Noosa Council confirms NZ takeover of Noosa North Shore ferry

A local company has lost the contract for the Noosa North Shore ferry, as the new operator outlines big changes to payments methods. Have your say on the move in our poll.

The Noosa Council has voted for a New Zealand travel group to take over the contract of the Noosa North Shore ferry in 2024.

A New Zealand travel group has won the contract for the North Shore ferry service, following a unanimous backing by Noosa councillors.

The green light at the October 27 meeting follows a staff recommendation to award the 20-year contract to Divers Den Investments Pty Ltd, which is part of New Zealand’s Entrada Travel Group.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the company would build two new ferries, one with a 27-vehicle and the other with a 12-vehicle capacity, which doubled the current service’s capacity.

“The 27-vehicle ferry alone will eliminate most of the current vehicle queuing issues and the company has also proposed to work with Greenfleet – a partner in council’s Yurol Forest Conservation Project – to offset carbon emissions from the ferries,” she said.

Entrada Travel Group people and TNQ operations general manager Genevieve Wardleworth said the service provided a vital link for the North Shore community and its visitors.

A New Zealand company has won the contract for the Noosa North Shore ferry. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ms Wardleworth said the company would introduce an electronic ticketing system and offer on-board cashless payments as well as pre-purchased options via a new website.

“Multiple electronic payment methods will be available, and we will continue to accept cash for those that still prefer to pay that way,” she said.

She said Entrada had “extensive” ferry operating experience in New Zealand and also ran the Daintree River cable ferry.

The company did not respond to a question about plans for fee increases.

Ms Stewart said the company was the top contender during the tender process and confirmed the contract would start in July, 2024.

“We have to make decisions based on sound contracting principles, and this was the company recommended to us by our staff,” she said.

The Divers Den Investments tender was one of five submitted by three companies.

The current ferry operator, Noosa North Shore Ferries, also submitted a tender.

Owner and operator Cliff Andreassen told the Sunshine Coast Daily on October 14 he was “not fazed” by the council decision.

Mr Andreassen said he still offered cash-only payment options.