Gold Coast ferry service makes right waves as solution to traffic gridlock
A GOLD Coast ferry system could finally become a reality under a plan being developed. At least seven stops are planned for the water service. SEE THE STOPS.
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PLANNING is underway for a jetty off The Spit as a wave of support grows for a ferry service around tourism hot stops.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is starting early studies on a pontoon off Doug Jennings Park just south of the Seaway entrance.
Several consortiums are circling with ferry service proposals, ranging from short canal and river trips to more complex integrated ticketing models.
After decades of debate about starting a co-ordinated water transport system, ferries are back in the spotlight courtesy of The Spit master planning process. Stakeholders flagged it at workshops.
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.
GCWA chief executive Hal Morris is aware of “different business models” and after several discussions with business groups believes “someone will crack it”.
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A short ferry service has worked previously, taking 1600 fans from Appel Park in Surfers Paradise to Evandale during the Glow festival.
One option would be for that private service to operate for all major events at HOTA, taking traffic off congested Chevron Island during cultural precinct major shows such as the sold-out Neil Finn concert.
Another longer term solution involves a more complex system linking up with Go Card and providing a service from the Broadwater to Broadbeach.
FERRY PROPOSED FOR BROADWATER PARKLANDS
Potential stops could include The Spit near the Seaway and Sea World, at the Southport Yacht Club south west across to the Broadwater Parklands and linking south to Surfers Paradise and west to Bundall.
Ferries were discussed at the most recent GCWA board meetings and Spit master planning sessions as a solution to traffic congestion around Main Beach.
“If there are too many vehicles up at The Spit, why not go by water,” Mr Morris said.
“We are looking at putting a new ferry-capable facility at the top of the marine stadium into Doug Jennings Park.”
Mr Morris cautioned that the GCWA was “not in the business of providing a ferry service”, but its role was to seek consultation with community stakeholders on whether it could be part of the transport mix.
He acknowledged light rail was a big boost to having a successful ferry system because jetties could be located near tram stations enabling tourists in Surfers Paradise to access the Broadwater by public and private transport.
“There have been a number of people over the last five years who have come to brief me and sought my opinion,” Mr Morris said.
“So far no one has arrived with a decision that they’re ready to go. That’s their decision. We’re ready to back them up.”
The key challenges include whether the system can work within the existing speed limits, the impact of wash from boats on revetment walls and creating a ticketing system.
“There are solutions to all of these things. They are things that need to be worked out in a positive way,” Mr Morris said.
“We have hundreds of kilometres of canals and rivers. You’d have to think that ferries would be part of the mix.
“Wavebreak Island is in the footprint of discussions for The Spit master plan. The feedback is no one’s looking for significant development of any kind on Wavebreak Island but people have said ‘what about a bush camping situation’.
Governments and council are unlikely to fund a bridge across to the island but a ferry service will help families who cannot afford to own a boat.
A spokesperson for State Development Minister Cameron Dick said a ferry service could be considered as part of the master planning process.
“If there were to be a proposal for a ferry service then its on-land components could be considered as part of the master plan process,” the spokesperson said.
“However, whether or not there is a ferry service or should be a ferry service is not something that will be driven or determined by the master plan process.”
POTENTIAL FERRY STOPOVER SITES
● Doug Jennings Park (Marine Stadium end).
● Sea World.
● Southport Yacht Club.
● Broadwater Parklands (southern section).
● Appel Park, Surfers Paradise.
● Evandale.
● The Star Hotel and Casino.
FLASHBACK: COAST’S LONG DEBATE OVER FERRY SYSTEM
THE push for a ferry system on the Gold Coast has been 15 years in the making.
In 2003, in the twilight months of Gary Baildon’s term as mayor, a high-speed ferry linking Brisbane with the Gold and Sunshine coasts was mooted by a Maroochydore-based company.
It won the support of Queensland Tourism, but never got off the ground.
The $10 million ferry system was proposed in the wake of a “doomsday” transport report commissioned by the State Government which warned that state-run roads would face total gridlock by 2008.
The ferry, a light rail and overhaul of the city’s bus system were also suggested as ways of taking pressure off the roads.
A report later that year found a ferry travelling 13km between Sea World at Pacific Fair would be viable.
Its proposed stops included Marina Mirage, the former Sundale shopping centre site, Chevron Island, Evandale, Appel Park in Surfers Paradise, Isle of Capri, Jupiters Casino and the Convention Centre and Pacific Fair.
Under that proposal, ferries would run every half-hour, seven days a week between 7am and 10pm.
Ron Clarke, elected mayor the following year, pushed ahead with plans for a solar-powered ferry system.
The council selected Solar Coast Cats as the proponent of its ferries.
However, there was strong opposition from some locals who feared revetment walls along the Nerang River would collapse because of the waves left by the craft.
By 2006, the ferry service was to have 37 stops and appeared certain to launch in 2007.
But speed limits put on the waterways by the Bligh Government tanked the proposal.
Nearly a decade later both Mayor Tom Tate and developers such as ASF have attempted to launch a ferry system, but the idea is officially yet to float back on to the agenda.
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