Four islands in southern Moreton Bay set to receive ferry terminal upgrades in government deal

Passenger ferry terminals will be upgraded on the southern Moreton Bay islands as Council and the State Government strike a $34.1 million deal.

A passenger ferry service operates from Redland Bay to the southern Redlands Coast islands in Moreton Bay. Picture: Paula Shearer.

Redland City Council and the Queensland Government are a step closer to a $34.1 million upgrade of passenger ferry terminals on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands.

Council has welcomed a State Government offer to design and co-fund the long-awaited rebuild of the terminals and will now start negotiations for a deed of agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

Redlands Coast Mayor Karen Williams said the State’s offer followed negotiations over many months with TMR and Translink to upgrade the four passenger ferry terminals.

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“Council has been determined to negotiate a deal that best serves the interests of island residents and visitors to use these terminals well into the future,” she said.

“The upgrade of the Russell Island ferry terminal will be given top priority, because of the condition of the facility, with sequencing of the other upgrades determined during the planning phase.”

“The State and Council are working together to share the construction costs, ensuring this vital infrastructure provides reliable and safe transport for our southern islands.

“This infrastructure is the lifeblood of the communities they service and it is great to see Council and the State partnering to upgrade it.

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“Unlike most residents, these communities have no other transport options available to them.”

Redland City Councillor (Division 5) Mark Edwards welcomed the partnership and said the project had many benefits for the four island communities.

“We know these communities rely on this infrastructure to access everything from employment to critical health services, and this project will enhance commuter safety, as well as improve access to these vital services” he said.

“Council is keen to work with TMR to develop an operating model that ensures the long-term viability of this significant community infrastructure.”

Passengers arrive at Redland Bay from the southern Redlands Coast islands in Moreton Bay. Picture: Paula Shearer.

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the upgrades were a vital piece of infrastructure for local residents, but also important destination experiences to showcase the Redlands Coast islands.

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“The $34.1 million upgrades to the terminals are a significant investment by both the State Government and Redland City Council,” she said.

“(It) is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate on delivering for our island communities.”