Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point residents are one step closer to having their new ferry terminals completed.
Member for Redlands Peter Dowling said the Queensland Government and the Redland City Council were delivering great outcomes for visitors to Coochiemudlo Island and locals.
“At the election we promised to deliver better marine infrastructure and this project delivers on this as part of our stronger plan for a brighter future,” Mr Dowling said.
“After extensive consultation, planning and design stages, I am pleased to announce a $6.3 million contract to build ferry terminals at Coochiemudlo and Victoria Point has been awarded to Waterway Constructions,” Mr Dowling said.
“Waterway Constructions are a highly experienced marine contractor, having previously built City Cat terminals along the Brisbane River and ferry terminals in Darling Harbour in Sydney.
“The works include upgrading the existing jetty at Victoria Point, including a new pontoon, hinged gangway, upgrades to the existing covered waiting area and resurfacing the existing jetty deck.
“A new ferry terminal facility at Coochiemudlo Island is also being built and once finished, the nearby jetty, which is at the end of its design life, will be demolished.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the joint state and local government investment in the new Coochiemudlo Island jetty represented one of the biggest capital infrastructure investments in Redland City this year.
“This work will provide long-awaited, all abilities and all weather and tidal access for both island residents and visitors to this very popular part of the city,” Cr Williams said.
“Including the state government’s planned investment in the Victoria Point jetty and council’s proposed landscaping work for Coochiemudlo’s main beach, nearly $8 million will be spent on island-related improvements during the coming year.”
Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said the awarding of the contract for the upgrades was an important milestone, not just for the Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island residents.
“Coochiemudlo Island is one of the most popular and beautiful waterfront playgrounds on the bay,” Cr Hewlett said.
“When finished, all these improvements will significantly strengthen the island as a visitor destination and boost economic opportunities on the island.
“The strong interest of the Islanders in their new jetty has been well demonstrated by a recent survey on the jetty colour scheme, with nearly 200 islanders responding.”
The contractor will begin fabricating the pontoon and gangway elements off site, with on-site works for both locations planned to start in early September, weather permitting.
Works are expected to be finished and the new ferry terminals are expected to be open by March 2015.
The project is being jointly funded by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and council, with TMR managing the construction contract. When the works are finished, the new facilities will be handed over to council to own and manage.