This was published 4 years ago
'KittyCats' to fill in for suspended cross-river ferries awaiting repairs
By Matt Dennien
Brisbane City Council has chartered a fleet of four mini catamarans to stand in for its ageing and suspended cross-river ferries, with the lord mayor blaming border restrictions for delays on starting the repairs.
So far only one of the vessels, which have been dubbed "KittyCats" and can carry up to 60 passengers, has arrived in Brisbane from Sydney. The other three will soon be piloted up from New South Wales to undergo modifications for Brisbane River conditions before crews are trained.
One of the KittyCats plies the Brisbane River at South Bank, while the others are yet to arrive from Sydney.Credit: Matt Dennien
Commuters can expect the fleet to begin running the still-suspended routes from early November, when RiverCity Ferries takes over operation of the CityCat and ferry fleet.
Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said the sleek ships would be a "very different look" compared to the older, mostly wooden-hulled ferries, some of which have been in service for more than 30 years.
"It's clear it is going to take a significant amount of time to repair the timber vessels," he said.
Removed from routes on July 23 and 24 as a precaution after "serious" safety concerns were uncovered in the nine older ferries, just one has since been cleared to return – on the Bulimba to Teneriffe route.
One of the replacement cross-river ferries at Southbank.Credit: Matt Dennien
CityCats have been servicing the Holman Street terminal since July, with a shuttle bus running between Kangaroo Point and the city.
An independent report commissioned by council found some of the ferries had rotten frames, rust and faulty bilge pumps. Operator Transdev said all had been maintained and certified once or twice a year.
Cr Schrinner said state COVID-19 border restrictions had meant interstate experts had not been able to come and start the "extensive repairs" needed on the timber ferries.
"This means we still don’t have a firm timeframe for when the timber ferries will be back in the water," he said.
"As an interim measure, this KittyCat fleet will get residents and visitors back and forth across the river."