Gold Coast ferry system one step closer after Waterways Authority backs council proposal

THE Gold Coast’s proposed ferry system is one step closer to becoming a reality after it won the backing of a powerful ally. Here’s when you can hit the water on public transport.

THE Gold Coast’s proposed ferry system is one step closer to becoming a reality after it won the backing of a powerful ally.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority last night threw its support behind the proposed ferry service, which was revealed last month by the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the authority’s support for the system, which he says will go to tender for a two-year trial.

Artist impressions of a proposed ferry station at the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct at Evandale

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A 12-stop service has been developed by the Gold Coast City Council which would operate in the Broadwater and Nerang River and would have the potential to take 3200 cars off roads each day.

Cr Tate hopes to get it to tender by Christmas with the first ferries taking to the water in mid-late 2019.

“The enthusiasm at yesterday’s board meeting was encouraging and I don’t believe any of the issues we covered off on were in the ‘too hard’ basket,’’ he said.

“I am confident we will see a two-year trial start in the next 12 months, on selected routes.

“This service will go a long way towards taking vehicles off our roads and providing locals and residents with a further transport mode. Further, it will open up the way people see the Gold Coast — namely, from the water.’’

The next hurdle will be securing the support of the State Government to vary the speed limits on the Nerang River and Broadwater.

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The speed limit is currently six knots but City Hall hopes to have ferries cruising the waterways at speeds of 12-18 knots.

The Mayor will now write to Marine Safety Queensland to officially request the change at meet with Transport Minister Mark Bailey.

“Most people understand that six knots is a very regulated speed. I expect a speed of between 12 and 18 knots would be ample,’’ he said.

“Speed itself is not the issue … it is the wake left behind from the vessel’s hull that is the issue but I’m confident modern design, solar-assisted ferries can overcome that concern.’’

Cr Tate said the best time to evaluate feedback on the service was during the trial.

“This will provide invaluable data and allow people to experience it first hand, rather than just conceptually. Brisbane’s CityCats have enjoyed an 88 per cent increase in patronage over the last six years so that is very encouraging.’’

As revealed in the Bulletin last month, the two-year trial which would be operated as a joint project between the council, waterways authority, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Marine Safety Queensland and private consortiums.

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Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will push forward with a Gold Coast ferry service Picture Glenn Hampson

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Under the plan council would provide dock infrastructure, TMR would integrate its timetables into the city’s existing public transport network and the waterways Authority would oversee the tender and contract.

The overall cost of the system is unknown and will depend on the proposals brought forward by private operators during the tender process.

The cost to council, expected to be around $350,000 in ongoing subsidies as well as around $200,000 for two new docks at Doug Jennings Park and the southern side of Wavebreak Island.

The ferries would otherwise dock at existing council infrastructure.

An artist impression of a proposed ferry terminal at the southern end of the Broadwater Parklands — Images supplied by City of Gold Coast Council

Stage one of the service would run between Evandale and Labrador, with stops at Cavill Ave, Sundale Bridge, Main Beach, Mariner’s Cove, Sea World and the Southport Pier.

The second stage, anticipated to be run by a private consortium, would run north from Charis Seafood to Couran Cove and Tipplers while the third stage would run along the Nerang River from Cavill Ave in Surfers Paradise to Metricon Stadium, stopping at Isle of Capri’s Via Roma shopping centre.

Metricon Stadium will be one of the stops (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

This service would only operate on AFL game days or on special events such as concerts being held at the stadium.

Asked about transport options as part of the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Golden Age campaign, readers gave a firm tick for more use of the city’s waterways.

Nearly 70 per cent of respondents supported a ferry service from Surfers Paradise to Paradise Point.

Of the potential for a short-hop service to Wavebreak Island, which can only be accessed by boaties, 55 per cent of those surveyed said they would take advantage of a ferry trip.