contract prior to council approval.
A council report said the four davits on the Daintree Ferry required emergency replacement of key components.
The council has allowed more than $546,000 for the work, which includes $80,000 for parts, $50,000 for logistics and $100,000 for management and contingency.
Deputy mayor Lisa Scomazzon told the council meeting she was “a little bit confused” over the additional costs over and above the contract.
She wanted to know why management and contigency were rolled into one costing.
“I’m not comfortable with this,” Cr Scomazzon said.
Mayor Michael Kerr said any “blow-outs … we will be notified.” Cr Scomazzon voted against the contract.
