โ My name is Ian Locke and I have lived in the Douglas Shire for over 30 years.
I was a tour guide from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation and up to Bloomfield. I have seen lots of changes over the years. A bridge across the river would totally destroyed the unique area.
The large majority of people do not want a bridge.
Many years ago, I put a petition to the Douglas Shire Council to build more speed bumps to Cape Tribulation to protect the cassowaries and other wildlife, and to slow the traffic and speeding. This was very successful.
Imagine what it would be like if a bridge went across. Endless traffic.
The reason we have traffic problems north of the river now is because self-drive rental cars are allowed to go across where before they werenโt allowed due to going through the low-lying causeways.
I have mentioned before, that the only way to fix this problem would be to build a car park on the southern side of the river where self-drive rental cars can park, and jump on an eco-friendly bus which would take them through to Cape Tribulation without the stress and waiting in queues. Maps could be provided, with highlighted points of interest, local fruit stores, cafes, bars, walkways etc .
As well as promoting local businesses , this concept showcases tourists this unique area, AND protects the area and wildlife for future generations.
We have to look forward to the future. Even a two-ferry option is a short fix. And traffic is only going to increase over time. Many National Parks around the world now provide a parking area, with “bus only” access into these areas. Traffic was slowly destroying the very reason visitors came to the area.
Hopefully something like this can be put forward, please donโt let greed destroy what little areas like this we have left in Australia,
kind regards
Ian Locke Douglas 4877โ
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