Redland City Council expressed its delight over the recent release of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Implementation Plan, which allocates $41 million towards enhancing the Dunwich ferry terminal on North Stradbroke Island.
Mayor Karen Williams highlighted that this upgrade is one of the 29 commitments within the City Deal aimed at bolstering connectivity and community infrastructure in one of Australia’s rapidly growing regions.
“Redland City Council has been firmly dedicated to the SEQ City Deal since its inception over seven years ago through negotiations involving the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and Council of Mayors (SEQ),” stated Cr Williams.
The SEQ City Deal’s strategic objectives encompass accelerating future job opportunities, establishing a faster and more connected SEQ region, creating a more liveable environment, and fostering thriving communities.
While some of the Council’s proposed projects, such as the Cleveland Rail line duplication and the Eastern Busway extension, did not make it into the Implementation Plan, Mayor Williams expressed contentment that federal and state governments will collaborate on upgrading the ferry terminal at Junner Street, Dunwich.
“The enhanced infrastructure and services will significantly improve connectivity between North Stradbroke Island and the mainland, giving a substantial boost to tourism on the island,” she added.
The Federal Government will contribute $30 million, the State Government will provide $10 million, and Redland City Council will invest $1 million.
Initial planning for the ferry terminal precinct upgrade is expected to be done by late 2023.
Mayor Williams also highlighted that Redlands Coast could benefit from other region-wide commitments in the Implementation Plan. These include opportunities to propose projects that create creative, sustainable, and healthy communities, promote green infrastructure for active transport and walkability, develop waste processing facilities to enhance resource recovery rates, and offer digital solutions addressing specific local economic or business priorities.
Furthermore, she emphasised that the City Deal framework is flexible and allows for other projects to be included with the agreement of different levels of Government. Redland City Council will continue collaborating with the Australian and Queensland governments and the Council of Mayors to explore the inclusion of additional projects in future versions of the City Deal.
