The Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) ferry terminals upgrade works are due to start at Russell Island this month, with Transport and Main Roads and Redland City Council announcing the start of the on-site works.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards said this was good news for the SMBI communities on Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb islands, with overall works planned for completion in mid-2023.
“This project will deliver new ferry terminals at Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra islands, which is a fantastic outcome for residents and visitors coming to our part of the world,” Ms Richards said.
“The works on Russell Island will start this month with some temporary landside works to occur first.
“It will also include repurposing the existing ferry terminal infrastructure for recreational use such as fishing and mooring and support 45 jobs over the life of the works.”
Ms Richards said ferry customers would see changes to pedestrian access to the Russell Island ferry terminal, drop-off facilities and car park.
“The contractor will install temporary footpaths, a temporary access gangway, and a temporary relocation of the shelters to be closer to the relocated facilities,” she said.
“Transportation of the Russell Island pontoon sections from The Jetty Specialists (TJS) yard to Aluminium Marine at Thornlands occurred last week, which is great news for the local business, supporting local jobs.
“Fabrication of the Macleay Island pontoon will now start at the TJS yard.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was excited to announce the commencement of the project’s onsite works.
“I’m delighted that the delivery of one of Redlands Coast’s largest marine infrastructure projects will begin next month, with Russell Island’s ferry terminal the first of the four SMBI terminals to undergo the upgrade,” Cr Williams said.
“Our SMBI communities have waited a long time to see these essential island transportation hubs improved, and it will be exciting to see the works take place over the next 24 months following years of planning and community consultation.
“This joint project is an example of what can be achieved when different levels of government work together and I would like to thank the State Government for their support.”
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the progress was great to see.
“This is fabulous news for the island community,” he said.
“The SMBIs are one of the few communities in south-east Queensland that rely on marine transport and this project will provide safe, reliable and disability accessible transport to and from the mainland.
“Obviously, construction works will be required and we ask that Russell Island residents, business owners and visitors be mindful of temporary changes to parking availability and the new ferry access zone.”
For safety reasons, project contractors at Russell Island will be required to close off a section of the adjoining car park.
From mid-October, several parking bays on the eastern side of the car park will be temporarily unavailable as contractors construct a new footpath leading to a temporary ferry access jetty, which will be the new boarding and disembarking point for commuters during the construction phase.
Council will install maps and signs outlining the location of the new temporary ferry access jetty, which will be approximately 30 metres to the right of the existing ferry terminal, and construction signs will indicate which parking bays need to remain unoccupied.
For more information on the project, visit the project page at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/upgrade-of-smbi-ferry-terminals or email the TMR project team at boatinginfrastructure@msq.qld.gov.au
