Noosa North Shore ferry fares increase as council continues discussions about EFTPOS payment

Those keen to get their beach driving fix at Noosa North Shore may not have to carry around so many gold coins soon.

Fares increased for the Noosa North Shore ferry from July 1.

Four wheel drivers will have to pay a little more to get across to Teewah Beach but soon may not have to carry so many gold coins.

Noosa Council has increased fares for the North Shore Ferry from $8 to $10 for residents travelling with their four wheel drives, as part of its annual price review.

Property manager Clint Irwin said it was the third time in eight years the council increased the fee for standard vehicles, trailers and caravans.

The council is also working with the ferry operator to introduce EFTPOS as soon as possible.

The operator currently only accepts gold coins as payment for tickets.

“The fee is now $10 up from $8 last year,” Mr Irwin said.

“There are no price changes for North Shore residents, cyclists or pedestrians and daily workers.”

North Shore residents and daily workers will continue to pay 50 cents and $1 respectively.

“In 2009, the fee was only $6 so our increases have been modest,” he said.

Mr Irwin said the council would continue to review ferry operations and price structures.

A new ferry tender process was expected within the next two years.