Engineering and design firms Cardno and Architectus have been engaged by the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to design an upgrade of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) ferry terminals.
Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry services were an important link to the mainland for island residents and visitors with around 1.4 million passenger trips made every year.
“Appointing a respected team of engineers and designers is a crucial first step in delivering new, upgraded terminal infrastructure that’s safe and accessible for all ferry passengers,” Minister Hinchliffe said.
“The Queensland Government has contributed $290,000 and expertise to move forward on the important design and engineering phase of the ferry terminals project.
“It includes $250,000 from the Queensland Government’s Passenger Transport Infrastructure Program, which Redland City Council has agreed to match, and demonstrates what can be achieved when State and Local Governments work in partnership for the benefit of local communities.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the engineering and design appointments followed extensive consultation with residents and users of the Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra island ferry terminals.
“Ferry terminals are the gateways of our island communities and users want better protection from the weather and wider gangways for improved access,’’ Cr Williams said.
“Most would also like their terminals to accommodate fishing and include provision for recreational boaties to tie up their craft.’’
Cr Williams said that armed with an understanding of what ferry terminal users wanted, Council and its project partner, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), invited some of the country’s best architectural design and engineering firms to bid for the contract.
“With Cardno’s engineering experience and Architectus’ design expertise, this collaboration topped the list after a 12-week tender and evaluation process,’’ she said.
“With significant experience in transport and marine infrastructure projects, a demonstrated understanding of the needs of SMBI ferry terminal users and some exciting preliminary design concepts, Council is confident that Cardno and Architectus will deliver designs that meet the needs of ferry terminal users now and into the future.
“Designs developed by Cardno and Architectus will help Council prepare a business case to apply for funding for the upgrades.”
Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister Mark Bailey said funding had also been provided under the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program.
“As a Government, we understand the importance these structures play in the lives of those who live or visit the islands,” Mr Bailey said.
“Engagement has been underway since February and everyone involved has done a great job in gathering the wants and needs of the local community.
“Ultimately choices will be dependent on funding available, but everything raised will be considered in the design of the upgrades.”
Councillor for the islands Mark Edwards (Division 5) said more than 600 ferry terminal users provided feedback through surveys conducted at each of the terminals, and hundreds of island residents offered their views at meetings with Council’s project team.
“There will also be further opportunities for people to have a say when Council, DTMR, Cardno and Architectus present draft concepts for community feedback early next year,’’ Cr Edwards said.
“This will not only allow the community to see and comment on the design concepts but allow everyone to provide feedback directly to the project team, who will be in attendance and set up to sketch any revisions proposed by the community.’’
Cr Edwards said while all the ferry terminals were in dire need of an upgrade, the Russell Island ferry terminal was a priority because of its condition.
“Residents will be alerted when the next round of public consultation on the upgrades are scheduled but in the meantime, visit Your Say Redlands to learn more,’’ he said.