Proposed Brisbane to Islands Ferry Link

Bayside Bulletin Report 26th February 2008

Plan for bay ferry links to Brisbane

TOURISM chiefs are hoping to boost visitor numbers in Moreton Bay by pushing for a high-quality ferry service to link Brisbane City with island communities. Invest Brisbane, an arm of Brisbane Marketing, has unveiled its ideas for how to attract more visitors to the beautiful bay – both day trippers and holidaymakers.

The Moreton Bay and Islands Tourism Infrastructure Project is in its early stages and aims to improve access to the bay, boost holiday accommodation on the islands and create jobs.

The concept suggests ferries linking North Stradbroke Island, the Southern Bay Islands, Coochiemudlo Island, Moreton Island and other bay destinations should connect with a new ferry terminal in the Brisbane River near the Gateway Bridge.

Under the plan, a high-speed City Cat-style ferry service would link the Pinkenba terminal to central Brisbane.

It is expected government support would be needed to construct the facility, or it could be achieved through a public-private partnership.

Those involved in the project say the ferry plan could also make it easier for island people to commute to Brisbane City, but the ideas could take many years to come to fruition.

Invest Brisbane director Daniel Havas said early discussions had been held with public and private nature-based tourism investors about the project, which had been developed in collaboration with Tourism Queensland and Brisbane City Council.

“Social benefits will also be delivered resulting from interconnectivity – making Australia’s premier eco-tourism destination more available for residents, domestic and international holiday-makers to experience,” he said in a statement.

It is understood a feasibility study could begin this year along with formal discussions with tourism operators, governments, councils and investors.

Invest Brisbane has embarked on a marketing blitz to raise awareness of the plan, hoping to attract interest and is inviting the public to share its views on the ideas.

Redlands Tourism chairman John Conley declined to comment until he attended a briefing session this week.