CityCat Boost for Bay Islands

July 22, 2007 12:00am Sunday Mail

A NEW Moreton Bay terminal linked to the CityCat system is being planned as a major boost to Brisbane's tourism infrastructure.

The Sunday Mail has learnt that Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island is seeking to redevelop its Pinkenba ferry facility at the mouth of the Brisbane River into a new water-transit terminal.

The revamped terminal could provide access to the bay's entire island system and would be linked to the river's existing CityCat network.

If the plan gets the go-ahead from the Brisbane City Council and State Government, it could open up the possibility of catching a CityCat from the CBD to Moreton or North Stradbroke islands in less than two hours, with just one transfer.

The plan could boost tourist interest in Moreton Bay, a destination that attracted only 4 per cent of the international visitors in Brisbane last year, according to the latest figures.

Tangalooma director David James said the company was committed to a start on the redevelopment of the terminal at Pinkenba to include a new deep-water marina within three months.

"That will happen regardless of whether the entire Moreton Bay terminal plan gets the go-ahead, but I believe this is a golden opportunity to get all the tourism infrastructure in place now," he said.

The plans for the marina are expected to get the go-ahead from the Brisbane City Council within weeks.

The future of the rest of the development depends on the company being able to secure a portion of land it needs from the adjacent Royal Queensland Golf Course, which is owned by the State Government.

The development plans include a multistorey car park, cafes and restaurants, boardwalk and retail and ticket sales offices.

The project has the support of Brisbane City Council's Invest Brisbane, which is seeking investors.

"The terminal would open up the entire Moreton Bay Islands system," Invest Brisbane director Brett Fraser said.

"Whale-watching, trips to the islands, deep-sea fishing and all the other things that the bay has to offer could be catered to."

A document, including a map for potential investors in the plan, has been prepared by the council-funded body and includes developments at other key points on the bay.

The map, titled Moreton Bay Tourist Infrastructure, shows plans for new accommodation on Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Peel Island and Russell Island.

Improved facilities at the existing North Stradbroke crossing at Toondah Harbour would include private boat access and a marina, along with a marina at the existing Scarborough Harbour crossing to Moreton Island.

The document being used to attract investors places a strong emphasis on preserving the bay's green credentials. "Moreton Bay and islands have been earmarked to become the premier coastal eco-tourism destination in Australia and the destination of choice for both domestic and international holiday makers in Australia," it reads.

"Brisbane Marketing has initiated the Moreton Bay and Islands Tourist Infrastructure Project in conjunction with representatives from the private sector, Tourism Queensland and Brisbane City Council to investigate potential for environmentally sensitive development in the region, and to act as a catalyst for this future development.

"This requires the controlled development of select sites in what is an extremely environmentally sensitive eco-system.

"The vision is to develop Moreton Bay and its islands in a sustainable manner in line with the developing ecotourism needs of the region."

With 43 per cent of all international visitors to Australia visiting Queensland, Moreton Bay is ideally placed to capture a large number of international tourists.

"The whole area has been terribly under-serviced by infrastructure and we are confident that this will get off the ground," Mr Fraser said.

"The way things are at the moment means that the bay is practically a local destination. If you are not a local, you won't know how to get there."

Commenting on the plan, Premier Peter Beattie said: "On a surface level it sounds like an good idea but there are some environmental concerns we will have to look at."