The Russell Island car park, near the new ferry terminal, has been successfully transformed with a $1.98 million investment from Redland City Council. Mayor Karen Williams emphasised the expansion of the car park, adding 64 new parking spaces and enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
“The Council is committed to ensuring safety and convenience for our Southern Moreton Bay Islands residents. This includes easy access to parking near ferry terminals,” Mayor Williams said. “The Russell Island car park has been significantly enlarged thanks to adjacent property acquisitions by the Council, promising a better experience for users.”
The upgraded car park now boasts improved traffic flow, designated areas for taxis and emergency vehicles, and a specialised bus drop-off zone. It also features eight accessible parking spaces, eight motorcycle spots, and compact bicycle racks.
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards highlighted the positive impact of this upgrade on island commuters, part of a broader $17.1 million investment in SMBI Ferry Terminals. Notably, a dedicated commuter drop-off zone reduces the need for parking spaces, allowing seven vehicles to queue safely for up to five minutes while waiting for ferry passengers.
The renovation prioritises pedestrian safety with raised pathways, clear walkways, and marked crossings. It also includes eco-friendly LED lighting and landscaping.
To minimise disruptions and parking loss during construction, the upgrade was executed in three planned stages. The $1.98 million project was funded by the Council with substantial support of $650,536 from the Queensland Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
News source: Redland City Council