A PROPOSAL to start a vehicle ferry service connecting Weipa and the Northern Territory is gaining momentum in Cape York

The new Port of Weipa Land Use draft plan will be released this month and is expected to include provision for a marina at the port.

Weipa Town Authority member chairman Peter McCulkin said the authority had been in talks with private companies to start the ferry service from Weipa to Gove Peninsula and Darwin.

Nicknamed the Cape to Kakadu link, Mr McCulkin said the idea was started by Weipa residents.

“We have engaged with state and federal members and private companies to explore what the options could be,” he said.
Although specific costs haven’t been discussed, Mr McCulkin said the service could boost the local economy and create hundreds of jobs.

Cape York Sustainable Futures CEO Trish Butler said the service would cut hours off travel time for tourists visiting the Cape.

“It just adds another dimension to possible tourism opportunities in the Cape and Northern Territory,” she said.

Federal member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he would meet Northern Territory parliamentarians within three weeks.

“It’s a brilliant initiative. It helps Weipa to build their capacity as an adventure tourism destination,” he said.

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