NEW FERRIES AND TERMINAL REDEVELOPMENT FOR SOUTHERN MORETON BAY ISLANDS
SeaLink Travel Group (“SeaLink”), Australia’s largest marine tourism and transport operator has announced plans to redevelop the Redland Bay vehicle ferry terminal and construct two brand new vehicle ferries.
It is about better servicing the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, confirming an initial investment of over $17million..
It is expected work on both the new terminal and the new ferries, will start in 2022
SeaLink Travel Group CEO, Clint Feuerherdt, said the region had a lot to offer residents and guests, making it an attractive part of South East Queensland.
“We have committed to building these new ferries and investing in local infrastructure to ensure the region is strongly positioned to discover its full potential.”
The Southern Moreton Bay Islands attract interest from both residential and commercial avenues and the islands have experienced strong property sales.
“With the volume of land sold, we expect to see more trades and building equipment headed to the islands in the future and we’re confident we are ahead of that demand,” he said.
The current vehicle ferry service by SeaLink Travel Group has been in operation for over 30 years, and comprises three vessels operating on a scheduled service to Karragarra, Macleay, Lamb and Russell Islands.
“Our proposed infrastructure upgrades for the Redland Bay terminal will future proof the area for the expected growth in demand and our new vessels will be constructed to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority modern rules for commercial vessels,” he said.
TERMINAL REDEVELOPMENT
The plans include improvements to the ferry operations, environmental impact and safety standards, traffic management (loading lanes), customer seating, and the overall aesthetic.
The Infrastructure will be completed in stages and done in conjunction with the construction of the two brand new vehicle ferries.
NEW VESSELS
The two new purpose-built vessels will provide increased vehicle capacity, new passenger amenities and lower fuel consumption with improved environmental standards.
With two new modern vessels and accompanied infrastructure improvements, SeaLink will have the capability to:
• increase daily capacity
• provide more efficient operational ability
• grow in-line with the demand from the Island communities.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards said, “These new vehicle ferries will be fantastic for locals and visitors to our magnificent islands with enhanced amenities and increased capacity.”
“The reinvigorated terminal will provide for a better arrival experience too!”
Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said, “SeaLink is an important part of the Redlands Coast community and this investment shows their commitment to the region.
“The upgrade of the Redland Bay terminal will complement the upgrade of the Weinam Creek and four Southern Moreton Bay Island terminals being undertaken by Council and the State Government, creating first class marine transport infrastructure".
• A concept of the new vessels.
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