Australia: Queensland’s Daintree Forest Cut Off

No Comments | February 28th, 2006 | Trackback

The Daintree Forest in far northern Queensland is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, but it may be inaccessible for more than three months if a ferry dispute isn’t resolved. The Daintree River ferry is the only direct link to the rainforest and the current operator’s contract expires March 21. Local officials would not renew his contract and signed a deal with a new company to take over the service, but it can’t start until July 1 because the ferry is under construction. Talks to extend the current contract until July 1 broke off, and there is no telling if a deal can be made. The ferry service is an essential supply line for the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal community and the many tourism-related businesses. Without it, the area would essentially shut down.