NSW border closure delaying timber ferry assessment: BCC
Frustrated residents left high and dry by ferries being withdrawn from service have been promised more frequent services when the temporary replacement enters service. GET TO CITY FOR FREE NOW
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Frustrated residents of inner-city riverfront suburbs have been promised more frequent services when the replacements for ageing wooden ferries take to the water from November.
Nine ferries, some of which are 32 years old, were suddenly removed from service in late July after a number of issues were identified with their hulls.
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Brisbane City Council this week announced that, from November, mini catamarans – dubbed KittyCats – will be drafted in from Sydney.
They will temporarily service the CityHopper and Cross River ferry routes while eight of the nine timber vessels are being restored.
One wooden ferry has now returned to service Bulimba and Teneriffe.
Council says it does not yet know which services will be resumed using the KittyCats but public and active transport chair Ryan Murphy said service restoration was being prioritised “as much as possible on patronage numbers”.
“From day one we have acknowledged and apologised for the inconvenience,” Mr Murphy said.
Despite having only four KittyCats, Cr Murphy said their higher top speed meant schedules could be more frequent than the older wooden ferries.
Frustrated Norman Park residents have said the closure cuts off their only convenient link with New Farm.
“It’s unfathomable for us to put up with the roadworks (along Wynnum Rd) for 18 months, and then turn around and take the ferry away,” local resident Constance Munnich said.
Ms Munnich, who does her shopping at New Farm’s Merthyr Village, said council’s suggestion to take the bus instead “would take forever”.
“It is absolutely insane,” she said.
“It’s outrageous.”
Another Norman Park local, Dr Bob Rees, said the terminal’s sudden closure was also impacting on local traffic.
“A lot of students from the northside come via this ferry,” Dr Rees said.
“The closure of this little terminal affects a heap of people, and I don’t think the council thought that through.”
Council refused to say whether Norman Park would benefit from the new KittyCat services, saying it was still determining services across the ferry network.
Morningside Labor councillor Kara Cook expressed doubt over whether the wooden ferries would return.
Council also said work to restore the wooden ferries is being hampered by Queensland’s hard border closure.
“Due to the State Government’s strict border restrictions, there is not yet a firm time frame for when the maritime specialists will arrive from New South Wales or when the timber ferries will be back on the water,” a council spokesman said.
Cross-River ferry and City Hopper updates
Bulimba to Teneriffe Cross-River ferry services to resume
Normal Cross-River ferry services between Bulimba and Teneriffe have resumed. The Cross-River ferry service will commence at 5.33am from Bulimba, in addition to the regular 5.23am CityCat service.
Reliability and safety for all our customers remains our priority. The extended CityCat timetable will remain until further notice, including the Holman Street terminal as part of the all-stop services. The temporary free shuttle between Kangaroo Point and Eagle Street will also continue at this time, departing every 20 minutes between 5.50am and 11.50pm seven days a week.
For alternative transport options or to plan your journey, visit TransLink or phone TransLink on 13 12 30.
Alternative travel options and free shuttle in place of CityHopper and Norman Park to New Farm Cross-River ferry service
The CityHopper ferry services have been suspended until further notice to allow maintenance inspections to occur.
A new free shuttle bus has commenced in Kangaroo Point (route 27), with stops at the Story Bridge and Eagle Street. This service operates every 20 minutes from Baildon Street (opposite the Story Bridge Hotel), with the trip taking about 12 minutes.
All other alternative transport arrangements will be managed by bus and CityCat services.
For alternative transport options, or to plan your journey, visit TransLink or phone TransLink on 13 12 30.
Ferry services are here to stay and we are hoping to reinstate the Cross-River and CityHopper ferry services as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this suspension of service may cause and thank you for your understanding.
Transport alternatives
Kangaroo Point + Eagle Street Pier + Thornton Street
Existing bus route 234 services near Holman Street and Thornton Street.
New free shuttle bus (route 27) with stops at the Story Bridge Hotel and Eagle Street. The bus stop is located on Baildon Street, near Main Street, across the road from the Story Bridge Hotel. The stop is used by the existing 234 service.
CityHopper
Holman Street, Thornton Street and Dockside are serviced by the existing 234 services nearby.
South Bank 3 customers are encouraged to use bus services from the South Bank Busway.
Maritime Museum customers are encouraged to use bus services from the South Bank Busway or Mater Hill Busway.
Existing CityCat services connect North Quay, Sydney Street and South Bank.
Norman Park + New Farm
Existing bus routes 227, 230,232,235 P228 are available near Norman Park terminal and travel to the city where you can transfer to service 196 to travel to New Farm.