In an exciting development for residents and visitors alike, the first of four upgraded ferry terminals on Russell Island has officially opened its doors. This momentous occasion comes after years of meticulous planning, extensive community consultation, and the completion of challenging construction phases.
The Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals upgrade project, with a total cost of $48.6 million, has been made possible through a collaborative effort between the Queensland Government and the Redland City Council. The government has contributed $31.5 million, while the council has allocated $17.1 million towards this ambitious initiative.
Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that this milestone marked the most significant infrastructure investment ever made for the islands. She emphasized that the Russell Island ferry terminal, the largest of the four, epitomizes the entire project. The terminal’s modern design focuses on improving safety for ferry customers and recreational boat enthusiasts.
The upgraded ferry terminal now boasts a larger and more accessible pontoon, providing enhanced facilities for passengers and waiting areas. Notably, the dual berthing pontoon on Russell Island enables Translink’s passenger ferries to use both inner and outer berths. This arrangement facilitates better management of the ferry timetable, ensuring a smoother experience for passengers both now and in the future, as confirmed by Cr Williams.
Redlands MP Kim Richards expressed her pride in being part of a government that has delivered transformative projects, positively shaping the city’s future. The new recreational boating pontoon provides dedicated space for fishing and mooring, effectively separating commercial and recreational users. It’s important to note that the ferry terminal pontoon is exclusively reserved for ferry operations.
The comprehensive upgrades across all ferry terminals include larger waiting areas with increased seating, improved weather protection, wider gangways, enhanced circulation spaces, new amenities blocks (specifically on Russell and Macleay islands), and new landside shelters. Security cameras have been installed to improve passenger safety, while the larger pontoons accommodate future growth. Other notable features comprise lighting control systems, digital timetable information, and captivating Quandamooka artwork, paying tribute to the local indigenous culture.
The upcoming milestones for the project include the operational switchover for ferry passengers to utilize the new Macleay Island terminal. Furthermore, June will see the pontoon float-outs for Karragarra and Lamb Islands, signifying continued progress in this extensive endeavour.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey commended the collaboration between state and local governments, which has played a crucial role in delivering this vital infrastructure. He proudly highlighted that the newly constructed facilities have a design life of 50 years, ensuring lasting benefits for the bay islands well into the future.
Importantly, the upgrades do not affect Translink’s ferry timetable, with services operating at the Russell Island terminal as usual. The community can now enjoy the improved amenities and services provided by the upgraded ferry terminal, marking a significant step forward for transportation and connectivity in the region.
