Russell Island ferry terminal car park upgrade

Redland City Council has completed a $1.98 million upgrade to the Russell Island car park adjacent to the new ferry terminal.

Mayor Karen Williams said the refurbishment added an extra 64 car park bays and included several safety improvements for both motorists and pedestrians.

“Council is committed to ensuring our remote Southern Moreton Bay Island communities are provided with safe and accessible transport to and from the mainland and this includes access to parking close to the ferry terminals,” Cr Williams said.

“The car park on Russell Island is now significantly larger after Council acquired adjacent properties and it will provide a markedly improved experience for users.

“This includes safety features such as a more efficient traffic flow, dedicated zones for taxis and emergency vehicles and a dedicated bus drop-off zone.

“There are also eight accessible parking spaces close to the terminal, eight motorcycle parking bays and compact bicycle racks.

“This project, together with Council’s $17.1 million towards the SMBI Ferry Terminals Upgrade project, aims to improve commuting to and from Russell Island.”

Russell Island car park stage 3.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the upgrade would be welcomed by commuters on the island.

“The improvements in the car park will make it easier for residents to connect with mainland services,” Cr Edwards said.

“One of the new features is a commuter drop-off zone that allows vehicles to pull up and safely let out passengers.

“This zone also allows about seven vehicles to queue for up to five minutes while waiting for ferry passengers to disembark, meaning these vehicles do not need to use a car park bay.

“The car park also includes improved safety features for pedestrians through raised pathways, line marking and pedestrian crossings, and new landscaping with wildlife-friendly LED lighting.”

The upgrade was completed in three stages to reduce impact to the community and prevent loss of parking during construction.

The $1.98 million car park upgrade is funded by Redland City Council and proudly supported by the Queensland Government with $650,536 through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

Work has commenced on the final stage of the Russell Island ferry terminal car park upgrade.

Stage two of the three-stage Redland City Council-led $1.98 million project has also opened for use.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said safety would be front of mind as stage three works started adjacent to the ferry terminal.

“This vital project, together with Council’s $17.1 million investment in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminals Upgrade project, will improve commuting to and from Russell Island,” Cr Williams said.

“This final stage will be undertaken in a complex working environment due to its proximity to the busy terminal, so I encourage everyone to follow all signage and traffic directions during this phase of the project.”

There are also changes to entry and exit points for the car park, with Hawthornden Drive now an exit only and access to stages one and two will be through the stage three work area off High Street.

Cr Williams said it was exciting to see the important upgrade project nearing completion.

“In addition to 64 extra car park bays, this upgrade brings a host of improvements that will enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians in this busy area,” she said.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the project was well timed, functioning in tandem with the new ferry terminal to provide a vastly improved amenity.

“In addition to better safety with new pathways, the car park will boast new landscaping, a roundabout for heavy vehicle manoeuvring and improved traffic flow, a dedicated bus drop-off zone, eight accessible parking spaces, wildlife-friendly LED lighting and provision for future electric vehicle charging, to name but some of the enhancements,” Cr Edwards said.

“I also urge a safety-first approach at the location as our crews work hard to bring the community this significant upgrade.

“Depending on weather conditions, we should be able to enjoy use of the completed car park in a few months’ time.”

The project has been proudly funded by the Queensland Government with $650,536 through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme, and Redland City Council.

Russell Island residents and visitors can now make use of 64 additional car park spaces as the first stage of the island’s upgraded ferry terminal car park opens for use.

Works are now underway on stage two of the three-stage, $1.98 million project.

Mayor Karen Williams welcomed the progress that, together with the adjacent and new ferry terminal, would transform the commuter experience on Russell Island.

“Russell Island will be able to cater to residents and throw out the welcome mat to visitors like never before with this comprehensive upgrade,” Cr Williams said.

“In addition to additional parking spaces, this upgrade will provide a markedly improved experience for users when complete.

“The benefits will include improved pedestrian safety with raised pathways, a new roundabout for more efficient traffic flow, eight accessible car parks and a refreshed look to match the island’s growing popularity.

“There will also be new landscaping with wildlife-friendly LED lighting to future-proof the facility for years to come.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards noted careful planning meant there would be no net loss in parking during construction of the final two stages.

“As stage one opens, works will transfer to the second stage located in the middle of the car park,” Cr Edwards said.

“Access to the car park will also move to Hawthornden Drive and overall completion of the facility is expected in mid-2023.

“Council’s foresight in securing additional land means parking can soon progress in an ordered fashion while maintaining the foreshore’s splendid amenity.”

The project has been proudly funded by the Queensland Government with $650,536 through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme, and Redland City Council.

Redland City Council will start work on a $1.98 million upgrade to the Russell Island car park adjacent to the new ferry terminal in early September.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Council-funded upgrade would commence as work nears completion on the new ferry terminal, which forms part of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) Ferry Terminals Upgrade project.

“Council is committed to ensuring our remote SMBI communities are provided with safe, reliable and accessible transport to and from the mainland,” she said.

“As well as funding the maintenance for all four terminals on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands once they are complete, Council is also funding upgrades to some of the adjacent landside facilities.

“This includes almost $2 million to deliver the upgraded car park on Russell Island.

“Council is contributing another $2 million, with funding also provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, to upgrade bus stops, taxi and drop-off zones on Karragarra and Lamb islands.

“These improvements will help our SMBI communities better connect with mainland services.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said he was thrilled work could now progress on the Russell Island car park, which would include an extra 64 parking bays.

“The car park will be significantly larger after Council acquired adjacent properties, which is great news for island residents, visitors and business owners,” Cr Edwards said.

“The upgrade will include reconfiguring traffic flow, installing a dedicated bus zone and drop-off zone, bike racks and building more accessible parking bays.

“There will also be improved pedestrian footpaths and line marking, new lighting, landscaping works and provision for future electric vehicle charging stations.”

The Russell Island car park upgrade will occur in three stages and is expected to be completed by mid-2023, weather permitting.