Gold Coast public transport: Gold Coast tourism leaders back a ferry system

SPEED limits could be lifted on the Gold Coast’s waterways for the city’s proposed ferry system which is now one step closer to reality. SEE THE FULL ROUTE AND VIDEO.

SPEED limits on the Gold Coast’s waterways must be altered to allow the city’s proposed ferry system to become a reality by 2020.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority on Monday night voted to support a 12-stop system running through the Broadwater and Nerang River.

A proposed ferry terminal at the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct at Evandale

COMMUNITY GROUPS BACK FERRY PLAN

The next hurdle comes next month when Mayor Tom Tate meets with Transport Minister Mark Bailey to brief him on the project and lobby for speed limits to be lifted for the ferries.

Cr Tate wants the speed limits for ferries increased from six knots to between 12-18 knots.

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“It’ll take 18 months of investigation and legislation, but it’ll be real this time around instead of people floating ideas and dreams but don’t follow through,” he said.

“We will follow through with this. The timing’s right and the will of the local government, will of Gold Coast Waterway Authority, now it’s time to get State Government to get on board.”

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Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says he’s pleased with the support the ferry system has received. Picture Glenn Hampson

GOLDEN AGE: WHY GOLD COASTERS WANT A FERRY

Cr Tate said the increased speeds would not damage revetment walls on the Nerang River.

“The technology is the main thing, with the way they’ve rebuilt the bottom of these vessels, it’ll be like a knife going through water,” he said.

Mr Bailey said he was “happy to hear” about the project and looked forward to the briefing.

The Gold Coast Bulletin revealed the planned ferry service last month.

It will have stops running from as far north as Couran Cove to Metricon Stadium at Carrara on AFL game days.

Artist impressions of a proposed ferry terminal at the southern end of the Broadwater Parklands — Images supplied by City of Gold Coast Council

LOBBY GROUP BACKS FERRY PROPOSAL

The council is expected to go to tender on a two-year trial in the hopes of having boats on the water by late 2019.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority chief executive Hal Morris said Monday’s board meeting had been “positive”.

“There are a lot of hurdles (to achieving a ferry system) but there are lot of benefits too,” he said.

“There is a lot which needs to happen but it is so far, so good so we will take a look at it.”

Destination Gold Coast Chairman Paul Donovan also backed the project and said it was “another great opportunity to view the Gold Coast from a different perspective”.