Pontoon opens river to water taxi and water sports

A NEW pontoon built at West End will open the Brisbane River to transport and recreational water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing and paddle boarding.

The West End Recreation Hub is now open

A NEW pontoon built at West End will open the Brisbane River to transport and recreational water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing and paddle boarding.

Brisbane City Council has opened the 25m long pontoon along Riverside Drive.

Public and Active Transport Committee Chairman Adrian Schrinner said the West End River Hub would form part of an $8 million River Access Network to improve access to the river at key waterfront entertainment precincts.

Cr Schrinner said the pontoon would be able to accommodate up to 10 vessels at a time, and could soon become a drop off and pick up point for a new water taxi service once Council’s River Access Network began to take shape in the coming months.

Another two river hubs will be created at New Farm and Dutton Park

“Plans are also progressing for a new riverwalk and river hub at the City Botanic Gardens, that will connect one of the last missing inner-city cycling routes,” he said.

He said Brisbane’s tourism industry had been stifled by a lack of on-water infrastructure, however, the opening of the West End River Hub would mark the start of a new era in lifestyle and leisure opportunities.

“Until now, there has been no inner-city access for people to kayak, canoe, jet ski or stand-up paddle board, limiting opportunities for the city’s $6.3 billion tourism industry to grow,” he said.

“People will now be able to float straight into West End and dock their water craft for up to two hours.

“West End is already renowned for its unique cultural and entertainment offerings, and its popularity will continue to grow with the State Government’s own data revealing that close to 17,000 people are expected to move in over the next 27 years.”