$34.1 million Southern Islands passenger ferry terminal upgrade

Redland City Council and the Queensland Government are a step closer to a $34.1 million upgrade of Redlands Coast’s four Southern Island passenger ferry terminals.

Council has welcomed a State Government offer to design and co-fund with Council the long-awaited rebuild of the terminals and will now commence negotiations for a Deed of Agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

Mayor Karen Williams said the State’s offer followed negotiations over many months with TMR and Translink to upgrade the passenger ferry terminals at Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands.

“Council has been determined to negotiate a deal that best serves the interests of island residents and visitors to use these terminals well into the future,” she said.

“The upgrade of the Russell Island ferry terminal will be given top priority, because of the condition of the facility, with sequencing of the other upgrades determined during the planning phase.”

“The State and Council are working together to share the construction costs, ensuring this vital infrastructure provides reliable and safe transport for our Southern Islands.

“This infrastructure is the lifeblood of the communities they service and it is great to see Council and the State partnering to upgrade it.

“Unlike most residents, these communities have no other transport options available to them.”

Redland City Councillor for Division 5 Mark Edwards welcomed the development of a partnership and said the project had many benefits for the four island communities.

“We know these communities rely on this infrastructure to access everything from employment to critical health services and this project will enhance commuter safety, as well as improve access to these vital services” he said.

“Council is keen to work with TMR to develop an operating model that ensures the long-term viability of this significant community infrastructure.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the ferry terminal upgrades were not only a vital piece of infrastructure for local residents, but important destination experiences to showcase arrival to our magnificent Redlands Coast islands.

“The $34.1 million upgrades to the terminals were a significant investment by both State Government and Redland City Council and is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate on delivering for our island communities.”