CBD to Moreton Bay islands service part of $45m Brisbane River plan

A $45 million plan to get people using the Brisbane River will open up some other underappreciated gems on Brisbane’s doorstep.

• Once in lifetime catch
• River bounces back from spill
• More accurate flood mapping

TOURISM and recreational opportunities are set to flow thanks to a $43 million cash splash by Brisbane City Council to increase usage of the Brisbane River.

One is the prospect of direct trips from Brisbane CBD to Moreton Bay and its many islands.

Five new public mooring and dock facilities will be built at key points along inner-city reaches of the river for use by tour providers, private boats and commercial operators.

New facilities in suburban reaches, including a previously unannounced river recreation hub at Dutton Park, will provide easier access to the water.

The investment, over four years, includes $8 million in new funds and will be a flagship item in the council’s $3 billion 2017-18 budget, to be released on Wednesday.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the funding would increase opportunities for recreational and tourism operations on the river.

“The Brisbane River is the gateway to Moreton Bay and the islands, and with a network of docking points in the city, tourism operators will be able to offer new express services to North Stradbroke Island, South Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island,” he said.

Council plans to reignite interest in the under-utilised Brisbane River.

“To add to this, visitors and residents alike will be able to take advantage of hop-on, hop-off river tours, and on-demand private water taxi services, which are currently unviable in Brisbane due to a lack of short-term mooring locations, particularly in the city.”

Cr Quirk said the five new public moorings – at the Edward St end of the city’s Botanic Gardens, New Farm Park, West End and at two locations at South Bank – would only be the beginning of the network.

He said the new river recreation hub at Dutton Park will provide an access point for non-powered watercraft in a calm and under-utilised part of the river.

The council has already budgeted $24.8 million over four years to upgrade existing river walk structures and $10 million is being spent on other river infrastructure promised at the election including a previously announced pontoon at West End and a public marina at South Bank.

Cr Quirk said the public facilities would complement existing and planned river access areas being developed by the private sector.

“Already Destination Brisbane (Queen’s Wharf) and Howard Smith Wharves have indicated intentions to add to Council’s river access network with public mooring facilities and we expect more to follow,” he said.

Originally published as CBD to Moreton Bay islands service part of $45m Brisbane River plan