Gold Coast ferry system to take first passengers by Christmas 2019 after ‘positive’ meeting between Mark Baily and Tom Tate

FERRIES will take to the Gold Coast’s waters after the State Government gave the thumbs up for the project. New details reveal how long it will take to travel the waterways and how fast you’ll be going. SEE THE INTERACTIVE MAP AND VIDEO

GOLD Coasters look set to be boarding a ferry in the Broadwater by Christmas 2019.

The State Government has given a green light for a two-year trial of a 12-stop ferry system after a “positive’’ meeting between Mayor Tom Tate and Transport Minister Mark Bailey on Tuesday.

Cutting-edge solar catamarans will be able to make the 13km journey from Labrador to Surfers Paradise in just 36 minutes under plans being considered, which would see the ferries permitted to travel at speeds of 12 knots or above.

FERRY SERVICE TO RUN IN BROADWATER TO METRICON STADIUM

Modern catamarans such as these used in Sydney create much less wash than older CityCat designs (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

The council is preparing to go to tender by December for the system, which is expected to be integrated with TransLink timetables and would take more than 3500 cars off the roads, according to projections.

A positive Mr Bailey said staff from the Department of Transport and Main Roads would now investigate the proposal.

“While this is a council-led proposal, I am always happy to hear about any projects that could improve public transport for Queenslanders,” he said.

“Cr Tate has proposed a two-year trial for the ferry service, in partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Maritime Safety Queensland and Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

“I’ve asked my department to now liaise with the City of Gold Coast and perform early investigations into how this plan could work.”

COMMUNITY GROUPS BACK FERRY SYSTEM PROPOSAL

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey. (AAP Image/Aaron Bunch)

Mr Bailey vowed to keep those affected by the proposal closely involved in the process. “Importantly, residents who could be directly impacted will be kept informed as much as possible as we consider this potentially transformative public transport proposal,” he said.

The Gold Coast Bulletin understands the investigations will take place in coming weeks before tenders are called.

Speed limit issues in the Broadwater are expected to be part of the investigations.

Modern ferry designs that will be called for in the tender process will be similar to those used in major cities such as Sydney.

Unlike Brisbane’s 22-year-old CityCat designs, newer ferries have the potential to travel faster but create significantly less wash, lessening the potential for causing damage to revetment walls along the Nerang River.

Mayor Tom Tate. Pics Adam Head

LOBBY GROUP BACKS FERRY PROPOSAL

Cr Tate said the new form of public transport was vital as the city’s population continued to rise at faster-than-expected rates.

“We have seen incredible success with Gold Coast light rail, a whopping 33 per cent growth in patronage since stage two came online in December last year,” he said.

“That means less people are using their cars, leading to less congestion on our roads. Solar-assisted ferries will be our version of light rail on water.

“We have calculated the first stage of the ferry service between Surfers and Southport and the Spit may take about 3500 cars off the road daily, which could lead to further congestion reductions.”

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

The Gold Coast Bulletin revealed the revived ferry proposal in July, just weeks before it was given the backing of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

Under the plans, the first stage will be based in the Broadwater and Nerang River, travelling as far south as Evandale and Cavill Ave.

The vessels will also travel west along the river to Metricon Stadium on game days during the AFL season or for special one-off major events.

A second stage to travel north from Labrador and stopping at Couran Cove would also be considered as part of a permanent system.

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

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

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While the majority of docks are already in existence, others will be built by council, including one in the Marine Stadium at Doug Jennings Park and on Wavebreak Island, if approved.

According to a Gold Coast Bulletin report in July, 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 is expected to be about $350,000 in ongoing subsidies as well as about $200,000 for two new ferry jetties.

Renewed momentum for the proposal comes more than 15 years after ferries were first pitched as a solution to the city’s traffic woes.

Ferries were first proposed 15 years ago.

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Asked about transport options as part of the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Golden Age campaign, readers earlier this year 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, 55 per cent of those surveyed said they would take advantage of a ferry trip.