North Stradbroke Island—Minjerribah—is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, cultural significance, and community resilience. Yet, despite its value to Queensland and Australia, the island continues to face systemic inequities in transport access, infrastructure investment, and policy attention.
Straddie cannot be treated as the poor transport cousin whilst being touted by the State Government as the jewel in Moreton Bay tourism. Importantly it is also home of significant socio-economic disadvantage often ignored in the tourism brochures.
As the elected representative for Division 2, I have consistently advocated for fair treatment of our island communities.
Recent correspondence from residents further highlights the deep frustration felt by many on Minjerribah. While Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) residents benefit from barge subsidies and improved transport services, NSI residents are left behind—facing higher costs, fewer services, and limited access to essential amenities.
The rationale offered for this disparity—that SMBI subsidies are temporary due to car park construction or differences in marine transport ownership appears to be a ad hoc justification rather than a genuine attempt to address fairness.
The reality is that NSI residents face equal, if not greater, challenges.
Ferry services are less frequent and do not operate late enough to support shift workers, students, and retirees. Parking in Cleveland is increasingly scarce. And the cost of vehicular travel remains a significant burden. Ticketing integration and even digital or signed wayfinding remains poor.
This is not just about transport. It’s about equity. It’s about ensuring that all Queenslanders—regardless of where they live—have access to the housing, services and opportunities they need to thrive.
That’s why I have formally requested the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon. Michael Mickelberg MP, to convene a Stakeholder Group for Transport, Economic, and Tourism Actions on North Stradbroke Island.
This group would bring together government, business, and community leaders to identify practical solutions and coordinate efforts with a clear commitment to co-investment. Clear strategy rather than knee jerk reactivity is needed.
Our State MPs are an important key if united and I have also requested that all Redlands state MPs champion transportation reform and equity for North Stradbroke Island from a principle based equity standpoint across all Redlands Coast Islands.
Improved multi-modal connectivity between NSI and Brisbane—via Toondah Harbour, Cleveland, Capalaba, and Brisbane Airport—offers a strategic opportunity to support tourism, economic growth, housing development, and community wellbeing.
This aligns with the legacy goals of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Destination 2045 Tourism Strategy.
Moreover, this initiative supports key State and Federal priorities: regional development, housing, disaster resilience, First Nations partnerships, and sustainable tourism. Better transport infrastructure can unlock eco-tourism accommodation, social and key worker housing, and essential services—addressing long-standing challenges on the island.
I am proud to champion Redland City Council’s fair and equitable contribution to this effort. Many stakeholders are ready to collaborate, but the intergenerational transformational change requires senior State leadership.. With Minister Mickelberg’s support, we can foster meaningful collaboration, attract co-investment, and deliver lasting benefits for the region.
The agenda is clear:
Optimize public transport to and from Toondah Harbour.
Improve connectivity between the island’s three townships and Dunwich Harbour.
Expand TransLink Marine transport services from SMBI to include NSI and Toondah
Address car parking demand on both the mainland and the island.
Integrate active travel infrastructure across State and local roads.
Enable multi-modal and shared ride solutions.
Expand and sustain marine transport services.
Coordinate roadwork requirements across jurisdictions.
Finally, I reiterate my invitation to Hon. State Members Amanda Stoker MP, Rebecca Young MP and Russell Field to work as a team to champion these suggestions to Senior State leadership.
Minjerribah deserves better. It’s time for action.
