Matt Smith (Leichhardt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

One of the great privileges of representing a seat such as Leichhardt is the unmatched natural beauty. Recently, I had the good fortune of being able to share that with the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman. He came to speak to businesses and locals across the river at Cape Tribulation about some of the issues they'd been having post floods.

As many of you would already know, the ferry was washed away, which cut off the Daintree and Cape Tribulation from the rest of the world. We had to helicopter in fuel, food and other supplies. But the Daintree Ferry is back! And the Douglas Shire Council has waived all fees for anyone in Far North Queensland. All Far North Queensland locals can now head across the river for free and enjoy one of the world's great natural wonders. I would encourage absolutely everybody to do so. From the views out at Cape Tribulation and across the mighty Daintree River to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the planet, you may even see a cassowary.

The beaches are not necessarily for swimming, because there are bitey things in there, but there are some fantastic swimming holes that are crocodile free. Just head up to Mason's, stop at Floraville and grab yourself an ice cream. It's a really special day. Not a single person ever in the history of the world has regretted a moment they've spent in the mighty Daintree. I recommend that everybody in the Far North get in the car and head across the river to support local businesses. They've been doing it tough, but they're going to show you one of the best places on the planet.

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