Long wait to find out if the new barge to Moreton Island will go ahead

The state government is remaining tight-lipped on how many potential operators applied to run the new Scarborough to Moreton Island barge service.

State Labor MP for Redcliffe Yvette D'Ath examines the map for the barge to Moreton Island landing site. Picture: Erin Smith

If all goes to plan the state government is expected to announce its preferred operator of the Scarborough to Moreton Island Barge by the end of the year.

The expressions of interest to operate the service closed on August 3.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said as the project was in the “active procurement” stage it could not disclose how many expressions of interest were received.

State Labor MP for Redcliffe Yvette D'Ath examines the map for the barge to Moreton Island landing site. Picture: Erin Smith.

“All submissions will be subject to a range of considerations,” the spokesman said.

“These include the proponent being able to demonstrate their experience, intent and capability to establish a service.

“If proponents have been able to successfully demonstrate these attributes, their submission will then progress further through the procurement process with a preferred proponent expected to be identified by the end of the year.”

The state government has agreed to spend $4 million to build the barge landing site at the Scarborough boat harbour.

A business case determined the barge service would work best if run from the northern arm or the spit (just past Sea Salt and Vine Cafe) of Scarborough Boat Harbour.

The project will also include an access road and breakwater rock wall.

The former barge service from Scarborough, the Combie Trader II, stopped operation in July 2008.