Barge from Scarborough to Moreton Island to be in the water by 2014

DESPITE delays, the planned barge between Scarborough and Moreton Island should be in the water by this time next year.

Combie Trader II, the last barge to run between Scarborough and Moreton Island.

A BARGE between Scarborough and Moreton Island will be in the water by this time next year if all goes to plan.

Redcliffe businessman Chris Bale had hoped the vessel would be in operation by Christmas this year, but will have to settle for Christmas 2014 as the permit application process took much longer than he anticipated.

"At the earliest, it will be seven months away, but it looks like we won't get a boat in the water until this time next year," Mr Bale said.

"Things are progressing, just slowly. Council is working with me, but there are just a lot of permits and a lot of testing that has to be done before things can start."

Mr Bale had a boat just two weeks away from sea trials and had started interviewing potential staff.

"I'm upset, I'm frustrated. This should have happened a long time ago," he said.

"But as long as I comply with all of the (council and state government) requirements, I have been told it will be in the water this time next year."

The proposed barge has overwhelming support from local businesses and residents, with more than 750 comments in support of the idea on the Redcliffe & Bayside Herald's Facebook page.

Mr Bale will now sell the boat and have an identical boat built so he does not waste money storing it.

Mr Bale's vessel will carry up to 52 vehicles and about 270 passengers. He intends to run the service between Scarborough and Bulwer and Scarborough and Tangalooma Wrecks.