Ticket office turns shelter for Russell Is man stranded after missing last ferry home

Good things come to those who wait, including for a Russell Island man stranded after he missed the last ferry home on Wednesday. WATCH THE VIDEO

Good things come to those who wait including a Russell Island man stranded after missing the last ferry home on Wednesday.

Joshua Doyle thought he was going to have to sleep at the ferry terminal ticket office for five days - until he was rescued by the local MP and local emergency water services.

The 38-year-old never expected to be getting a lift home with the police barge Stewart Kerlin and was expecting to bunker down at the ticket office at the Weinam Creek port as there are no evacuation centres in Redland.

Russell Island man Joshua Doyle with Redlands MP Rebecca Yougn as he prepares to board the Stewart Kerlin barge at Weinam Creek where he spent the night in the ticketoffice. PICTURE: Judith Kerr

However, Redland MP Rebecca Young heard of his plight and asked the Coast Guard to help.

Although the Coast Guard was not involved, Mr Doyle was expected to be transported back to the island by local emergency services.

“He cannot stay at the local ferry terminal and we have organised some service to get him home,” Ms Young said.

A Redland Bay Coast Guard refused to divulge how Mr Doyle would be transported home and refused to reveal whether staff had been called to the islands twice already since last night.

However, all boats must get clearance from the Harbour Master before setting sail during the cyclone.

Mr Doyle slammed the city’s lack of evacuation centres after slept next to the Coke machine in the ticket office overnight on Wednesday after finding out too late that the last ferry had left.

Joshua Doyle at Weinam Creek ferry terminal after missing the last boat to home to Russell Island on Wednesday. Picture: JUDITH KERR

He said he was desperate to return to his elderly father on the island and it was a disgrace that the local Redland City Council had not planned for those who missed the last ferry.

“I’ll just have sit it out here - that could be at least another three days and all I have is a sleeping bag,” he said.

“The council could have easily opened up the community hall down the road which is never open to the public.

Redlands MP Rebecca Young with Joshua Doyle at the Redland Bay Coast Guard.

“Living on the bay islands is different to living on the mainland because there is no other option but to stay here and wait for the ferry.

“For too long, Island residents have been neglected by this council.”

Ms Young said she had been out all day tending to sandbagging stations and heard about Mr Doyle’s plight when she drove to the ferry terminal to see if she could help.

It was her call to the Coast Guard and later to the local water police that got Mr Doyle on his way home via the police barge, which had clearance form the Harbour Master.