Council welcomes SEQ City Deal commitment to Dunwich ferry terminal upgrade

Redland City Council has welcomed the release of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Implementation Plan, which commits $41 million towards the upgrade of Dunwich ferry terminal on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade was one of 29 City Deal commitments that would support the delivery of high-quality connectivity and community infrastructure in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

“Redland City Council has been committed to SEQ City Deal since negotiations began more than seven years ago between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ),” Cr Williams said.

“City Deal is designed to meet four strategic outcomes – accelerating future jobs across SEQ; a faster, more connected SEQ region; a more liveable SEQ; and creating thriving communities.

“Council put forward several projects for discussion, including duplication of the Cleveland Rail line and extension of the Eastern Busway.

“Although those projects were not included in the Implementation Plan, we are pleased the federal and state governments will partner with us to upgrade the ferry terminal at Junner Street, Dunwich (Goompi).

“The upgraded infrastructure and services will improve connectivity between North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah and the mainland, and will also provide a boost for tourism on the island.”

The upgrade will be led by the Queensland Government, which will provide $30 million, with the Australian Government committing $10 million and Redland City Council $1 million.

Initial planning for the ferry terminal precinct upgrade is expected to start in late 2023.

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast could also benefit though other region-wide commitments in the Implementation Plan.

“This includes the opportunity to submit projects that create creative, sustainable and healthy communities; provide green infrastructure that promotes active transport and walkability; develop waste processing infrastructure that will increase resource recovery rates; or provide digital solutions that address specific local economic or business priorities,” she said.

Cr Williams said the City Deal framework created a structure that would allow for other projects to be included with the agreement of other levels of government.

“Redland City Council will continue working with both the Australian and Queensland governments and the Council of Mayors to investigate other projects we would like to see included in future versions of City Deal,” Cr Williams said.

More information on SEQ City Deal is available on the Queensland Government’s website.