Redcliffe to Moreton Barge project progresses with renewed commercial interest from operators

The return of a barge service from Redcliffe to Moreton Island is closer than it has ever been in the past decade. POLL

The State Government’s long running mission to get a barge service back up and running from Redcliffe to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) has taken a giant surge toward the finish line.

The Combie Trader II, which ran from Scarborough, folded in 2008 and residents have been calling for it to be reinstated ever since.

Plans to get it back up and running, along with funds to make it happen, have been floated by State and Federal government candidates for just as long.

Tourists and holiday makers could soon be able to reach Moreton Island via a barge service from Redcliffe. Photo: Keiran Lusk

Despite spending $400,000 on a business case study and promising $4 million to help build necessary infrastructure four years ago, the State Government has been unable to find an operator interested in running the service from north of Brisbane.

This is believed to be partly because of the millions of dollars the operator would have to fork out to dredge and build the barge landing site.

But in September last year local developer Josh Kindred, who owns the Newport Marina, floated a plan to run the barge from the marina, not Scarborough as previously proposed.

“I’m in my fifth year working with stakeholders to achieve an incredible outcome for what is the largest privately owned waterfront site on the Peninsula, the barge to Moreton Island is definitely part of what’s on the road map,” Mr Kindred said.

The Combie Trader II barge service from Scarborough to Moreton Island ceased in 2008.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) Barge Development Opportunity project had progressed after a successful expression of interest (EOI) process.

“Late last year, we sought expressions of interest from proponents with demonstrated experience in developing, owning and operating a commercial barge service,” Mr Bailey said.

“Proponents also needed to be willing to establish a new service from the Redcliffe Peninsula to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin).

“Following an EOI invitation, we have successfully identified and short-listed proposals.”

Mr Bailey said, despite the State Government forking out $400,000 for a business case study to determine which part of Scarborough Harbour would be best suited for the barge site, other locations were being considered.

Kindred Developments had originally hoped to develop the Newport Marina site with units – CEO Josh Kindred now hopes to run a barge service instead. Image: Rothelowman

“A second stage invitation to offer along with workshops with proponents are now underway to clarify financial and technical feasibility and proposed mainland barge landing sites,” Mr Bailey said.

“Dependent on these outcomes, we will then conduct a detailed evaluation before making a decision.”

Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said the renewed commercial interest in the proposal was great news for local business and tourism operators.

“A new barge at the Redcliffe Peninsula will offer alternative and increased travel services to Moreton Island, and drive more visitors and tourists to the region,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Boosting travel to these stunning Queensland destinations, means we have new opportunities to drive tourism, increase employment and rebuild local economies.

“This is all about helping this region recover while developing a new, commercially reliable and regular barge service to Moreton Island from our northern suburbs.

“The Palaszczuk Government backs the barge and has committed up to $4 million towards completing this project with the successful proponent.”

The invitation to offer period closes on 1 April, 2021.

Transport and Main Roads would not confirm when a final decision was expected.