Pontoon upgrade funding: green light from State Government for Gold Coast ferries

A major development has been announced to ensure a Gold Coast ferry service which is expected to start within months is accessible to more passengers.

THE Gold Coast ferry trial has received a huge boost with the Palaszczuk Government returning to the negotiating table with funding.

One of the challenges to a service operating in the Broadwater is the standard of ferry stops with both the government and council confronted with the need to make urgent upgrades to jetties.

The new Southport Jetty being built in the Broadwater Parklands.

The Bulletin can reveal the Government will fund upgrades at two proposed ferry stops to make them accessible for people with disabilities.

Upgrades are expected to start at the Appel Park in Surfers Paradise and Southport Pier ferry stops in September.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed $175,000 would be provided by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority to the City of Gold Coast to assist with the upgrades.

“We’ve had incredible success with Gold Coast Light Rail, with more than 42 million trips since it started five years ago,” Mr Bailey said.

“Gold Coast residents and visitors have shown they’ll support new ways of getting around.

“With its world class waterways, tourism opportunities and potential to take more cars off local roads, a ferry service trial makes sense for the Coast and I commend council for making it a priority.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has welcomed the ferry trial. Picture: Adam Head.

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Mr Bailey said the $175,000 would be provided to council on a 50/50 basis for the important accessibility upgrades.

“Any expansion of public transport is naturally a good thing, but it also needs to ensure people of all abilities have access to it and can catch these ferries in comfort. These upgrades will help with that.”

Mayor Tom Tate said ensuring stops were accessible was an important element of the ferry trial.

“This is great news and pleasing to see the State Government supporting this important project for the Gold Coast — another good example of working hand in glove with them,” Cr Tate said.

“We can’t wait to see ferries in our waterways by the end of the year and these works will ensure they will be able to be accessed by everyone. We leave no one behind on the Gold Coast.”

The Broadwater will be a key part of the ferry stops. Photo: Kit Wise.

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The latest council report detailed how only two companies put forward offers when the council went to market for a ferry service trial.

SW CruiseCo Pty Ltd, operating as CruiseCo which runs services between Sea World and Surfers Paradise accounting for 85 per cent of the Coast cruise market, was the successful operator.

One of the companies originally interested flagged that it could not deliver a viable ferry service in any trial period without the provision of an operational subsidy.

Councillors have ticked off on ratepayers paying $1 million to deliver the disability access and facilities needed at its managed ferry stops.

Council has also allocated $500,000 in operational funding in 2019-20 for “necessary management activities” along with community consultation. Another $500,000 is provided for the following 12 months.

The city is responsible for upgrading public pontoons and waiting areas, and the ferry operators must undertake marketing and brand awareness.

Experienced tourism stakeholders with marine backgrounds are strongly supportive of the proposal but seriously question the timing of the December trial. They say a major destination point is needed.

Their view is ferries will work but it may take another three years after the city either develops a second casino near the Broadwater or HOTA becomes a major attraction.